Headteacher's Corner
Dear Parents/Carers
This is not the start to 2021 any of us will have hoped for. However, yet again, I have been bowled over by the wonderful resilience of our Frogmore family.
The start of term was a bit of a whirlwind, to say the least! One thing that we have all become somewhat accustomed to over the past 10 months is that whatever we think we’ve planned for is likely to be subject to last minute changes. I know that many families felt this very sharply over Christmas, with long-awaited family gatherings being cancelled and new-year plans being shelved. The start to term has, similarly, needed a radical rethink.
I would like to take a moment to recognise the extraordinary efforts of the Frogmore staff over the past fortnight. We are all very new to the brave new world of online teaching. However, teachers have worked their socks off to adapt swiftly to this, switching immediately to online lessons for all classes from the start of term. We know there’s more we can do; we know there’s more we can learn. It has been so fabulous to see the appetite of teachers to keep reflecting and improving on their practice in live online lessons. In our discussions about how it is going, teachers report that, whilst they are finding the intensity of this approach exhausting, they are each hugely welcoming the advantages of the continued connection with their classes. Seeing and hearing from our students is helping to keep the spirit of ‘school’ so much more alive than lockdown 1.0.
We are also blessed as a school with exceptional support staff. We are supporting a number of students in school each day, and our classroom support staff are helping them to access the live lessons alongside their peers at home. The care being shown and the support being given is fantastic to see.
Students have also adapted to this situation very well. Some of the initial ‘novelty factor’ has now ebbed away, but this is leading to calmer, more purposeful online classrooms. Thank you to the parents and carers who have been able to check in with their sons and daughters to help keep them on track. We know how tough it is juggling work and home learning for children, but see a massive impact when this support is given.
We have been particularly concerned to reassure our year 11 students over the past fortnight. The cancellation of the summer exams will have been a bitter blow to many. However, Ofqual and the DfE start consulting tomorrow on their proposals for how assessment will take place this year. There is so much of the year to go and everything to play for, so we will stay fully on top of the plans when they are confirmed to make sure that we are right by students’ side every step of the way.
One of the most overused words in recent months has been the word ‘unprecedented’. What has been truly unprecedented, however, has been the number of emails and messages of support and encouragement from parents and carers. This has lifted staff spirits immeasurably and has given real impetus to us all at a difficult time. Thank you to all of those who have taken the time to do this; it is very much appreciated.
As always, we remain here for our whole community. We know how tough the current times are for everyone, on so many levels. If you are struggling and need help, for you or your child, please reach out to us and we will do all we can to support.
Sometimes challenges can appear insurmountable. What the past few weeks has shown is that no challenge can overcome the collective resolve and resilience of a community committed to caring.
Chris Vaudin - Headteacher
We have a full calendar of events throughout the year. Click the link below to view them.
Examples Of Student Work
Kudos Points Update
Messages From Our Welfare Officer
Absences and Medical Appointments
During lockdown it is still important that you inform us of any absences or medical appointments. High attendance is directly related to strong outcomes for children. If your child is going to be absent due to illness, a medical appointment or other unforeseen circumstances, we would appreciate it if you notify us as soon as possible on the first day of absence. This can be done in one of three ways:
1. You can call the school on 01252 408444 or leave a message on the student absence line.
2. You can email us on attendance@frogmorecollege.co.uk ; there is a link to this address on the school website.
3. You can now also report an absence using Parentmail. Simply select the Notify Absence option in the app or on the website and complete the information.
If we do not receive a notification of absence, a call will be made home from the school. Any unexplained absence will be marked as unauthorised and may lead to a penalty notice being issued.
Immunisations
If you would like to book an appointment for any year 7 pupil who missed their flu immunisation in school in September, please call 01252 335142 or email shft.northeasthantsimmunisationteam@nhs.net with your child’s full name, DOB, name of school and preferred clinic.
Wednesday 20th January – Aldershot Centre for Health
Wednesday 3rd February – Liss Triangle Centre
Friday 12th February – Petersfield Community Hospital
Message from the Child and Family Support Worker
As national guidelines and restrictions change, so do some of the provisions of local mental health support services. We have updated the Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding page on our website with information on the mental health support options that are available for young people and their parents.
We’ve also added some links to useful websites for general mental health information, such as keeping children safe online, adult wellbeing and domestic abuse services. Please do take a look if you think this may be useful to you.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing, please feel free to phone the school on 01252 408444 and ask to speak to our Child and Family Support Worker.
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child who is part of our school community, please contact the school and ask to speak to the designated safeguarding lead. Alternatively, you can email safeguarding@frogmorecollege.co.uk. If the situation involves a child being at immediate risk, please contact the police on 999.
Food Bank Donations
At school there is a donation box outside reception to make it easier for any parents/carers to make a donation to our local food bank. This will be available from 8:30am-4pm Monday to Friday. Current shortages are: custard, rice pudding, tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, tinned meat, tinned fish, coffee, tea and juices.
You can also donate at various venues in the Hart area, which are listed on the link below:
https://hart.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
Good News Stories!!
Please share with us if you have any examples of things you have heard about, or been involved in locally, that showcase this community spirit so that we can share it with our Frogmore Family.
Email adminoffice@frogmorecollege.co.uk with the subject heading "Good News"
Library News
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Easyfundraising: Did you know you could be raising a free donation for Frogmore Community College every time you shop at retailers such as Amazon, John Lewis and Sainsbury's who will donate a percentage of the amount you spend? It's really simple, and it doesn't cost you anything.
We have now raised over £1158 since joining this scheme.
Please sign up and help us raise even more.
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There are no hidden catches or charges and we would be really grateful for your donation.
Thank you for your support.