Hello

As I write it is just after 11:00 on Friday and we have had our Armistice Day Act of Remembrance. The whole school gathers in the concourse and we hear the bugle played and have our silence. It is a real testament to the respectfulness and good behaviour of our students that they can stand all together in absolute silence for two minutes. A real achievement for a community of fidgeters! Excellent, and thank you to Adam Morris from the music department whose playing led us.

Next week is full of excitement with our Acoustic Night on Wednesday at 7 and our year-10-organised Talent Show on Thursday! Do come along and join us if you can. For year 10 parents too, don’t forget to book in for parents’ evening on Wednesday 30^th November. We look forward to seeing all of you then.

Carolyn Roberts

Don't forget that you can engage with us via email, on Facebook and Twitter and using the Contact page of the website.

Year 10 Parents’ Evening Wednesday 30 November 2016

Please be advised that the INSIGHT booking website will be open from Monday 14 November for parents of Year 10 students to make appointments at the Parents’ Evening.

Greenwich Food bank Collection Point

This half term Tallis is working with Greenwich Food Bank to collect non-perishable items to be distributed to people in crisis. Greenwich Food Bank provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people. They are part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

This winter, many families will face the stark choice between eating or heating.

What can you donate?

• Milk (UHT)
• Fruit juice (1Ltr carton - long life)
• Steamed puddings
• Instant potato
• Toilet rolls
• Chocolate bars
• Rice pudding (tinned)
• Tinned meat and tinned fruit
• Toiletries (personal hygiene)
• Ketchup/mayaonnaise
• Shampoo

Where can you donate?

Drop it into one of the labelled boxes in reception at Tallis. Please try to give a little each week.

Sheila Kelly, Deputy Head of Guidance

Health Related Behaviour Survey - 2016

At the end of November all students in years 8, 10 and 12 will be taking part in the Health Related Behaviour Survey, carried out by the Schools Health Education Unit. Thomas Tallis takes part every two years in this survey and it provides us and the borough with useful information about the health needs of young people. This then helps us to provide the best possible health services and educaiton programmes.

A letter has been emailed to the parents and carers of all year 8, 10 and 12 students outlining details of the survey. All information is completely confidential. You can find further information on the website; http://sheu.org.uk/content/page/school-surveys-direct . Alternatively, please feel free to contact the Head of Guidance, Michelle Springer at the school if you have any particular queries.

Year 10 Speed Networking

On Thursday 03/11/16 270 year 10 students met with 40 volunteers from a range of different professions to talk to them about their various career paths. Students had the opportunity to talk to journalists and nurses and tax auditors and youth workers and so many more people. Over the course of an hour they spoke to up to 5 different people, moving every 10 minutes to a new person. Year 10 students were a credit to themselves and to the school, asking interesting questions and listening attentively.

The Speed Networking Event is just one of element in the Work Inspiration Programme offered at Thomas Tallis School, aimed at improving students' interpersonal communication skills and providing students with the opportunity to encounter a variety of careers and people within them. This is a truly mammoth undertaking and one which we could not run without the support of our volunteers. Thank you particularly to our parents who attended and our key business links including L&Q Housing, HMRC and Berkeley Homes.

We look forward to the next event!

Ms Michelle Springer, Head of Guidance

Author Visit Thursday 17th November

On Thursday 17th November, journalist-turned-author Vanessa Altin will be visiting Thomas Tallis school to speak about her acclaimed novel, The Pomegranate Tree, which focuses on the experiences of a young Kurdish girl whose life has been ripped apart by the Syrian conflict. Vanessa will be speaking to all Year 9 students during Periods 2, 3 and 4 in the Josh Beasley studio about the book and what inspired her to become a writer. Vanessa will also be available in the library during Period 6 to chat to Key Stage 4 and 5 students who are keen writers or budding journalists. If you are interested in being involved in this opportunity, please come and speak to Ms. Wardill in the library. Copies of The Pomegranate Tree are £9.99, which includes a donation to a Syrian refugee charity. You can pay in cash on the day and get a signed copy of the book.

Ms Lizzie Church, Literacy Co-ordinator

Charlie Romer in Y11TM has become increasingly disciplined over the last 2 weeks, especially in his home learning, as he works towards his Spanish Speaking controlled assessment.

Quincy Hopper 10DM has proven to be inquisitive and persistent in Spanish by extending his ideas and opinions in his written work, excelling in his exam. 

Congratulations to both of them for their hard work.

Ms Clare Cartter-Elliott, Modern Foreign Languages

We are holding a Bikers' breakfast with Dr Bike onTuesday 15th November. This is for all staff and students.

Any one who receives a free breakfast will be entered into a competition to receive some bike lights and high vis wear.

Ms Hannah Wheater

Sports News

Year 7 pupils from each tutor group were invited to attend the special fitness and health related activity sessions at Thomas Tallis on Thursday 10 November. This was followed by three 1 1/2 hour sessions for Year 1/2, Year 4 and Year 6. All primary schools in the cluster were invited to send classes, many staying for lunch as well.  

There were 210 - 250 students participating in each of the sessions, with classes from James Wolfe, Cherry  Orchard, Eltham CE, Ealdham, Southrise, Brooklands and St Thomas More. Some schools sent classes to each age group session and others brought 2 classes to a session, so that all students had the opportunity to take part. A great fun day was had by all.   

Ms Sue Whiting, Community Sports Co-ordinator