July Newsletter - St Damian's RC Science College

July 2012
Dear Parent/Carer
I am delighted to be writing this end of year newsletter at a time when there have been many successes
at St Damian’s during this academic year. Through the hard work of Governors, Staff, Parents and
Students the most high profile success was the removal of ‘Special Measures’. This was a massive boost
for the College Community and we will use this as a ‘springboard’ on a journey to become not only an
outstanding College, but an outstanding Catholic College. That is our collective vision and working
together, we will be relentless in the pursuit of this.
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Term starts **Tuesday 4th September 2012
Half term Friday 26 th October 2012 Monday 5 th November 2012
Christmas Friday 21st December 2012 Monday 7 th January 2013
Half term Friday 15 th February 2013 Monday 25 th February 2013
Easter Thursday 28 th March 2013 Monday 15 th April 2013
Bank Holiday Monday 6 th May 2013
Half term Friday 24 th May 2013 Monday 3 rd June 2013
Summer Wednesday 17th July 2013
**STAFF INSET DAY: Monday 3 rd September 2012
School Uniform 2012/2013
A high standard of dress is expected of ALL children at St Damian's. The basic rules below are based on
what is felt to be suitable and practical for a working day in College. Again, working together, standards
in uniform will result in an environment of high expectations for your children.
Attached to this newsletter is the ‘uniform list’ but it is worth noting the following to avoid confusion: all
students are expected to comply with this code of uniform.
Shoes must be plain black, preferably leather but not canvas
Boots, including ‘kickers’, are not permitted
Leisure clothes such as trainers, fashion boots etc are not permitted
Jumpers are compulsory for all years [at Headteachers discretion in hot weather this may be
removed]
Students are not permitted to wear ‘hoodies’
Blazers are compulsory for ALL years, including Year 11
Skirts must be of a reasonable length, and no more than two inches above the knee
Outside coats must not be worn inside the College building
Clip-on-Ties will be a compulsory item for year 7 from September 2012 and should be purchased by
all pupils in the future when buying a replacement tie
No jewellery, including ear-rings, to be worn apart from a watch
Make-up, nail polish etc. should not be worn in College
‘Cult’ hairstyles e.g. shaven heads and dyed hair are not permissible
Hair must be one colour and of a natural colour
Mobile phones, I-pods et al are not permitted in school

The school has clear procedures which all the pupils understand. If your child does not conform to these
simple rules they are at risk of being placed in seclusion until the matter is rectified.
May I add that the vast majority of pupils, for the majority of the time are dressed impeccably;
their appearance is very smart and they are great ambassadors for the school!! As such they,
and you as a parent, should be congratulated and I thank you for supporting the school in this
endeavour.
Attendance
St Damian’s has a very good attendance record. Indeed as a Community, we work very hard to promote
positive ways to encourage excellent school attendance and punctuality. As a College, we ask that our
parents encourage their children to arrive punctually and properly equipped. Good attendance is vital
for achievement in school. Furthermore, we discourage parents to avoid taking family holidays during
term time.
Year 11 pupils
Starting early in September I will be meeting parents of ALL year 11 pupils. This is an excellent
opportunity to outline expectations, listen to any issues and agree on support to ensure that your child
achieves their full potential in their GCSE exams.
Share day
As I write this newsletter our pupils are currently raising money for two of our charities, Willow Wood
Hospice and Caritas. I have no doubt that the generosity of our Community will enable us to surpass the
amount raised last year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their support, and as a
parent myself, I appreciate the effort that is put into the ‘fancy dress outfits’: they are quite simply
sensational!!!
Headteachers Surgery
Following on from the success of recent Headteacher surgeries, these will continue again next year, and
once a month I will be available to meet with parents. If you would like to discuss your child’s education
or well-being please contact my secretary, Mrs Biggs (0161 330 5974) who will arrange a convenient time
for us to meet.
Finally, can I take this opportunity to thank all the many parents for their support over the past year and
I hope this continues next year. Working together is the best way to ensure that your child achieves their
full potential and collectively we continue towards the outstanding school that we will become.
I hope all students have a restful summer holiday, ready to return to school on Tuesday 4 th September
2012 to continue all the hard work.
Yours sincerely
Mr S Logue
Headteacher