To support those families who are struggling financially this year, we would like to put together Christmas packages. We are looking for donations of food and other items from the list below (for guidance only, please feel free to donate what you can). Your support would be massively appreciated . Any donations can be bought to Ms Morris’ office between 27 November and 15 December. 

• Mince pies
• Cakes
• Crisps
• Sweets/chocolates/candy canes
• Store cupboard puddings (Christmas pudding and custard or yule log)
• Crackers for the table on Christmas day
• Hot chocolate and marshmallows
• Biscuits/savoury biscuits/crackers
• Festive chocolates
• Non-alcoholic drinks 
• Selection boxes
• Gingerbread making kit 
• New and unopened toiletries of any kind

All donations due by 15 Dec

Today we launch the Year 10 Prefect application process. Our Year 10 pupils are invited to complete a rigorous application process consisting of a written application and interviews with a Head of House. Once selected, all prefects will receive Level 1 safeguarding and leadership and team building training. Once trained, they will provide valued support at school events such as Year 6 Transition, Open Evening and Year 11 Parents’ Evenings, supporting their peers and being relied upon to showcase the very best that Dame Elizabeth Cadbury has to offer.

Well done to our very own student, Otis M, who did amazingly well this weekend competing with gymnasts from all around the world. Otis is tumbling 13 to 14 world champion for 2023 and came 1^st winning a Gold Medal. Fantastic!

On Friday 10th November, a group of DEC students went to watch the ‘World Trampolining Championships’ at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham as reward for their hard work in PE lessons and Extra-Curricular clubs. Throughout the day we watched elite gymnasts performing on the Trampolines, the Double Mini Trampolines and the Tumbling tracks. It was an incredible day, filled with lots of enthusiasm and cheering from the crowd and inspired performances!

This week is Road Safety Week. ‘Let’s talk about speed’ is Brake’s Road Safety Week 2023 theme. The 2023 campaign will start the conversation about why speeding is thought of as acceptable in some situations, what happens when we speed and why reducing speed saves lives. Five people die on roads every day, so why do we still think it’s OK to speed? At Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, we will be reminding our pupils about how we can all use roads safely to protect ourselves and each other. 

Road Safety Week

International Day of Tolerance is observed annually on 16 November with the primary aim of promoting mutual understanding and respect among all the diverse cultures and communities across the globe. At Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, our Theme of the Week this week is Celebrating Diversity, and our assemblies will focus on tolerance and will link to our Fundamental British Values and our DEC value of Respect. Pupils will learn about the history of International Day of Tolerance and its establishment by the United Nations. 

Since the start of this year, our Attendance Officer has completed 126 home visits to support pupils and families with absences from school, in most cases resulting in improved attendance. It is important to us that all children feel safe and supported when attending school and we are keen to work with you to ensure that your child feels this way.

Unfortunately, the local authority has already issued 20 Fixed Penalty Notices for avoidable school absence this academic year. We would remind parents and carers that we do not authorise any term time holidays and would ask you to familiarise yourself with the attendance & punctuality guidance for parents and carers available via our website.

Please email enquiry@decschool.co.uk with the subject – ‘For the attention of Head of House for X – Attendance’ if there is anything we can do to support you or your child.

13th-17^th November is national anti-bullying week. The theme for this years anti-bullying week is “make a Noise about bullying” more details on this can be found at the following link.  https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2023-make-noise-about-bullying/anti-bullying-week-2023-make-noise-about-bullying.

During this week pupils at Dame Elizabeth Cadbury will have the opportunity to take part in different activities, including a poetry competition, odd socks day on Friday 17th, assemblies, PSHE sessions as well as a poster competitions. These activities will be advertised by our Antibullying Ambassadors in school, with key reminders on how bullying can be reported.

Get involved and Make a noise about bullying.

Respect – Treat each other as we want to be treated.

Aspire – to be kind and make the right choices.

Believe – In yourself and in others

Commit – To reporting anything you see that is unkind.

What is happening?

• Poster competition

• PSHE topic on antibullying

• Assemblies

• ABA key messages

• Antibullying Poetry competition

As always if you are experiencing bullying please reach out and tell someone.

Ways to report:

•Tell a member of staff

•Tell an ABA

•Tell your HOH

•Complete a referral form found in the PA office or reception.

To coincide with International Stress Awareness Week (30 October – 3 November) last week, we have shared with staff and pupils the following top tips to combat stress. In April, we will recognise Stress Awareness Month with whole school events and further signposting to support. More information on managing stress can be found at Every Mind Matters – NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/