Welcome back message from Mrs Squire – 10th September 2021

Welcome to our new parents and carers; and welcome back to those who are already part of our academy community.

It is wonderful to see John Port Spencer Academy back to full capacity and running at full steam. The students and staff have returned with a real sense of purpose and a form of ‘normality ‘ is felt around the site.

The on-site COVID testing has ended today. This has been difficult to manage as staff have been pulled from their normal roles in the academy which has had an impact on their availability. Therefore, I apologise if you have waited longer than usual for a reply. Students and staff are now requested to test twice a week at home until further notice. All students in Years 7-10 have been given their test kit in registration, however we are awaiting a further delivery for Years 11-13 and hope this will arrive on Monday. Test kits are available for free in many shops and chemists if extra kits are required.

We have had issues with a small number of our school buses. The academy do not organise or manage the transport as this is all arranged by the local authority. We have made contact and complained on your behalf and will update you when a resolution is found. Further information about school transport, including the 2021 timetable can be found on our website: http://www.johnportspencer.com/transport/.

As the academy returns to normal we are encouraging students to take up additional opportunities available to them. We will be sharing details about extracurricular opportunities over the next few weeks. I am delighted to inform you that we do intend to have a school production next February and auditions are now taking place. Information regarding tutoring will also be shared nearer to the half term holiday.

Thank you for your support with school uniform. The students look amazing and ready to work. We have a small number of students pushing the boundaries so please be aware of the following:

• The school skirt is pleated and must be fitted to the knee
• Nose studs, false eyelashes and false nails are not to be worn
• Jeans, trainers and hoodies are not acceptable as school uniform

I was delighted to hear about two of our young ladies in Year 11 this week showing real strength and resilience. Georgina and Phoebe have been awarded a Principals Commendation for their resilience and we wish them all the best for their fundraising. Further details about this story have been published by Staffordshire-Live: https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/schoolgirls-mugged-robbed-bike-completed-5887957

Kind regards

Karen Squire

Principal