Charlton School

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we approach the end of another school year, I am writing to you with information about our return in September and reminders about uniform, events this week and information about staff who are moving on from us.

September 2023 – Return to School

The Learning Community Trust have agreed for all their secondary schools to have a staggered start in September. Year groups will return on the following days:

• Tuesday 5^th September – Years 7 and 11 only
• Wednesday 6^th September – All year groups

Uniform

We would like to take a moment to address the importance of the uniform policy at Charlton and the need for its consistent implementation. Our uniform guidelines are in place to promote a sense of unity, discipline, and pride among our students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Please see a copy of the uniform policy attached for your reference and some key reminders below.

Navy Blazer with School Crest in Blue

We would like to emphasize the importance of wearing blazers when students are outside of class. The blazer is an integral part of our uniform and signifies a level of respect and responsibility. It promotes a sense of pride in our school and encourages students to represent themselves and Charlton School in the best possible manner.

Navy V-Neck Pullover with School Crest (optional to be worn under the blazer)

The school jumper must not be worn in place of the blazer but rather worn underneath the blazer in cold weather as an extra layer.

School Shirt

Year 7 to Year 10 students wear a blue school shirt.

Year 11 students wear a white shirt to identify them as the senior year group. It is crucial that all students have their shirts tucked in. Tucking in shirts is a basic expectation of the uniform policy, as it helps create a smart and tidy appearance. This attention to detail teaches students the value of presentation, self-discipline, and respect for their school community.

School Tie

The tie should be worn with 5 double stripes visible or the width of a piece of A4 paper below the knot. A reminder of the new year group colours is below:

• Year 7 - Purple
• Year 8 - Red
• Year 9 - Yellow
• Year 10 - Green
• Year 11 - Blue

Students in current Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 will have until September 2024 to move from their house colour tie to their year colour tie. We have switched to one colour per year group to support transitions around the school building, allowing staff to quickly identify which year group students belong to and ensure they are in the right place at the right time. The requirement for all students to wear a tie serves multiple purposes. Ties symbolize unity and equality among our students, regardless of their backgrounds or personal preferences. It is also an essential skill for students to learn how to tie a tie, preparing them for formal occasions and future professional settings.

Black Tailored Trousers or Black Knee Length Pleated Skirt

Skinny trousers or leggings are not permitted, trousers must be straight leg only. The only skirts that are permitted are black pleated knee length.

Plain Black School Shoes

No trainers or canvas type shoes. Full guidance can be found on the school website: http://www.charlton.uk.com/parent-student-information/uniform

Jewellery and Make Up

Jewellery is not permitted except for one pair of small gold or silver stud earrings worn in the ear lobe (no jewels). Other piercings are not allowed. Cosmetics other than a discreet amount of mascara or foundation for girls should not be worn. Eyebrows should be natural and not tinted. Nail varnish and nail extensions are not allowed in school. Students are involved in many activities and again, nail extensions can cause injury. False eyelashes are not permitted in school.

Breach of the Uniform Policy

Temporary breaches of uniform must be supported by a parental signed note. Students should show their note to their Pastoral Manager on arrival to school and will be issued with a blue letter which gives them 24 hours to rectify the issue. They must carry this with them throughout the school day and present it to staff members. If the issues are not resolved within 24 hours, students may be placed in a suitable location away from mainstream lessons (BRR) or returned home to change into their school uniform. For repeated instances the School Suspension Policy may then be applied.

Uniform Bank

We understand that uniform can be expensive and have therefore set up our own uniform bank, which will be open on Wednesday 23^rd to Friday 25^th August from 9:00am-10:00am and 1:00pm-2:30pm. If you would like to bring used items of uniform, including ties, you can swap items for larger sizes. Items are also available for sale for a voluntary donation. We are always grateful of donations for the uniform swap shop, particularly in larger sizes. If you have any items you no longer require and would like to donate them, please drop them in to our main reception. This includes PE Kit, football boots and school shoes.

Adhering to the uniform policy helps instil a sense of professionalism and prepares our students for their future endeavours. We kindly request your support in ensuring your child complies with our uniform policy. By doing so, you are helping to create an environment that fosters respect, professionalism, and a sense of belonging among all students.

End of Term Arrangements

Students break up on Friday 21^st July, at the normal time of 3.10pm. All buses will be running as usual at this time.

At this point of the year, we like to take a moment to reflect on our school values and virtues. This week in school we will be focussing on the virtue of gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful and positive emotion that involves expressing appreciation and thankfulness for the people, experiences, and opportunities in our lives. It is about recognising and acknowledging the kindness, support, and efforts of others, as well as being thankful for the things we have. Students and staff have taken part in assemblies, random acts of kindness and reflected on the benefits of showing gratitude for personal growth. On Friday, we will be celebrating with our students through year group assemblies and to finish, a whole school virtual assembly looking back on the whole year and all we have achieved.

The end of the summer term always sees a number of staff moving on to pastures new; I am grateful to all of them for their commitment to Charlton School and wish them all well in their next ventures. Many of these colleagues are moving on to take up positions of additional responsibility and we are delighted to have supported them to make this step. Special mention personally from me for Mr Foster who is taking up his first Headship - I am sure he will do a brilliant job.

• Mr Foster – Vice Principal
• Mr Evans – Vice Principal
• Mr Pickering – Head of RE
• Mrs Kainth – Head of Maths
• Mrs Foy – Head of Languages
• Mr Taylor – Geography Teacher and Head of Year
• Mr Stokes – Maths Teacher
• Mrs Findlay – Science Teacher
• Mrs Evans – English Teacher
• Mr Finnegan – Maths Teacher
• Mr Gardner-Hart – Maternity Cover Teacher in Science
• Mrs Ward – English Teacher
• Mrs Walker – Maternity Cover Teacher in MFL
• Mr Cotterill – Design Technology Supply Teacher
• Miss McGilvery – Media Technician
• Mrs Harding – Admin Team

I am sure you will join me in wishing them the very best of luck for the future. I will write to you again in September to introduce the new colleagues joining our school but until then, I am delighted to inform you, that despite the challenges of recruitment in education, we are fully staffed for the new year.

As we conclude this academic year, we would like to express our gratitude to all our families for the support you show your child, the resilience you build in them, and your commitment to Charlton. Together we have achieved great things this year, we should all be very proud of our accomplishments as a school community.

Yours faithfully,

Mr A McNaughton

Principal

Visit our Uniform Page here.