17th March 2023
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY Our goal of being the beating heart of the community is well-known, and I am always impressed when our community comes together. This past week, I was particularly inspired by our community. To kick off the week, we had a day of colour in memory of Andy Wood, one of our former learners who passed away during the break. I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated in this colourful day to honour Andy. On Monday, the school was filled with a rainbow of colours, as individuals expressed themselves through their attire. It was a fitting tribute to Andy. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to We Create Digital, a local Coggeshall company, for their community spirit. The Geography Department was thrilled to receive a donation of stationery from them this week. Acts of generosity and support like this are highly valued and a testament to the strength of our community. Today, we are supporting Red Nose Day and Comic Relief with another non-uniform day. As I walked around the school this morning, I was met with a sea of red. It would be ideal if charity was not necessary in our world, but it is needed now more than ever. Charity represents our compassion for humanity and it always starts with a strong community.
RAMADAN Ramadan, which begins on 22nd March lasting until 21st April, will impact some of our muslim learners. Ramadan is a month of fasting and abstaining from things considered to be impure for the mind and body. Those partaking in Ramadan abstain from food, drink and impure thoughts between the hours of sunrise and sunset, allowing them instead to focus on prayer and connecting with Allah. The act of fasting allows the individual to understand the pain and suffering of millions around the world who live their lives in poverty and famine, leaving the participant feeling more grounded and grateful for all that Allah has given them. At the close of the month, Zakat donations during Ramadan are made and then Eid al-Fitr is celebrated. The graphic below provides a summary of Ramadan facts and about how learners may be supported during this time.
ENRICHMENT WEEK Don’t forget that it is Enrichment Week next week. Cohort 7 will be visiting Marks Hall Cohort 8 will be visiting the Mercury theatre and exploring Creative Careers Cohort 9 will visiting Thorpe Park Cohort 10 will be taking part in mock interviews as well as a range of work related activities including MADE training and an Army Elite skills day Cohort 11 will be completing a series of focused study days to prepare them for their final exams followed by a day in London to complete the Bingo run.
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE & SUPPORT FOR