20 Dec Principal’s Christmas message
Dear Parent/Carer
As we draw to the end of an eventful term and look back over the past year, I wish you a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Term 1 2016 has been remarkable for the College: the summer examination results, the transformation of student behaviour and attitudes through our Positive Discipline Initiative, Parentmail, winning our fourth Green Flag as an Ambassador Eco School, sporting successes, the long list of student activities engaging with and giving to the community and a change in leadership to name but a few- we are looking forward to a break!
I am being asked from time to time, ‘Now that you have been there a whole term, what do you think?’ Reflecting on this, I think that the young people of this College (‘Ulidians’ as a year 8 class has called themselves!) are genuinely blessed. We are not perfect, we are not infallible but the heart in this school is unique and genuine. There is a warmth and spirit of giving in Ulidia, a depth of care and passion for profound learning that I am humbled to be part of.
There are exciting times ahead in 2017, with the College developing as new classrooms and a significant refurbishment of toilet facilities are coming onto site.
We are looking forward to our open days on Saturday (Morning) 28th January and Wed (Evening) 1st February, welcoming prospective new pupils to Ulidia and inviting them to find out what make this College unique.
The College is also growing as we move from an enrolment of 500 to 620, moving from success to success.
Communication, Parentmail and the Website
We are continually seeking to improve the ways in which we stay in touch and provide you with information about your child and activities at the College. We are currently undertaking a review of the website, newsletters, emails and the communication systems.
Equally, it is important that you connect your email address to Parentmail and download the app since from January we will only use Parentmail to contact you with regard to your child’s progress. January will also see the launch of payments for all school items from the canteen to trips to school fund through Parentmail – so again please download the app.
Just an early warning – there are two ways to pay through the Parentmail app: by linking to your direct debit account, or by PayPal. Please do not use PayPal unless in an emergency as the College are charged a significant fee every time you use it. We are more than willing to help you get payments set up through the app and your banking information will of course remain confidential to you at all times.
If you have any suggestions for improvement or comments about our links and communication of information, please write, telephone or email us at the numbers and addresses below.
Forthcoming events
A full breakdown of the College’s events, Open Days and activities can be found on the website, and I am always happy to meet parents/carers by appointment.
Again, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. We look forward to greeting your children back at the College on Wednesday 4th January for an even more successful 2017.
Michael Houston
Principal