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Headlines by Andy Hodgkinson 12th February 2016 726 Rebel of The Sands By Alwyn Hamilton “Smart-talking, sharp-shooting Amani Al’Hiza is desperate to flee dead-end Dustwalk to make a better life for herself. While her prospects seem pretty much limited to being married off, the arrival of an enigmatic stranger presents Amani with an opportunity to escape. But the journey across the desert plains is fraught with multiple perils, from the ruthless Sultan’s army, to the menace of mystical beasts.” A member of the Leadership Team will be available to see parents without appointment: 9:00am-9:45am Monday - Friday 5:00pm-5:45pm Thursdays Duty Pupils Thank you for all your help: Olivia, Kai, Reece, Alfie, Jack, Morgan, William, Ellie, Charlotte, 8ACm Rosie, Macey, Courtney, Mia, Faith & Rachel, 8AGo Pupil Services that underpins this report is vitally important in retaining existing talented staff and also recruiting high calibre new staff in the face of national teacher shortages. The Report will be uploaded to our website, should you wish to read it, and I am pleased to say that, as things stand, we are currently fully staffed for September. And Finally Bon voyage to pupils departing on the Ski Trip today. Let’s hope the weather is good wherever you are this half-term! Thank You! Thank you to all parents and carers for your support during what has been another busy, but productive, half- term. I very much hope your sons and daughters will enjoy a well-earned half-term break and a reminder that school resumes on Monday, 22nd February, at the usual time of 8.40am. Investors in People Gold Award This week we received our formal Investors in People Report on the school, our staff training and its leadership, and I am delighted to say that we were re-accredited with the prestigious Gold Award. The work Michelle Waghorn reporting… On Wednesday, we were delighted to welcome into Sweyne Park School, the fascinating and talented debut author of Rebel of the Sands, Alwyn Hamilton. Alwyn spoke to Year 8 and members of the Library’s Book Club about her exciting life, the inspiration behind her debut book and the process of creating a fantasy world. Rebel of the Sands, (which was published just last week and was the subject of an international publishing bidding war), has been described as an epic fantasy where the Wild West meets Arabian Knights. There is a sharp-shooting heroine, mythical creatures across the desert sands and it’s a thrilling read! Alwyn explained how she has lived around the world, studied Art History at Cambridge University and was also the PA to the Head of the Islamic Department at Christie’s Auction House. She’s ridden camels, camped in the desert and has drawn on all of these experiences to write her first book. After her talk and some searching questions from the audience, Alwyn spent some time signing copies of her book. Everyone agreed it was a fascinating and informative event and we were thrilled to meet Alwyn at the start of her hopefully illustrious, writing career. With thanks to Just Imagine Story Centre for the event and supply of the books. Honesty Box Thank you to Tom, 7AWe, who found a monthly bus pass on the bus and got his Mum to ring the school so it could be reunited with the owner. Lauren, 7SJa, & Freyja, 7JBo, for handing in a mobile phone they found near the main road. Ella & Sophie, 8MCo, for handing in some headphones. Our D&T Textiles Department are excited about the new sublimation printer and heat press, which arrived in school last week. These new resources will allow pupils to print the designs they create using special transfer inks, which can then be heat pressed onto fabric. The printed fabric they create will then be an integral part of their product design. Congratulations to the following winners of the February 2016 draw: 1st: Hayley Mitchell 2nd: Julia Mitchell 3rd: Brian Tosh Discounted Adventure Island Tickets £15.00 Each Sealife Centre Tickets £4.00 Each Adventure Island Golf Tickets £3.00 Each Ring Tina: 07973 765320 or Michelle: 07846 620554
