A Message from the Head...

A very warm welcome back to everyone after the half term break!  I hope you all had some great family time and enjoyed the opportunity to recharge your batteries ready for the epic run up to Christmas!

Of course some pupils did not get so much of a chance to rest as they were busy playing sports fixtures in Barbados (it's a hard life I know!) or singing on stage at Disneyland Paris on the Choir trip.

We were treated to an assembly in High School on Friday morning delivered by the "Barbados Crew" and I think everyone left the PAC wondering how they could get invited to participate in the next sports tour - me included!

There is a full write up on this trip here and a video of some of the highlights can be viewed by clicking the picture below.

The Choir trip will feature in next week's newsletter!

Of course Thursday night saw our annual Firework Extravaganza taking place on the lower field and those who were lucky enough to secure tickets were treated to an amazing experience.  Some have said that it was better than Disney which is high praise indeed for a small(ish) school in the heart of rural Yorkshire!  Please click on the image above to view a short clip from this year's display.  The full video will appear on our YouTube channel and on our Facebook page soon.

It is a shame that this event is currently limited to 450 guests for insurance purposes and this is something we will seek to address in the coming year.  We are hopeful that, in the absence of a bonfire, we might be able to "push the envelope" a little next year but I can't guarantee anything at this stage.

I must say a huge thank you though to those who did attend this year for following my instructions regarding parking to the letter!  No complaints in that regard have been received from residents in the village, for which I am eternally grateful!

Looking ahead, the second half of this term is always incredibly busy with all sorts of events leading up to the Christmas break.  More details of these will follow in subsequent weeks but one I would like to draw your attention to now is our Stay and Play (Reception class 2023)  taster afternoons on the  23rd and 29th November for parents and their children.  Please click on the image above for more details.

If you know of anyone with a pre-school child who would be eligible to join our Reception class next September, please do share details of this event with them.  

Should they subsequently join Gateways in September 2023 and they mention you as the person who referred them, then you both qualify for a £250 reward off your Autumn 2023 tuition fee bill so it is a win win for everyone!

On that note, have a lovely weekend everyone.

- Dr Tracy Johnson - 

UKMT Senior Maths Challenge

The UKMT Senior Maths Challenge is a competition to really stretch A Level students across the country.  Because students are competing purely against other A Level mathematics students the standard is extremely high and certificates are highly prized.  We are therefore delighted to announce that three of our Sixth Form mathematicians were awarded certificates this year.  Ella Neale was awarded a Bronze Certificate and Lucy Sherman and Lottie Swales were both awarded Silver Certificates, with Lottie also receiving ‘Best in School’.  Congratulations to all three!

- Mrs Jennie Knight -

Evolve - new system for trips, visits and clubs

The school is now using EVOLVE to manage all of its trips and visits and will be migrating its clubs across too.

EVOLVE is an online tool for planning and managing educational visits, on-site activities, after school clubs and sports fixtures. It helps us improve and simplify the process of planning, approving, monitoring, evaluating and reporting all learning which takes place outside of the classroom.

Some of you will have already experienced EVOLVE, and we have had some positive feedback so far. As a parent, you will have access to the myEVOLVE portal if you wish to use it. You do not have to use the portal to receive trip information and to give consent, but it makes access to all the activities your child is involved with a whole lot easier!

Click here for more information about Evolve.

Moana production - tickets on sale

Gateways School are delighted to present Disney’s Moana, a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. 

This thrilling and heart warming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana 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” and our cast of over 30 Gateways 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.

Date: 16th and 17th November 
7pm – 8.30pm with an interval including drinks
Price: £12/£8

PFA - dates for your diary

Pupils, parents, family and friends are invited to the Gateways Festive Fayre on Monday 28th November 2:30pm - 5pm. There’ll be festive stalls, fun children’s games, hot refreshments, and our legendary tombola extravaganza. Santa will be in his Grotto too! We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

Next Friday (11th Nov) will be the final collection day before the end of the year for old uniform. Gateways PFA committee members will be available between 8am - 8:30am to receive any donations at the drop off point near ‘The Bear’ in front of the PAC.  Future opening times for the pre-loved uniform shop will then be announced in the New Year. 

- 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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