Monday 23 September 2013

School News - week beginning 23rd September 2013

Message from the Headteacher

My thanks to the large number of year 10 parents who turned up for the GCSE evening on Thursday.  It was good to receive such positive feedback especially on how useful they found the presentations on ‘course content’, ‘exams in the core subjects’ as well as ‘advice on study skills and homework’.  Parents also had the opportunity to meet Curriculum Leaders from foundation subjects and House Leaders. 

The theme throughout the evening - and indeed throughout any young person’s experience at school, was to make use of every minute available.  Crucial to success are various strategies including: -

·         Understanding the questions being asked;

·         Making sure revision is structured;

·         And as parents, supporting your child in a variety of ways. 

The importance of ‘balance’ cannot be overestimated;  trying to avoid being a "helicopter" parent (hovering above their every move) but remaining vigilant to ensure they are working in the right way or, indeed, not getting too stressed.  

Please remember that House Leaders are overseeing student progress and along with Form Tutors, are a good point of contact.

Jim Nixon 

Important dates coming up:
Y12 prizegiving : Thursday 26th Sept
Duke of Edinburgh presentation evening : Wed 25th Sept
GCSE celebration evening: Thursday 3rd October 6pm-8pm
Guidance day: Friday 4th October – all day
Y6 open evening: Thursday 10th October, 5pm-8pm
Y13 parents evening: Thursday 17th October, 4pm-6.30pm (sports hall)
Y11 mock performance: Thursday 24th October, 4pm-9.30pm

Half term:
Monday 28th October-Friday 1st November 2013

This week at CNS:
Monday 23rd
Blakeney Assembly: 8.35-9.05 (Arc)
WWRY rehearsals: 1.30-1.55 (Room 213)
Y7 introduction to sport at CNS: 3.30-4.30

Tuesday 24th
Holkham Assembly
Y13 Urban study: all day
Y11 Football: 2.45-5.45 mini-bus to Lowestoft
GCSE Computer Science Club: 3.05-5.05 (room 201)
Badminton club: 3.15-4.15 (sports hall)
Dance: 3.15-4.15
Y10 Football club: 3.15-4.15 (Field)
Y7 Football club: 3.15-4.15 (Field)
Y8 Football club: 3.15-4.15 (Field)
Y8/9 Rugby: 3.15-4.15 (Field)

Wednesday 25th

Kelling Assembly
Christian Union: 1.20-2.00 (room 113)
Y10/11 Rugby: 3.15-4.15 (Field)
Y8/9/10  Netball: 3.15-4.15 (Netball court)
Duke of Edinburgh award presentation: 6pm-7.30 (Arc)
 
Thursday 26th
Thornham Assembly
Y12/13 visit to Norwich Playhouse (all day)
Dance 2 club: 3.15-4.15
Y11 and 6th form football club: 3.15-4.15 (Field)
Y7/8 Netball: 3.15-4.15 (Netball court)
Y9 Football club: 3.15-4.15 (Field)
Y12 prizegiving: 7pm-8.30 (Arc)
 
Friday 27th
Winterton Assembly
All UCAS forms completed
WWRY Rehearsals: 3.15-6pm (Arc)
Multi skills session: 3.30- 4.30pm football/netball/volleyball/basketball/tabletennis
 
Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians (NCYM)
A division of the Guildhall School
A Saturday Music Centre partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Norfolk Music Service and City of Norwich School.
The Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) is a Saturday Music Centre that will provide a complete musical experience for young people. Enjoy a fun day of making music making, workshops to develop aural skills and understanding harmony, theory classes, chamber music, singing, orchestra/band, jazz workshops with professionals on hand.
E mail music.service@norfolk.gov.uk for all the details or phone 01603 303345
 
CNSA Fun Pet Show – Friday 4 October, 6-8pm - The Arc
This is the first CNSA event of the school year and is always a popular one.  You do not have to own a pet to take part and have fun – previous winners of the most unusual pet have included a ball of fluff and a pet rock! Unfortunately we are unable to accept dogs, goats or horses into the Arc but all other pets are most welcome. See below for full details.
 
We rely on donations for competition prizes so if you are able to help us either with a personal gift or a company donation please contact the school office or email us at cnsa@cnsmail.org and we will be in touch. 
 
We always welcome offers of help either before or during our events so please do let us know if you are able to spare a little time to support the evening.  But even if you are unable to attend yourself please encourage your children to come along to this first social activity of the school year.
 
 
 
CNSA Annual General Meeting - Tuesday 8 October 7-8pm - Sixth Form Common Room. 
 This is when the committee for 2013/14 will be elected so if you would like to get involved with its work, please register your interest via cnsa@cnsmail.org and a current committee member will get back to you with further information.  And if you don’t want to be on the committee please just come along to hear how we have been spending funds raised and what we hope to do this year.
 
We look forward to seeing you soon.  If you have any comments or queries about CNSA please contact us via the above email address or leave a message with the school office.
Alison Coyle, CNSA
 
A message from the Parent Support Adviser.
My name is Amanda Paterson and I have recently joined CNS as the Parent Support Adviser. I am based at the school and work full time during term time.
Here are some of the ways I might be able to help:-
·         If you are worried about your son or daughter’s attendance
·         Your child’s behaviour is challenging, either in school or at home
·         If your child is having difficulty in coping if mum and dad are separating, or maybe struggling to accept a new partner or step family
·         If your child has additional needs and you would like information on support services available
·         If a member of the family has been ill, or there has been a bereavement, and your child is having trouble coping.
·         Offer support and advice to help your child manage their emotions. 
As well as working closely with colleagues in school, I can access support and make referrals to other services that offer information, advice and guidance.
 
I hope to be offering a number of courses for parents in the near future, these include:-
Parents apart – a 3 hour workshop that looks at supporting children through divorce and separation
Webster Stratton Incredible years – a 12 week course for parents of children in year 7, which focuses on behaviour management
Understanding your teenager’s behaviour (Solihull approach) A 12 week course that focuses on understanding emotions, relationships and changing behaviour.
Speakeasy – a 7 week course that looks at how to talk to children and young people about sex and relationships.
Please get in touch if there is any issue that may be worrying you, or if you would like more information on any of the courses available.
You can discuss your concern, in confidence by calling me at CNS on 01603 274000 ext. 416, (mobile 075000 62892), or by emailing me at a.paterson@cns-school.org