A Message from the Head...

At the end of another cold, wet and windy week we look ahead to March and the promise of some spring cheer to boost our spirits.    We certainly have a lot going on at school in March and many of this week's articles relate to those events.

Of course, one of the highlights of any school year is the annual production which takes places for the High School on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th of March.  'Deloris' , aka Tilly Ducker, wowed us all in assembly this morning by singing one of the more emotional pieces she will be performing in this disco diva of a musical!  

Tickets are currently on sale through our Eventbrite platform which you can access by clicking here.  We are hoping for a sell-out show so please show your support and come along to see this fantastic musical!

I would like to finish this week by thanking parents, guardians, staff and pupils  for their support and cooperation during what has been a  tricky period  managing the ever-changing situation with the coronavirus outbreak.  I have continued my daily conversations with Public Health England who, I must say, have been an amazing source of advice throughout the week.   We have followed all relevant advice regarding best hygiene practices and we have monitored the health of our pupils as closely as we can with the support of parents.  The situation will no doubt continue to evolve next week and I will of course keep parents updated with any new information or changes of policy that may be required as the situation develops.  Should anyone want to read the most up to date news from Public Health England then you can access it here.

Have a great weekend everyone and good luck in avoiding the latest in our series of storms - Jorge is set to be a windy one!

- Dr Tracy Johnson - 

World Book Day...It's Good to Share!

Next Thursday (5th March) sees our annual, colourful and always exciting, World Book Day event in school. This year our dressing-up theme is “Reading Champions”, covering favourite characters, authors, or real people who have featured in a book – those that have been an inspiration in some way. We are looking forward to a feast of literary costumes on the day!

This year, we are focusing on the importance of sharing stories and there will be activities throughout the day and across the school to celebrate this essential and entertaining experience.   Reading to children (and adults!) is one of the best ways to engage, motivate and develop a love of life-long reading and learning.  This simple but crucial activity increases children’s vocabulary, knowledge of grammar and writing styles, as well as developing empathy and awareness of the people and the world around us.  AQA (the exam awarding body) has recently stressed the importance of developing a “language-rich” environment for children both in school and at home. 

We are aiming to share stories in as many varied locations in school as possible throughout the day. We will report back with a special map showing these reading “hotspots” in our next newsletter.  In order to extend the sharing experience, we are asking you to also share stories at home on World Book Day, and send in sharing selfies to display in school. This could be you sharing with your children, siblings sharing stories, sharing stories in unusual places….it’s up to you!

Please forward your sharing reading selfies to:
Mrs Bartle for Early Years pupils:
carol.bartle@gatewaysschool.co.uk or use Tapestry

Mrs Prince for Prep pupils:
lucy.prince@gatewaysschool.co.uk

Mrs Sharrock for High School:
marlene.sharrock@gatewaysschool.co.uk

The Libraries and Reading section on the school website offers tips and further information regarding the importance of reading to your children, http://www.gatewaysschool.co.uk/libraries-reading-gateways

Let’s make sharing stories an everyday event for everyone in and out of school!

- Mrs Marlene Sharrock, Mrs Carol Bartle and Mrs Lucy Prince -

Ski Trip to Italy

On the first Saturday of half term, a very excited group of Gateways pupils and staff set off to Manchester airport to begin the annual ski trip. There was a wide range of pupils, from ski trip veterans to first timers. 

The ski trip is  greatly looked forward to every year and I can wholeheartedly say that once again, it did not disappoint. It is such a pleasure to spend time with each and every pupil who came with us – they are, without exception, such fun, engaging, well-mannered and gutsy children and it is an honour to be associated with them.

Click here to read more about this fantastic trip and visit our Facebook page to see all the photos.

- Miss Hannah Sadler -

PFA News

The next Bag2school collection is Tuesday 24th March. Please support us by bringing your unwanted items to the drop off zone in the car park from 8am-9am.

Here's some Do's and Don'ts...
We accept:
Men’s, ladies’ and children’s clothing
Paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around)
Handbags, hats, bags, scarves and ties
Jewellery, lingerie, socks, belts
Soft toys
Household linen, curtains, towels
Household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers)

We DO NOT accept:
Duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions
Carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats)
Soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing
School uniforms with and without logo
Corporate clothing and workwear
Textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material

Thank you in advance for your help!

Next PFA Event : Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Click on the picture below to send us an email requesting tickets...

Gateways PFA Spring Raffle

The Spring Raffle will be drawn at our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea.

Every child in the school and nursery has been given a raffle book of 5 tickets.   Please could you sell these to your family and friends. Tickets are priced at £1 each and prizes include a magnum of champagne, 10 luxury hampers, perfume and much more.

Completed ticket stubs should be returned to your child’s Form Tutor by Friday 13th March 2020 together with the money and any unsold tickets.

All money raised from the Spring Raffle and at the Afternoon Tea will directly benefit every child in the school and nursery with the funding of a brand new Outdoor Education Facility.   If you require additional tickets, these can be collected from Reception.

Summer Ball Sponsorship Packages

The Gateways PFA Summer Ball is taking place on 27th June 2020. We are currently seeking sponsors and want to give our school community the opportunity to take advantages of these sponsorship packages prior to promoting this to the external market.

There are a variety of packages available from £200 to £2,000 -  click here for more information and please do pass this information on to anyone you think may be interested in being one of our corporate or private  sponsors.

- Kathryn Dyer, Chair, Gateways PFA -

Pupil News

Gymnastics success for Imogen

Imogen Zerny competed in the Yorkshire Level 5 grading competition in Sheffield on Saturday 15th February.  She was taking part in an individual event where she came 7th overall. Imogen had to take part in 5 pieces - vault, floor, bars, beam and range and conditioning.  As always she did incredibly well and received a grade of Distinction! 

A fantastic achievement – well done Imogen!

- Mrs Cecilia Warren –

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