As the colder winter weather has started to kick in, sadly student absence has increased this week. This is disappointing after what had been a brilliant first few months of attendance. I do know that pupils get ill. Indeed, my own Year 9 daughter missed her first day of school this term on Tuesday when she had a temperature and a hacking cough. 

However, high attendance at school is critical to students’ learning and their sense of being connected to their friends and staff at school. With this in mind, next week we are launching an attendance challenge as we step into December.

12 Day Attendance Challenge

From Thursday 4th December, each day we will be running a draw in the afternoon registration session. This will be the first of our 12 Days of Christmas, running up to the last day of term.

Each tutor group from Year 7 to 11 has a stocking in their form room with mystery gifts. These items have been chosen following ideas from each year, and each afternoon there will be a ‘Spin to Win’ where a different student's name will be drawn at random to select a present. Obviously, the student has to be ‘in it to win it’ so if a student were away on that day, the draw would be repeated, so all students present have a chance to win.

In the last week of term, the gifts get bigger… but more of that nearer the time. For now, let’s aim for 100% attendance next week – and from Thursday ask your child who won the mystery gifts in their tutor group.

Greenshaw Learning Trust: Winter Concert 2025

You will know that Greenshaw High School was the founder school of a very successful multi-academy trust with nearly 40 schools. As they stretch across the south of England, from Croydon to Plymouth, when we celebrate we often do this in regions.

I am delighted that Greenshaw will have performers at the GLT Winter Concert 2025, held at Charterhouse School Chapel, over in Godalming. Nine of our secondary schools from the GLT will be taking part in this collaborative event, bringing students together from Brakenhale School, Broadwater School, Coombe Wood School, Greenshaw High School, Hartland High School, Oakbank School, Orchard Park High School, Park House School and Wallington County Grammar School.

The service will include fantastic contributions from students, reflections from senior leaders and some favourite congregational carols. It will be a wonderful time together and we hope you might join us on Tuesday 9th December 2025. Doors open at 17:30 and the service starts at 18:00 at The Chapel, Charterhouse School – Hurtmore Road, Godalming, GU7 2DX. If you are able to join us, please book free tickets in advance by clicking on this link. 

Flu vaccinations Years 7 to 11

The flu vaccination for Years 7 to 11 will take place in school on Tuesday 2nd December. Students are expected to attend school as normal following the vaccination. If your child experiences any mild discomfort, please provide suitable pain relief so they can continue with their day.

Please note that absences for low-level illness following the vaccination will be recorded as unauthorised on our attendance records.

Greenshaw chess team

On Monday 24th November, our school took part in the Chess in Schools and Communities Qualifier that would allow us a chance to win the English Schools Chess Championships (pictured). Ultimately, after a long hour of fun, companionship and high spirits, we won the tournament and are now in the bracket.

Our team consisted of many players who were passionate about chess and chose to  give  up a substantial amount of their evening in order to help us prevail. I must truly give a special thanks to Patrick, Liam (Year 7), Ian, Aiden (Year 8), Bhatiyar, Shivam and Matthew (Year 9), Puviganth and Thusan (Year 11), for accompanying me to help us win this tournament.

Even though our team would not have been half as effective without each other, I must acknowledge the fact of the excellent display of chess shown by Patrick, Puviganth and Bhatiyar. They, along with me, ranked in the top five of the tournament, and without them, we would not have won by such a large margin.

Finally, I must thank Greenshaw High School for allowing us to have the tournament. They graciously lent us the Sixth Form computer room for the evening, as well as encouraging us to always try our best. I speak on behalf of the team when I say that without this, victory would have been impossible.

Krishang, Captain of the Greenshaw Chess Team

Students of the week

Congratulations goes to our stars of the week listed below for maintaining their commitment, focus and sense of drive. Well done to one and all!

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
Riley B	Ben B	Reggie	Kai	Bryan	tbc

Wishing you all a warm weekend – and let’s hit 100% attendance on Monday, and then on into the week as the first festive celebrations start with our 12 Days of Christmas prize draws.

Mr N House, Headteacher