Weekly Parent BulletinWeek of Monday 24 March (Week A)

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Nova Education Trust CEO, Mr A Rahman, visited our school on Thursday morning. I will take this opportunity to share with you how very impressed Mr Rahman was with our lovely children and staff.

Firstly, Mr Rahman was able to see the the amazing work completed by our SEND department, by visiting The Hub classroom. To quote Mr Rahman, "It is so wonderful to experience a classroom that offers both a truly nurturing space for children and has them engaging in transformational learning." Mr Rahman also witnessed a collaboration with our Science Technician (Juno Hayes) and the SEND staff. Juno and the SEND team were adapting science equipment, so that it was accessible for our visually impaired students. We are very blessed to have such wonderful staff. 

Secondly, Mr Rahman talked to some of our Student Leaders, allowing them the opportunity to feedback about all the great opportunities and events happening in school. Abdalla and Ali (Year 13 and 12 - pictured below left and centre) were able to talk about how they have have been leading the Zuhr/lunchtime salah prayers for our Muslim students. They explained  how they organise the room and facilitate spaces for males and females to pray. They also talked to Mr Rahman about how, for Jummah prayers, they often deliver a khutbah/sermon to offer guidance to fellow students on a religious or moral matter. Mr Rahman, like all staff at Nottingham Free School, are in awe of these inspirational students. 

Lastly, Mr Rahman spent time visiting lessons with me and was able to observe the fantastic learning happening in each and every year group. Mr Rahman could not have been more impressed. Pleasingly, this was just a typical day at Nottingham Free School. 

I hope you find the following bulletin messages useful and have a great weekend. 

Yours faithfully, 

Dr J Simpson

Tuesday sees all students finish school at 2:45pm, so we can set up ready for the Year 11 Parent-Teacher Meetings. Thank you for your understanding. 

Mr J Tomasevic 

• Tue 25 Mar: Year 11 Parent-Teacher Meetings (4-7pm) EARLY SCHOOL FINISH OF 2:45PM FOR ALL STUDENTS
• Thu 27 Mar: Year 7 Walesby Educational Visit (residential) with Mr Tomasevic
• Thu 27 Mar: Year 11 SEND Drop-Ins
• Fri 28 Mar: Year 7 Walesby Educational Visit (residential) with Mr Tomasevic 
• Mon 31 Mar: Year 8 PSHE Workshop with 'Equation'
• Tue 1 Apr: Parent Internet Safety Workshop (4-5pm) with Mrs Gray
• Wed 2 April: Year 9 Options deadline
• Thu 3 April: Year 9 Ambition Educational Visit with Miss Cockayne
• Fri 4 April: SEND Coffee Drop In Morning

• Thank  you to all those who have submitted work experience details already
• Deadline to submit details is Friday 4th April (last day of this half term)
• The link for submitting details is here:    CLICK HERE
• Please get in touch with pbarrett@nottinghamfreeschool.co.uk if you are struggling.

Mrs P Barrett

The Youth Power Awards:

Nottingham City are urging all professionals, teachers, community leaders, parents, coaches, adults to nominate a young person aged between 7-18 years old who lives or goes to school in Nottingham City or Nottinghamshire County, who has: Done something inspirational, Helped others, Led by example, Raised money for charity, Overcome a challenge, Turned their life around, Has an amazing talent or  Anything else worthy of recognition. Click Here for more information - including categories and the nomination form. The closing date is Wednesday 26th March at 12:00pm.

If your child has done something inspirational for the community, please get in touch with Mrs Gray.

Ethos of Excellence:

• Equipment - please can parents/carers check equipment each weekend to ensure that children are ready to learn at the start of each week.

• Following attendance letters being sent out to all parents (via MCAS) informing of their child's attendance which includes the number of days absence, conversations will be taking place with all students over the next couple of weeks to see how we can support students in understanding the importance of:

1. Attending everyday until the end of the academic year - looking at upcoming events/lessons which they should not be missing.
2. Not missing learning opportunities and how they feel when they can't catch up on the learning.
3. Telling staff when they are worried and then how we can support.

Please can we ask all parents to check their MCAS app to make sure you are able to see your child's attendance register and to look at how many days absent they have had this academic year.  If you have NOT downloaded the MCAS app then please contact your child's Head of Year who will be able to support you.