From the Headteacher
There has been some optimism from scientists this week that we can start to look forward to the end of this pandemic, hopefully in the months ahead. I certainly look forward to the school year progressing with an increasing level of normality.
In the meantime, please do remember – if your child has symptoms of COVID-19, do not send them into school. Instead, get them to take a lateral flow test or PCR test.
Our Year 11 and Year 13 students sat their December examinations before Christmas and they conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. Once their results have been issued, students should use the feedback to start their preparations for the summer examinations.
COVID-19 Updates
We have created a new COVID-19 section of the website, which contains useful information and links. This can be accessed at www.isleworthsyon.org/covid.
A small but steady number of students continue to test positive. They should remain at home and self-isolate.
From Monday 17 January, the minimum self-isolation period is cut to 5 full days, as long as you test negative two days in a row.
For further advice check the guidance or make contact with us at school.
Here is an example, for a person testing positive or developing symptoms on Tuesday 18 January.
| Day 0 | Tuesday 18 January | |
| Days 1-4 | Wednesday 19 – Saturday 22 January | Self-isolate and work from home. |
| Day 5 | Sunday 23 January | Take a first lateral flow test. |
| Day 6 | Monday 24 January | Take another test and if negative end self-isolation and return to school / normal activities at the start of day 6. |
Vaccinations
West Middlesex University Hospital (pictured above right) will be running a vaccination clinic for 12-16-year-olds on the weekend of 15 & 16 January 2022.
Further local information about the vaccination programme can be found here. If you have questions about the vaccination programme, you can sign up for an NHS North West London online discussion session here.
The evidence is clear that being vaccinated does protect individuals, the community and wider society from the worst effects of the virus. If you wish to explore the evidence yourself you can read the weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report. These reports are updated regularly as more data is obtained; they are rather more useful than some of the misinformation on social media.
We will be sending out a communication on 24 January about the next opportunity for your son/daughter/ward to get their first or second vaccination in school.
Parent/Carer Evenings
For the time being, all Parent/Carer Evenings will take place through our online system.
Sixth Form parents/carers received an email on Thursday 13 January with information about how to book online appointments – you can read that here.
Safeguarding Updates
On Tuesday 8 February, we will be taking part in the national Safer Internet Day 2022. This global campaign promotes the safe and responsible use of technology. Young people, parents/carers, and teachers are tasked to come together to help create a better internet.
For parents/carers, early steps should include open conversations about online safety and aiming to keep this conversation going over time. The NSPCC produce some useful guidance on how to talk to your child about online safety.
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of your or another child, please email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@isleworthsyon.org.
News
Abbey Road Trip
In November, 6 lucky Year 13 music students visited Abbey Road Studios, the former recording studio of The Beatles! They took part in two sessions with respected figures in the music industry – read more here.
Meeting Sir Mo!
A school-wide house competition is currently taking place. Four budding journalists will be given the opportunity to meet, photograph and potentially interview Sir Mo Farah – a former student of the school!
A Letter from Councillor Tom Bruce to Local Residents
The local cabinet member for Education, Youth & Children’s Services, Cllr Tom Bruce, has written a short letter to those local to the area. You can read it here.
Student Ambassadors
Student leadership continues to thrive in school, with the Autumn Term addition of five new ambassador roles plus more integration with the Sixth Form Student Voice team. Full article to come next week.
- Vaccination photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com
- West Middlesex Hospital photo by West Middlesex Hospital Facebook page
- Hounslow Council logo © Hounslow Council