A Message from the Head...

With it being Armistice Day today, we marked the occasion in the usual Gateways way - through an exceptional Mr Crosby assembly for High School & 6th Form.

It probably sounds perverse to say it, given the nature of the events we commemorate in that assembly, but I truly look forward to this assembly every year.  This is because of Mr Crosby.  

Every year he has a different theme and every year it hits me totally unexpectedly.  This year, as usual, I had tried to second guess the theme and thought he might base it upon the 40th Anniversary of the war in The Falkland Islands.  But it was much more poignant than that.

He focussed instead on the ugly, evil side of war, the acts of inhumanity fellow humans perpetrated against each other in the cruellest of ways in the final months and days of World War II.  

The whole assembly contained hard-hitting material but Mr Crosby did not shy away from that, delivering it sensitively and allowing the listeners to really take it on board at every stage.

Thank you Mr Crosby.  You have surpassed yourself yet again.  And I look forward to next year as always.

This week has also seen our first Prep parent's evenings of the academic year and more group tours of High School for those who weren't able to make our Open Day in October.

Looking ahead to next week, the High School Musical Production of Moana takes place on Wednesday and Thursday night.   More details can be found lower down this newsletter but please be aware, there aren't many tickets left so if you want one, you'll have to be quick!

Next Friday is of course Children in Need day and there is information below which explains how Gateways intends its pupils to raise money for this cause on the day.

And of course, every year, senior staff at Gateways also undertake a Leadership Challenge in aid of Children in Need which has seen us do everything from cycling a stage in the UTI World Championship course, through to I'm a Celebrity style challenges passing through jigsaw racing and car washing in between!

In recent years, thanks to the generosity of parents, pupils and staff at Gateways, our efforts have raised almost £10 000 for this very worthy cause.

Our 2022 challenge will be launched very soon so please keep an eye on our Facebook page and our Just Giving page for more details of what we will be doing and how you can donate.  We realise that it is a difficult time for many people with the cost of living rise etc but we totally appreciate every single penny donated as it really does help to improve young people's lives so, THANK YOU in advance!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

- Dr Tracy Johnson - 

Gateways Firework Extravaganza 2022

The final video edit of this year's show is out!  Click below to enjoy the display.

High School production - Moana 

Tickets are on sale for our High School production of Disney’s Moana which takes place next week on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th November.  If you would like to attend, please book your tickets asap via the link below before we sell out.  

The musical is an adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage and features all the beloved songs from the film, written by prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome” .  Our cast of over 30 Gateways High School pupils will take you on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both Moana and the legendary demi-god Maui learn to harness the power that lies within.

Performances start at 7pm in the PAC and finish at 8.30pm.  Prices are £12 for adults and £8 for children (under 18 years).

Children in Need

On Friday 18th November we will be fundraising for Children in Need. Hopefully you will already know that our dressing up theme is ‘Come as your favourite movie character’.  Please remember to bring in your £2 donation.

At first break we will have a bake sale in Youngers for our Prep and Early Years pupils and in the dining room for High School.  Some members from each form have volunteered to bring in some bakes to be sold. 

As a thank you for the generous donations we are proving some fun activities at lunchtime for both our Prep School and High School.  Pupils will have the chance to compete in houses at ‘Bear pong with a twist’.  If you would like to see what Bear pong involves, click here.

As usual we will be encouraging staff to be part of the teams too and I am sure this will be great fun. Thank you in advance for your kind donations and I look forward to sharing with you the grand total of the funds we have raised.

- Dr Sara Newton -

Pupil news

Lilyana passes children's first aid course

Upper 1 pupil Lilyana recently attended a children's mini first aid training course to gain a basic understanding of first aid and the important numbers to call for help when you are in the UK and Europe.  

The course included how to deal with burns, bumps, bleeding and breaks and the techniques to help someone who is choking.  Lilyana also learnt about the recovery position and  how to perform CPR.  

Well done Lilyana,  the useful and practical techniques you have learnt are invaluable!

PFA news

Join us for a wonderful evening of festivity on Thursday 1st December as you make your own bespoke, fresh Christmas wreath.  Enjoy a glass of bubbles, a festive treat and of course some Christmas music!

Tickets are limited, please book via the button below asap to avoid disappointment! 

All Prep School parents should now have received an email from Gateways PFA to advise that the pupils will be creating a school tea towel which will make a perfect keepsake and gift for family and friends this Christmas.  Funds raised will go towards this year’s PFA initiative to generate £20,000 to upgrade the Prep School playground. Please refer to the email for details of how to order - the  deadline is Friday 18th November.

Any queries please contact GPFA@gatewaysschool.co.uk

Many thanks for your continued support!

Gateways PFA will be selling sweets, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and crisps at the upcoming High School production of Disney’s Moana on the evening of 16th & 17th November.  All items have been generously donated by our local retailers including Tesco, Morrisons, M&S & Krispy Kreme and will be on sale – please note all purchases are cash only.

- The Gateways Parents & Friends Committee Members -

Local Christmas Concert

Mrs Coates, Mr Lenihan and Sixth Form pupil Lucy Sherman are featuring in a Christmas concert fundraiser on the 2nd December at Wetherby Methodist Church.  For more information click here and contact Mrs Wilson fiona.wilson@gatewaysschool.co.uk if you would like to purchase tickets. 

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