Another musical parent inspired the children in this week's assembly. Duncan came into school to play the drums, and played along with some well-known tunes to demonstrate the kit's versatility. Children learned about different playing styles, the range of beaters and sticks available, the sound each drum makes, and how long Duncan has been playing for. We'd like to thank Duncan for joining us and being so inspiring (and his employer who allowed him the time off to come and join us!). If you have a musical instrument, and would be able to come and play in a future school assembly, please let Mr Bailey know by calling or emailing the school office.

Award-Winner!

We are delighted that one of our pupils has won an award from Trinity College London. During the last summer holidays, Megan took part in an event for young carers, in which she spent a week working with Bath Philharmonic Orchestra. These amazing young people created a concept, wrote a story, wrote songs with the accompanying music then made all the props to appear in their music videos which they starred in, all before performing these pieces to their families at Bristol Beacon before it officially reopened. Megan's mum is incredibly proud of her, for what the children produced in that week, especially when none of them played any instruments beforehand. It was a very emotional evening for all concerned! This special award is a fantastic achievement - well done Megan!

No Nuts Please

We have a number of pupils in school with strong to severe allergies. While we can not guarantee a perfectly nut-free environment, we need your help to minimise the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Please do not send nuts, or products/food containing nuts into school, whether as a snack or part of a packed lunch. Thank you for your cooperation.

Meet the Governor

Roman Kubiak says "I moved to Bristol in 2008 and instantly fell in love with the city I now proudly call home; from its strong connection to community and supporting local businesses, to its diversity, culture and arts scene. As a parent of two daughters who attend VPPS, I wanted to give something back to the community and play an active role in helping the school and our children. I'm therefore delighted to be a parent governor and to be working with the other members of the Local Governing Body."

Alumnus Achievement

One of our former pupils, Fleur, has taken part in the Diabetes Technology Media Project and talked about her experiences using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) for monitoring her blood sugar. This video will be an invaluable resource for other young people living with diabetes and considering whether to use a CGMS. Fleur's confidence and maturity shines through in this video and we could not be more proud of her!

Research Project

You may be aware that every lunchtime we provide a range of sporting activites for children to enjoy, and to help them stay active. These are provided by coaches from Bristol Robins foundation. One of our lunchtime coaches, Bailey, is also studying for a qualification in Community Football Coaching and Admininstration. As part of his research project into the impact of the Robins Foundation on girls' participation and enjoyment of sport, Bailey will be asking some of the girls who take part to answer some questionnaires and surveys. All responses will be anonymous. If you have any reservations about this, would like to know more detail, or would like to request that your daughter does not take part in any questionnaires or surveys, please email the school office.

Supply Teaching Opportunities

Cathedral Schools Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Affinity Workforce Solutions to provide high quality supply staff across our academies. 
Affinity Workforce is a leading education recruitment agency in the UK and has more than 30 years’ experience of providing teaching and non-teaching supply staff into academies from teachers, Teaching Assistants, Learning Support to Administrators.  All Teachers and Teaching Assistants registered with Affinity Workforce will benefit from:

• Flexible working hours 
• Access to a dedicated consultant and ongoing support in your career
• Guaranteed pay scheme
• CV writing and interview preparation support
• Access to Affinity Academy – our dedicated learning and development hub 
• Access to Affinity Extra – our exclusive discounts and cashback offers
• Referral bonus – Earn up to £200* when you refer a friend

If you would like to know further information about the supply opportunities at Cathedral Schools Trust, click here.
 

Other Information

• Playing Out is a way of running a play street on your doorstep - this is a local and FREE way to get your children playing outside, and exercising in the fresh air! It's an easy way to get to know your neighbours and make your street feel like a safer, nicer place to live. For more information visit www.playingout.net, email hello@playingout.net or call 0117 9537167.

• F1 Academy Discover Your Drive Days will be running in February 2024 to coincide with Half Term school holidays. On 12th February, TeamSport indoor karting will host a Discover Your Drive Day: a fun and engaging first experience of karting for girls aged 8-12 years. The on-track karting will be coupled with a range of exciting off-track activities to test the girls’ racing driver abilities. Discover Your Drive Days form part of the wider Discover Your Drive Karting UK initiative launched by Motorsport UK, TeamSport and F1 Academy, the all-female racing series run by Formula 1. Discover Your Drive Days will be delivered by skilled TeamSport Chief Instructors, trained by Motorsport UK.  The day aims to leave girls feeling confident in a kart and wanting to continue. Girls need no previous experience of karting or motorsport to participate and will be supported by TeamSport Chief Instructors throughout the day.  There are F1 Academy prizes to be won and goodies to be taken away. Book today (2nd Feb) for only £30.00 with the early bird discount! Click here for more details.

If you are in need of something to do this weekend (and next weekend too), why not take a walk into town and visit the Bristol Light Festival, a series of FREE illuminated immersive art exhibitions around the city centre? The best time to go with younger children is from 5pm onwards. Whatever you get up to, we hope you have a lovely weekend together.