This is the first time I am writing to you as the newest member of the senior leadership team here at St John Plessington. In the short time I have spent here, I have been impressed by so many of our pupils who are thriving at school and feel proud to be part of our school community.

However, it is particularly disappointing that there are a number of pupils who choose not to follow our rules and meet the high standards and expectations we set for all pupils.

I am writing to inform you of the next steps we must take to ensure all pupils are meeting the high standards and expectations that we have set out in the behaviour policy. We have such high aspirations for pupils, Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils go on to destinations that reflect this.

I am so pleased at the parental support we have had so far with this, but I must state that we will not accept a lack of support when sanctioning pupils in relation to their behaviour or pushing for standards of respect and compliance with simple and reasonable rules. As a Catholic school, respect is at the heart of everything we do.

As a parent, I am sure you want an environment where teachers can teach without disruption, where pupils feel nurtured, supported and safe in school, and where simple and clear boundaries relating to respect and dignity are adhered.

The staff here at St John Plessington desire to provide the best education for all pupils and I am proud to be part of that team. We have recently reminded all pupils of the contents of the behaviour policy and how it must be adhered to at all times. We have recently sent a letter home reminding all families of this.

The behaviour policy is drafted to enable all our pupils the opportunity to stop and reflect on their disruptive behaviour, as well as recognise the impact it has on the learning of all pupils in the College. I expect your full support in this and ask that you take time to familiarise yourself with the policy. A key aspect of your support is to ensure your child comes to school in full uniform and has a fully equipped pencil case to ensure no unnecessary disruption to learning. For those parents who disagree with our stance to follow the behaviour policy, I request that you discuss this in an appropriate way with a member of the senior leadership team. I am looking at ways in which we can host positive parental engagement evenings so that we can work together to achieve our mutual desire - that your child has the best educational journey here at SJP. We have various methods of communicating with staff; please can I request that when contacting one of the team here, it done so in an appropriate manner.

This approach and a next chapter in the life of the College will cement a feeling of order and respect in our corridors and classrooms and will allow your child to thrive in lessons free from disruptions and be the best possible version of themselves.

In return, leaders at all levels will not rest until all teaching is the best it can be, with a collegiate staff body who are consistent and focused on the same collective goal. We are excited for the generations of SJP pupils who will benefit from the exciting times ahead.

Yours sincerely

Mrs E Wheeler
Executive Headteacher