Welcome to the weekly Newsletter for parents and carers of students attending John Hanson Community School.
Inspire - Care - Succeed
‘HEAD’ Lines
UP BY 50%
Dear Parents/Carers
This week ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) has reported that in the last year the number of children who have tried vaping is up by 50%.
It’s not surprising when these bright coloured and cheap (approximately £3) devices are deliberately marketed at children despite it being illegal to purchase one under the age of 18.
ASH goes on to say that corner shops are the main source of purchase and child awareness of instore promotion has grown significantly since last year.
There is undeniable evidence that vaping is highly addictive, not only due to the enormous amounts of nicotine in some vapes (compared to cigarettes), but also the way that the nicotine makes its way into the blood stream and the fact that users of e-cigarettes vape far more frequently that those who may smoke a traditional cigarette.
Please note that the school will continue to issue a fixed term suspension to any student found in possession of or using an e-cigarette (vape) on school grounds or on the way to/from school. A suspension stays on the student’s educational record until they are 25 years old. As a consequence, it could form part of a college, university or job reference.
It will also result in a student missing out on any school trips during the academic year or being removed from a trip if they have already signed up to go on it – this includes the potential of no refund being issued.
If a student repeatedly makes the decision to bring an e-cigarette in to school, and/or use one on the school site or when travelling to/from school, this will be deemed as repeated defiance and may result in the student being permanently excluded.
Please continue to support the school and your children by talking to them about the health impact of vaping and the potential impact on their education.
Enjoy the weekend with your children.
Russell Stevens
Headteacher
Performing at Andover College Dance Show
On Wednesday 17th May, John Hanson were invited to perform as part of the Andover College Dance Show. Mrs Randall, and several of her BTEC Dancers, headed to The Lights with the student’s original choreography. The show was absolutely brilliant, the talent showcased by the college was fantastic, but more importantly our students showed as much dedication and passion for dance as their older peers. Mrs Randall was extremely proud of them and their attitude on stage and off.
We look forward to showcasing more of their creativity in the next showcase.
Free School Meals
The free school meal (FSM) allowance is going up to £3 per day from 5th June.
A child is eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives one or more of the following benefits:
Income Support
income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit, and have an annual gross income, of no more than £16,190 as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (Parents who are made redundant or start working less than 16 hours per week, may find their children are entitled to free meals for a limited period.)
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
To check your child's eligibility for pupil premium or continued free school meals (from Key Stage 2), use the online checking facility (Ctrl & Click to follow link).
To complete a check, you need the following information for yourself or the person you are checking on behalf of:
your own name, date of birth, and contact details
National Insurance number or National Asylum Seekers number
Can you solve this puzzle? Where am I?
My first is in cake and also in bread,
My second in tin, but not in lead,
In David and Dora you’ll find my third,
My fourth is as nothing, but still in word,
My fifth you will find in a point of view,
My sixth is in alder, and also in yew,
My seventh in spiders, but not in ants,
The whole together gives a town in Hants!
Written by a Year 9 student.
Have fun solving this puzzle!
Calling all alumni!
If you are an ex-student who has gone on to follow an interesting course at university or career, you think our students would be interested in, then please get in contact now!
At John Hanson Community School we are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all students and staff, and to providing a working environment free from discrimination, prejudice and harassment.
We encourage respect and consideration for others, and recognise and value the school as a safe place for learning. The staff at John Hanson recognise that inequalities exist in all levels of society and believe, that as educators, we have a crucial role to play in eliminating all forms of discrimination, in particular against anyone with any of the protected characteristic. We promote equality by dealing with bullying and incidents of discrimination immediately and by educating the young people in our care through assemblies, tutor time, PSHE day sessions and group work where appropriate.
This is part of our responsibility in preparing our students for life after school.
Important EDI events over the next week:
17th May Int. Day against HBT phobia
Words you might not know:
HBT terms
Homophobia is the fear or dislike of someone, based on prejudice or negative attitudes, beliefs or views about lesbian, gay or bi people. This can also include denying somebody’s lesbian, gay or bi identity or refusing to accept it. Homophobia may be targeted at people who are, or who are perceived to be, lesbian, gay or bi.
Biphobia is the fear or dislike of someone who identifies as bi based on prejudice or negative attitudes, beliefs or views about bi people. This can also include denying somebody’s bi identity or refusing to accept it. Biphobia may be targeted at people who are, or who are perceived to be, bi.
Transphobia is the fear or dislike of someone based on the fact they are trans, including denying their gender identity or refusing to accept it. Transphobia may be targeted at people who are, or who are perceived to be, trans.
Please encourage your son/daughter to use their SCHOOL EMAIL for work rather than their own private email. This is important for safeguarding and also some of our messages for students are being sent to school email addresses.
Think you know – Activity Packs relating to online safety Who’s watching yours? – 17% increase in children livestreaming since lockdown (Advice to help parents/carers minimise risk to children online) Mental health – How to look after your family’s mental health when stuck indoors Houseparty – Everything you need to know.
John Hanson Computing Department
Performing Arts - Instrumental Lessons at school
If your son/daughter would like to learn to play a musical instrument please contact Mike Adams - Head of Music and Drama for details. Email - mike.adams@jhanson.hants.sch.uk
Teachers from Hampshire Music Service visit the school and we can
offer lessons in Piano, Keyboard, Singing, Guitar, and Percussion (Drumming).
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