Dear Parents,

I hope this finds you all safe and well.

Last week we initiated the first stage of our full integration onto the group VLE, CANVAS. I am delighted that all KS3 children were logged in and active after one day and are now utilising some of the main features in their lessons. Year 5 and Year 6 also migrated onto CANVAS and with only a few students encountering difficulties logging on initially, they are now operating our programmes efficiently. I would like to thank all the staff who have been preparing our programmes and courses on CANVAS and in particular to our CANVAS champions, led by Mr. Sidat and Mr. Mistry. Over the next few weeks, other year groups will also be migrating onto CANVAS.

Information from our PTSA regarding our virtual International Day and Cooking Recipe book projects can be found in the link below. I look forward to seeing the results of both of these. Our Arabic Studies department is preparing a ‘Virtual Iftar’ activity which I will introduce next week.

We will be preparing end of term parent/teacher meetings online in order for you to discuss your children’s progress this year. Information on dates and times and how to book a meeting will be sent in the next few weeks.

I am delighted to share with you a story from Mr. Amaku our Lead Practitioner for Science, whose mother has returned to work as a nurse, at the age of 70, to assist the National Health Service in the UK at this time of crisis. It is a courageous and selfless gesture showing her deep sense of humanity and compassion for her profession and the welfare of others.

I hope you all enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Regards and best wishes,

Derek Laidlaw

Executive Principal