Return to school – September 2023
Friday 1st September 2023
Dear Parent/Carer,
I hope you and your family have enjoyed the summer break. As we approach a new academic year there are few messages that we would like to share with you. Please note that your child should return to school on Tuesday 5th September.
First Day Arrangements
All pupils should go to their form rooms by 8.30am on their return to school. A special welcome to our new Year 7 pupils, who should also go to the same form rooms they were allocated during their transition week. Please do not worry if there is any uncertainty as staff shall meet and greet pupils on the main drive who will assist with any queries the pupils may have.
New Pupil Information System (Talaxy)
Commencing Tuesday September 5th, we will be introducing a new pupil information system called Talaxy to continue to keep you as informed as possible regarding your child and their experience at school. This information will be accessible via an App, and will allow you to see your child’s achievements, attendance, and behaviours. Further guidance on how to access and use Talaxy will be sent out on Monday 4th September. Please be mindful that this facility will not become available until next Tuesday 5th September and shall replace the Insight App.
Key Dates for 2023-2024
The INSET days for this academic year are:
- Friday 1st September 2023 (Twilight INSET)
- Monday 4th September 2023
- Friday 29th September 2023
- Monday 6th November 2023
- Monday 8th January 2024
- Monday 3rd June 2024
N.B. A Twilight INSET is where the school is closed to staff and pupils. Staff then work these equivalent hours through planned professional training at calendared dates throughout the year.
Our term dates for 2023/2024 can be found in the Parent Area of our website or by clicking on this link: https://pontcomp.co.uk/term-dates/
Attendance
Please avoid booking family holidays during the school term; absences naturally impact adversely on pupils’ learning. Taking holidays during term time will only be authorised by the school in exceptional circumstances. Unfortunately, we have had occasions when holidays have been booked during the school term that have also clashed with GCSE exams; these cannot be re-arranged for another date. Please note that on 13th and 15th of November, Year 11 pupils will be sitting GCSE Mathematics exams, and in May/June 2024 both Year 10 and Year 11 will be sitting GCSE exams. Attendance levels were very positive last year and compared extremely well with other secondary schools, well above the national average. However, we do not want to become complacent in this vital aspect of school life. Research shows a strong correlation between high attendance and pupils’ wellbeing and academic achievement. If you require any support or advice with this, please contact the school.
GCSE results
I am sure you will join me in congratulating our outgoing Year 11 pupils who achieved outstanding GCSE results. Some of the headline figures include:
- 35% of pupils gained five or more A* or A grades
- 87% of pupil gained five or more A*- C grades.
This excellent set of results is a culmination of pupils’ hard work and a supporting environment of parents/carers and dedicated staff. It is this partnership between home and school that we wish to sustain and build on to ensure success for your child in terms of their academic success, their wellbeing and future life chances.
School Uniform
To support with school uniform, we have continued to sell recycled uniform throughout the school holidays. All items are priced at £1 that include: school jumpers, polo shirts, PE kit. If you would like to take advantage of this scheme, then just call into school. After parental and pupil consultation we have made a few changes to our uniform policy, as was explained in a letter sent home at the end of last term. There has been such a large demand for PE leggings that our suppliers are currently out of stock. However, we have been told that a new supply should be received within the next fortnight.
Some other points to note from the uniform policy where pupils occasionally transgress is jewellery. The only jewellery permitted is one pair of stud earrings to be worn in ear lobes.
More details can be found here: https://pontcomp.co.uk/uniform/
New Cashless Catering & iPay Impact Accounts
We have now moved over onto iPay Impact for managing pupils’ accounts for the catering facilities at the school. Squid accounts are no longer in use. Parents should have received all the details for registering their accounts online through the mail and are now able to add funds to accounts, this facility started from 28th August. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO FACILITIES IN SCHOOL FOR PUPILS TO ADD MONEY TO THEIR ACCOUNTS.
Please click on the link below which provides instructions for setting up the account.
https://pontcomp.co.uk/2023/08/14/new-cashless-catering-system-action-required/
School Bus Passes
Pupils entitled to school bus transport should have received a letter directly from Swansea Council. Pupils should travel on their allocated school bus on the first day and will then receive their bus passes in school.
Extra-curricular
The extra-curricular scene is currently thriving! Many thanks to staff who volunteer to provide a varied range of activities to enhance our pupils’ school experience. All extra-curricular sessions can be found here: https://pontcomp.co.uk/extra-curricular-timetable/
Please have a look at what is on offer and perhaps encourage your child to try something new this year!
We look forward to greeting your child back to school. Please contact the school if you have any queries or if you require any further support with your child’s education.
Mr. Gareth Rees
Headteacher
