08/12/2009 - to 6th & 7th Year Parents

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am writing to you to give you an update on the H1N1 flu virus. We continue to have cases of influenza every week at the English School, but we are not always certain that they are H1N1 cases, unless parents have had their child tested and inform us. There was some discussion by the Ministry about cancelling end of term arrangements, however they have decided not to impose this on schools. I have consulted with some Headteachers and Principals of other private schools and consequently have decided to continue with Parental Meetings and our Christmas celebrations at the end of term. However, I would like to make a plea – do not attend Christmas Concerts or Parents Consultation Meetings if you have any of the symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus.

Please also be vigilant with your children and do not send them to school if they have the H1N1 symptoms. If your child has anyof the symptoms or you suspect that they may have the virus please contact the school and inform us. This will help us to minimise the spread of the virus. We are also maintaining our supply of antiseptic hand gel, tissues and covered bins in all classrooms.

To remind you once again, the symptoms of the virus may include:

  • High temperature (usually above 38° C) and some of the following
  • Dry cough
  • Headache
  • Weakness and Tiredness
  • Muscle pains
  • Sore throat
  • Shivering
  • Vomiting and Diarrhea

More information on the virus can be found on the World health Organisation website
www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html (external link)
and on the Cyprus ministry of health website www.moh.gov.cy/moh/moh.nsf/All/D3B19E5271F39B1CC22575B0002913A7?OpenDocument(external link)

We thank you for your support in this matter.

Yours sincerely

DEBORAH DUNCAN
Head Teacher

06/11/2009 - to 6th & 7th Year Parents

Dear Parent / Guardian

It has come to my attention that a significant number of students in Years 6 and 7 are making doctor’s, dentist’s or other appointments on a Friday during lesson time or Community Service. The AS and A2 level courses are very demanding and the Community Service plays a vital role in the success of UCAS applications for universities. I would urge you, therefore, to discuss this matter with your son or daughter and avoid making appointments during the school day. There is plenty of time in the afternoon to arrange such appointments and research shows that good attendance at school is directly proportional to high attainment.

I would also like to ask you to discuss the merits of punctuality both in the morning and to lessons with your son or daughter. I have noticed that they are particularly slow at the end of breaks and they linger in the car park. This is impeding their learning and that of their peers. I will be asking teachers to issue Discipline Report Slips for lateness for those students who persist in being tardy.

I am sure I have your full support in these matters as the learning and academic success of your child is of paramount importance.
Yours sincerely

Deborah Duncan

Head Teacher

05/11/2009 - Parents' Meetings

Dear Parent / Guardian,

As part of my information gathering I intend to meet with parents for two question and answer sessions. The meetings will take place in the school hall at 7pm prompt and will last approximately one hour. The meetings will address some of the issues that have been raised by the parental survey as areas of concern.

Wednesday 11th November        Parents of Students in Years 1-3
Wednesday 18th November        Parents of Students in Years 4-7

Topics:

Teaching and Learning / Curriculum
Communication
Extra-curricular activities
Multi-cultural education

Please note that these dates are slightly different to those published in the original calendar. If you have children in both the upper and lower school, may I respectfully request that you choose to come to only one meeting as the content of both should be very similar.

I look forward to answering your questions honestly and to hearing your views.
Yours sincerely

Deborah Duncan
Head Teacher

19/10/2009

Parents of Year 5 Pupils: The Mathematics Curriculum at the English School and How This Affects Your Child

Thursday 29th October at 7pm in the School Hall.

On the request of some Year 5  parents regarding the Mathematics Curriculum at the School, we would like to invite you to a meeting on Thursday 29th October at 7.00 p.m. in the School Hall.

The meeting will take the following format :

  • Introduction by the Head Teacher, Ms Deborah Duncan
  • A summary of the history and philosophy behind the introduction of the one and a half
  • A Level mathematics course by the Deputy Head Teacher, Dr. C. Mavrommatis
  • An account of the syllabuses and their delivery by the Head of Department Ms. R. Demetriou
  • Question/answer session
  • Refreshments and informal discussion in the Hall