You may be aware from media coverage that the National Education Union (NEU), one of the country’s teaching unions, has announced dates for strike action.  I’d like to give you as much notice as possible of the potential for disruption on these dates, which are:

•             Wednesday 1 February

•             Wednesday 1 March

•             Wednesday 15 March

•             Thursday 16 March

The strike is happening as part of a national dispute between the unions and the government and has the potential to affect all schools.  At this stage, we are not in a position to predict to what extent this will affect our students. I’m sorry for the potential for this situation to cause disruption.  Please rest assured that any plans we need to make will prioritise our students’ wellbeing and education.  We will keep you informed via email as further information becomes available. 

What’s going on in school:

• Several of our students are taking part in the Derbyshire Schools Cross-Country Championships 2023 this Saturday.  Details are attached below for those taking part. We wish the competitors the best of luck!

• Children from our local primary schools visited HVC on Thursday last week to take part in a Basketball Tournament. Our brilliant Sports Leaders did a fantastic job, helping to make the event run smoothly.

• Our wonderful PTFA recently funded the purchase of new equipment for our robotics club, which runs on Wednesdays after school with Mr Streets and Mr Rasool.

Options Evening

Y9 parents should have received information about the Options Evening on Tuesday 24^th January from 4.30pm – 7pm.

Positive COVID-19 cases

The latest Government guidance states that young people under the age of 18 who test positive for COVID -19 should try to stay at home for 3 days and avoid contact with other people. This starts from the day after they did the test.

Lost Property

We currently have lots of winter coats and water bottles in Lost Property. If you think your young person may have lost something, please ask them to check with reception. If all uniform and personal items are clearly labelled with student names, if makes it much easier for us to reunite students with their lost property. Thank you.

Furniture Donations

In March, Y7 & Y8 students will have the opportunity to work with a local furniture restorer. He not only restores items but also creates his own fabric prints from scratch. This will form part of the Sustainable Design work they have been doing, specifically looking at upcycling instead of discarding. If anyone has any chairs similar to those pictured below and would be kind enough to donate them to school, we would be very grateful.

Peripatetic Music Lessons

We are excited to introduce some new music lesson options:

DJ Technology and skills are an integral part of the contemporary music industry. Ian Stanley  is the founder of Creative DJ School in Sheffield. He has worked as a professional Club DJ, Event Promoter, Music Producer and Label Owner. He has taught DJing and music production in a range of schools and colleges across the region. Ian holds a professional teaching qualification and has over ten years' experience working with children aged 6 - 19. Lessons are available for students in years 7-11 and cost £10 for a 20-minute lesson and £15 for a 30-minute lesson. We expect demand to be high, so please email Ian on the above email ASAP to avoid disappointment.  

Electronic Music Composition – free taster lessons- In January and February, peripatetic music teacher Matthew Laurie will be offering free taster lessons to students who would like to learn about Electronic Music Composition. These enjoyable lessons focus on creativity and performance and learning how to make music using synthesisers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers and iPad apps. Students can sign up for two free 20 minute lessons and will have the opportunity to write their own piece of music. If students wish to continue lessons then parents can contact Matthew Laurie to discuss available times and pricing.  To sign up for free lessons in please email Matthew Laurie.

School of Rock Hoodies

Any student involved in the School of Rock production who wish to purchase a hoodie can do so from Heatherhill Farm Embroidery. Hoodies cost £19.80 and include the school logo, musical logo and personalisation. Orders need to be submitted by 23^rd February and students can choose either to have them delivered home for a small cost or delivered to school for free on 6^th March.

Job Vacancies

We are currently recruiting for a part time Teacher of Maths, an Administrative Assistant and a Catering Supervisor. The closing date for all three vacancies is 22^nd January. For more information click here.

Thank you for reading our communication. Here are some helpful email addresses, should you need to contact us: attendance@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report a child’s absence enquiries@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for general enquiries pastoral@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for any issue with a child’s wellbeing principal@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to contact the Principal safeguarding@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report safeguarding concerns. If a child or any young person is in imminent danger, then please report this to the police. Kind regards Gaynor Jones, Principal  Hope Valley College T: 01433 620555