5 September, 2022
Letter from the Headteacher (2022-23) 1
New beginnings
The beginning of this academic year is characterised by a renewed sense of excitement and expectation; there is to be a restoration of balance, familiarity and routine, at last. As we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, I am reminded of the words of American author and speaker, Charles Eisenstein, who said, “We sense that ‘normal’ isn’t coming back, that we are being born into a new normal: a new kind of society, a new relationship to the earth, a new experience of being human.”
These new beginnings are not simply a ‘programme’ of St Teilo’s; they define our school as a community of learning and formation, committed to being agents of God’s mission in the world.
St Teilo’s has a mission because Jesus has a mission: to seek and to save. Our belief means that we seek to continue Christ’s mission by telling the joyful story of Jesus, growing the Kingdom of God by empowering children and building the future in hope and love. In this telling, growing and building, St Teilo’s nurtures in young people ‘faithful presence’, inspiring them to love incredibly, give generously and live out the reality of the Kingdom of God – and do it faithfully.
This is what makes St Teilo’s such a happy and special place to be.
We sense that ‘normal’ isn’t coming back, that we are being born into a new normal: a new kind of society, a new relationship to the earth, a new experience of being human.
Keeping in touch
Parents and carers are encouraged to be in regular contact with us. The principal points of contact are:
- Year 7, Mr Evans (r.evans@stteilos.com)
- Year 8, Miss Hallett (k.hallett@stteilos.com)
- Year 9, Mrs Pitt (r.pitt@stteilos.com)
- Year 10, Mrs Phillips (j.phillips@stteilos.com)
- Year 11, Mrs Williams (a.williams@stteilos.com)
- Years 12 and 13, Mrs Owen (e.owen@stteilos.com)
You are also invited to contact me directly by emailing headteacher@stteilos.com. Please do remember that staff are unlikely to be available without notice in person or by telephone (they are busy working with children); email is by far the most effective way to contact us!
Nut allergies
St Teilo’s prides itself on its culture of care and compassion. Several of our pupils suffer from extremely severe allergies to nuts. Therefore, any efforts you can make to ensure your child does not bring nuts or nut-based products to school in their packed lunch would be hugely appreciated. A small sacrifice on your child’s part can, potentially, save a life.
Cost of living
I know that many families will be deeply concerned by the increasing cost of living. If you are struggling, please reach out to us and we will help however we are able. You may wish to find out a little more about our free food pantry provision, ‘Puffins’, by contacting us.
As always, we continue our support for Afghan refugee children and, if you are able, financial donations would be gratefully received.
Frequently asked questions
Typically, I have compiled a list of ‘frequently asked questions’ to inform you of our plans for the year ahead.
With every blessing,
Mr I Loynd, Headteacher
- Autumn 1: 5 September 2022 – 28 October 2022
- Autumn 2: 7 November 2022 – 23 December 2022
- Spring 1: 9 January 2023 – 17 February 2023
- Spring 2: 27 February 2023 – 31 March 2023
- Summer 1: 17 April 2023 – 26 May 2023
- Summer 2: 5 June 2023 – 24 July 2023
- INSET 1: 5 September 2022
- INSET 2: 6 September 2022
- INSET 3: 7 November 2022
- INSET 4: 23 December 2022
- INSET 5: 9 January 2023
- INSET 6: 17 April 2023
There will be an Induction Day for Years 7 and 12 on Wednesday 7 September 2022. The first day of school for all other pupils will be Thursday 8 September 2022.
Pupils should be on site no later than 8.30am, ready for their first lesson at 8.40am. Parents and carers must make every effort to ensure children are in school and ready to learn before lesson 1.
You may drop you child off in the morning on the school site by pulling up to our safe drop-off zone. Please do not exceed the 5mph speed limit and please do not attempt to overtake another vehicle. Your patience will keep children safe. You will not be allowed onto the school site for collection in the afternoon. Instead, you should park sensibly and legally on the roads surrounding the site.
We are delighted that our caterers are now able to resume service. There will be a staggered start to this provision, as we re-activate accounts for payment and register pupils on our biometric system. Therefore, children will need to continue to bring a packed lunch and drinking water to school for the first few days. We will run trials of the new provision commencing on Friday 9 September 2022 with Year 11, adding a year group each day in turn until complete.
Mobile phones are strictly not permitted inside the school. This is one of our ‘non-negotiables’. If a child is seen to be using their telephone inside the building, it will calmly be removed from them and returned at the end of the school day. Pupils are able to use their telephones in the designated outdoor ‘phone zone’ for their year group. Parental support on this issue is critical.
We have returned to the usual full uniform. Our uniform supplier, YC Sports, is experiencing some delays in their supply chain, especially with PE kit, so we will exercise some flexibility in the early weeks of the term. However, it is expected that parents and carers take responsibility for their child’s uniform.
In January, the Welsh Government produced welcomed statutory guidance on school uniform. This guidance focuses on cost and affordability as well as consultation with learners and families. We know that the school uniform, in its present form, is unpopular. We also know that nobody agrees about what school uniform should be! Therefore, we are committing to a year of consultation with stakeholders at all levels to consider what changes, if any, we might like to make.
This term, we have begun trialling some new items of clothing with children, paying due consideration to the new statutory guidance. This trialling will continue through the next academic year. However, our school uniform remains the same – for now. The earliest any change would come into effect is September 2023 and, after a further year of transition, enforced from September 2024. Look out for future questionnaires!
Please contact Mr Loynd directly by email (headteacher@stteilos.com).
If your child is unwell at all – and especially if they have a new continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste – please keep them at home until their symptoms pass. Remember, all absence should be reported by telephoning 02920547180.
Yes, we will be reporting on student progress as usual. Parents and carers can expect outcome data (as a percentage) and an effort grade for all subjects at the end of each term.
We will be offering a mix of online and in-person meetings for parents and carers throughout the academic year. If you have a question or concern, please do not wait. You are able to contact your child’s Achievement Leader by email at any time.
In every learning zone, there are Youth Workers available all day. Children can also speak with their Achievement Leader, Form Tutor or a member of our Wellbeing or Inclusion Team.
Yes, for Years 7, 10 and 12 as usual. These individual photographs will take place on 29 September 2022.
Please contact us and a member of staff will reply as soon as possible. As always, you will receive regular letters and updates via SMS text message throughout the year.
