HWA Blog 13.10.2023

 

On Tuesday 10th October we recognised World Mental Health day by raising money for Young Minds with ‘’Hello Yellow’’. Students and staff were encouraged to wear something yellow and took part in form activities around mental health. Forms decorated their doors with yellow flowers and positive messages and secondary looked for the hidden word around the corridor ‘positivity’. Primary went on a nature scavenger hunt around their corridor and during the afternoon School Council took sweet treats to the classes. We raised £114.60!! Thank you again to our School Council team for another successful event.

Over the last week we had open positions for Teaching Assistants Level 2’s (TA2s) in our classrooms. I am delighted to let you know that we have successfully appointed a group of outstanding individuals who have thrived in their new roles.

Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to our new TA2’s: Mr Blaize, Mrs Lyon, Miss Meadowcroft, Miss Sutcliffe, Miss Ashcroft, Mra Boniface, Miss Sykes, Mrs Burke, Miss Cuff, Miss Prescott, Miss Tuey, Miss Shaw, Mrs Hand, Mr Howles, and Mrs Ross. They have all demonstrated exceptional dedication, skills, and enthusiasm, and we are confident that they will excel in their positions.

Our TA2’s now play a more involved role in supporting their respective classes. They will be responsible for mentoring and guiding our new Teaching Assistants (TA1s) to ensure a smooth transition and the highest quality of support for our students. Miss Cuff, in particular, has already received high praise from Ms Bones, who commended her outstanding performance during a lesson last week. Miss Cuff effectively supported the classroom routines and behaviour management of the students, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in her new role.

We believe that having experienced and knowledgeable TA2’s supporting our teaching teams will not only positively impact the learning experiences of our students but benefit our new TA1s also. The role of a TA2 is vital in maintaining an inclusive and supportive classroom environment, and we are confident that our new team members will meet and exceed our expectations.

During this week’s curriculum meeting, Mr. Heap, our Outdoor Education curriculum lead, made a positive comment about the engagement of our Key Stage 4 students during their Duke of Edinburgh activities. As a school, we are extremely pleased with this feedback and wanted to share it with you.

As you know, Duke of Edinburgh is a fantastic program that aims to teach our students important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, and problem-solving. It provides them with opportunities to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and develop valuable attributes that will serve them well in their future endeavours.

We are thrilled to see that our Key Stage 4 students have been actively participating and demonstrating their commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh program. Their engagement in these activities not only enhances their personal and social development, but also strengthens their resilience and determination, which are vital qualities for success in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, this program encourages our students to connect with the great outdoors, immerse themselves in nature, and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. The skills they acquire through Duke of Edinburgh will undoubtedly contribute to their personal growth and overall well-being.

 

Let’s see what some of the classes have been doing starting with Mrs Bottery’s form…

“This week 7HBY have been looking at map symbols in geography, and practised their skills by completing a symbol relay. They showed some great teamwork by helping each other find the symbols on the key.

In outdoor education, the class have been practising their road safety in Oldham town centre. They followed the instructions really well and we are really proud of them.

In science they have been learning about plant and animal cells and seeing these for themselves down a microscope.

The class have really settled in well to Hollinwood Academy and we are very pleased with their efforts. Keep up the good work 7HBY!”

 

Now to Mrs Daniels’ form…

“Year 10ADS have had a really productive week, they have really settled into their new class and I am really delighted to be their form teacher.

This week has been Mental health awareness week, and on Tuesday staff and students all dressed in yellow and helped to make posters for our mental health awareness display. See our photos.

Also, during this week, the class visited Dovestones country park. Where they all enjoyed the fresh air and explored new interesting places in the countryside. They came back fully refreshed and excited to tell me all about it. This is a brilliant way to help our mental health by being close with nature.

In ICT year 10 have been learning about how technology can improve our lives, and about the developments in Artificial Intelligence and how this could affect the future.

During their science lessons the students have been producing some outstanding fact sheets about specialised cells, they have even made some models of the cells to go with the information. These are really good and can be seen on some of the photographs.”

 

 

Now to the rest of our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA Trust STARs…

Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Albi for much improved sitting at carpet time with a readiness to learn.

Mrs Lerigo’s HWA Caring STAR is Effy for showing compassion with her class friends.

Miss Bramley’s STAR of the week is Lyla for always joining in and having excellent ideas when creating our own story in talk for writing.

Miss Bramley’s HWA Caring STAR is Zachary for for being a caring friend with people in his class and other classes.

Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Harrison for having a wonderful interaction with friends outside!

Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA Caring STAR is Alfie having a brilliant week! Well done Alfie!

Miss Meadows’ STAR of the week is Maja for excelling with her TOBI symbols and making progress with her VB Mapps.

Miss Meadows’ HWA Caring STAR is Noel for being affectionate, using kind hands and coping well without his ear defenders.

Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Mysha for working really hard on her writing in English this week.

Mr Corrigan’s HWA Caring star is Faiha for being a very caring this week when her friend was ill.

Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Lewis and Simisola. Well done!

Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s STAR of the week is David for turning his behaviour around after being spoken to.

Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s HWA Caring STAR is Shane for being great at maths and helping to clean up after every lesson.

Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s WOW moment goes to Cole.

Miss Hulme’s STAR of the week is Freya for accepting adult help during English.

Miss Hulme’s HWA Caring STAR is Brooke for looking after and caring for insects she finds on the playground. Also, for impressing us with her knowledge of them.

Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Daniel for staying calm and using de-escalation techniques when dealing with change.

Mrs Davies’ HWA Caring STAR is Shayan for hugging his friend when they’ve been sad.

Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Joshua for being so patient, kind and caring to all of his friends.

Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is George trying really hard in lessons and giving a great answer in History.

Miss Matthew’s HWA Caring STAR is Eli for being a good friend and helping a friend put their shoes on.

Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Millie for communicating her emotions and being successful with her self-regulation strategies.

Miss Tootill’s HWA Caring STAR is Madison for recognising and communicating her feelings and accepting help.

Well done to our secondary Hollinwood Academy STARs this week:

 

Next week we finish for the October half term on Friday 20th October and school reopens on Monday 30th October. Those children and young people who are attending holiday club have lots of spooky and fun activities planned for you to take part in.

I am heading to the rugby grand final this weekend at Old Trafford to help cheer on Wigan as they play Catalans Dragons in the final. I am sure it will be a great game and I hope you have a lovely weekend too.

Mrs Millard