I started this morning in our assembly. As with most weeks this school year, the assembly was led by students, supported by Mrs Wallace, our Safeguarding Lead. The students in Year 9 have spoken to students in assemblies each day about how to notice whether stories on their social media might be scams, as well as how we support students in school if they have a concern. 

It is really powerful when messages around how to be safe online are delivered so impressively by students to their peers. A huge thank you to the five students in Year 9 who spoke fluently every morning, and I hope will have increased awareness across the whole school.

Valentine’s disco

Last night in the school hall we held a social event for students in Year 7. Following today’s theme, the hall was decorated with red hearts and streamers and over 75 tickets were sold. As important as the social event for our newest students was the fact that it was all organised by our own Year 10 students. As part of their King's Trust coursework, the students demonstrated their skills in teamwork and organisation. They decorated the room, booked the DJ and catering, chose songs and organised a staff rota for supervision. In addition, they interacted with the younger children and ensured all the students had a great evening. The money raised will go to Oxfam, the student selected charity. Thanks to all staff who supported the evening, and congratulations to the Year 10 students that made it happen.

Key dates next term

There are a number of important things happening next half term, so I won’t repeat the whole school calendar, but here are a few that you might want to note:

• Monday 3rd March: INSET day. No students attending school.
• Tuesday 4th March: Year 9 GCSE Pathways event at 17:00 and 18:15 – information about subject preferences into Year 9 (families only need attend one session).
• Thursday 6th March: Year 9 GCSE Pathways event at 17:00 and 18:15 – information about subject preferences into Year 9 (families only need attend one session).
• Thursday 3rd April: Curriculum Enhancement Day (Day 1 of 3)

The last day is the first of our three Curriculum Enhancement Days this year.  Letters have already been sent out about these days that see students take their learning outside their classroom, both off and on site. There will be a further letter to students in each year group after half term, with details about where and when each tutor group will be going.

In the meantime, do check on the ‘MCAS’ app, where details of payment plans have been available from September. Please be aware that the school is subsidising these activities and that any families entitled to free school meals will also receive additional help. Please contact Miss Webb at swebb@greenshawhigh.co.uk, if you have any concerns,

Overseas school trips

We are absolutely committed to our Curriculum Enhancement Days as they are opportunities for all students. In addition, we have also waved off students on our ski trip this afternoon, and currently have a group of students and staff in Granada in Spain. 

We are seeing if there is interest from students in Years 9, 10 and 11 to take part in a European trip in summer 2026 to Romania. This will include great cultural experiences and a three-day trek across the beautiful countryside, as well as community work. If you would like to express interest (with no commitment at this stage), please let us know on the form here.

Stars of the half term

Congratulations to our stars of the term who have demonstrated something special in their attitude to their peers, the community or their learning. Well done to each and every one of them.

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
Bethany	Sechaba	Lucky	tbc	Zonia	Rokith

Support while school is closed

At Greenshaw, we work closely with a variety of agencies, including the London Borough of Sutton, volunteer groups and the NHS. Please be aware that our website has many signposts to support agencies in the section ‘Care & Support’ as needed.  

We welcome our students back in Week 1, so please remind your child to pack the correct books for their Week 1 timetable lessons.

I know that students in Year 11 and Year 13 will want to be studying for much of the half-term week as we return into a second week of mock exams for GCSEs and A Levels. I wish all students a restful week, and for our oldest students, I hope they balance up studies with appropriate amounts of rest and leisure time as well.

Wishing you all the very best.

Mr N House, Headteacher