Where did January go? This term has whizzed past and as we look ahead to a good rest over half-term, we have much to be thankful for.
The school community were united in remembering Joe Couzins, our much-loved colleague who passed away a year ago last Thursday. Inremembrance, we have renamed the MUGA in his memory. The family were immensely appreciative and touched and have sent us a link to a JustGiving page to raise money for Mr Couzins favourite charity in his memory. If you would like to donate, please find the link HERE.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our families for your support this term in our drive for consistency. Students are now more prepared for this learning than ever and are fully equipped and ready for learning every day.
The rich opportunities provided have been extensive as ever. This term, students have enjoyed even more trips to the theatre, BBC Earth exhibition, Ravensbourne film workshops and Y7’s were awed and horrified in equal amounts to meet furry creatures during the annual Rainforest Workshops in their Geography lessons.
Our sports teams have racked up more successes and we are delighted that the Y10 Envision students presented amazingly well and took home the trophy! I am running out of space on our trophy shelf! We are currently resourcing a more sturdy cabinet to house all these amazing accolades.
Y11’s have the second round of PPE’s coming up after half-term and must use this time off to study and revise effectively, utilising the strategies shared with them and also, build in time for rest and recuperation.
Please do enjoy the break, and we look forward to lighter days and better weather during the next half-term.
Best wishes
Emma Thurston
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
We have a packed last week of this half-term!
Tuesday 6th February - Multi Year Mental Health Ambassadors meeting during Tutor Time
Tuesday 6th February - Multi Year Rainforest Experience
Tuesday 6th February - Y8 Brilliant Club
Tuesday 6th February - Y9 Careers Sessions in Sybil Phoenix Hall P1-3
Tuesday 6th February - Y10 Cambridge University Visit with Ms Nembhard all day
Tuesday 6th February - Multi Year Eco Committee meeting in 121 12.40
Wednesday 7th February - Y10 Turtle Key Arts Workshop in P1-3 Phoenix Hall
We look forwarding to welcoming Parents & Carers of Year 9 students on 7th February. Just to remind you that Parents Evening slots SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE VIA THE EMAIL SENT TO PARENTS FROM SCHOOL CLOUD. Thank you.
In addition to meeting with subject teachers we will also be running a Pathways Fayre (at the same time) to help guide students in choosing the subjects they will go on to study at GCSE.
AT THE PARENTS EVENING, OUR PTA WILL BE SELLING REFRESHMENTS INCLUDING CAKES & BISCUITS TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE PTA: FRIENDS OF DEPTFORD GREEN GROUP.
PLEASE DO SUPPORT THEM AS THEY START TO GET THE GROUP OFF THE GROUND AND PLEASE REMEMBER, DEPTFORD GREEN IS A CASHLESS SCHOOL SO PLEASE, CARD PAYMENTS ONLY!
Click HERE to access our interactive LGBTQIA+ Reading List
Click HERE to access the Stonewall website. Stonewall work with Schools & Colleges and have worked with us in the past...
'Stonewall was founded on 24 May 1989, one year to the day since Section 28 became law. Section 28 was a piece of legislation that banned the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by schools and councils across most of the UK, and led to a total suppression of LGBTQ+ identities in schools.
We’ve spent more than 30 years working towards a world where all children and young people have access to an LGBTQ-inclusive education. We have travelled a path from Section 28, to every child in most of the UK learning about our lives, families and relationships as part of the national curriculum'.
PARENTS/CARERS: PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE FOODBANK READY!
For more details, please scroll below to the Parent/Carer Information section.
IF YOU LOVE A BIT OF DRAMA...GET INVOLVED!
DANTE & YUSSUF INTERVIEWED MR NEIL
Yussuf: Where are you from originally?
Mr Neil: Originally, I am Jamaican, but I was born in London in St. Guys hospital and I have lived in New Cross most of my life.
Dante: What was it like growing up here?
Mr Neil: I grew up in a cul-de-sac so I was surrounded by people around my own age so I was always in a community I got along with and that helped me attain certain qualities that I could use in my future.
Yussuf: Given that you attended Deptford Green as a pupil, how has the school developed and how has it changed since you were here?
Mr Neil: Schools in general have changed a lot as back then there was a lot less safeguarding, and you could literally walk out the gate if you wanted to! From Y9 we went off site to have lunch and if you wanted to have a fight (not that I did!) you could go out to the local park to do it. It was just a different environment in terms of the social culture. Outside of school now is similar to what it was but the environment inside the school is very different.
Dante: What did you study at university?
Mr Neil: At university I studied English Literature and Drama and then went off to do a Masters Degree in Teaching. The English Degree and Drama combination was good because, as I studied Shakespearean literature in English, we would then practice it in Drama.
Yussuf: Did you have any other jobs prior to teaching?
Mr Neil: I did but they were all only small jobs here and there. I learnt how to network by socialising with different people, how to barter and many more useful skills. A challenge I faced while I was bartending for example, was I had to adhere to “the customer is always right” mantra which sometimes felt like the exact opposite of what was true!
Dante: Why did you choose to teach English?
Mr Neil: I picked teaching English because I love the subject. I love English because I love words, making up words, big words, finding definitions of different words, using them in different contexts and trying to confuse people with a big vocabulary!
Yussuf: What's your favourite thing about your job?
Mr Neil: My favourite thing is working with young people. I only come to school for them. I always say if the students unanimously decided not to come in, I wouldn’t come in either! I like working with different year groups and watching students grow and mature. For example, you guys came to DG as little kids with massive backpacks to now being at the top of the student hierarchy! I see how you've developed intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Watching you grow into such amazing young men and women, it motivates me knowing I've contributed to your development.
Yussuf: Also I know you have been working on rolling out some Podcasts for school. Can you tell us a little bit about that please?
Mr Neil: Essentially the podcasts we have been doing are academic - currently based on the Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology that Y11 do for their GCSE's. It is a mixture of Y10 & Y11 students talking about their take on the featured poems using different meta cognitive statements to direct their discussion. Watch this space as we will soon be uploading them so that Y11's can use them for revision purposes and we will eventually broaden the scope to include other subjects, academic or otherwise.
Dante: What hobbies do you have outside of school?
Mr Neil: I like writing stories and poems. I do Dance regularly, every Sunday in fact and I enjoy it because it is physically active and creative and I love the performances - I have even performed at the Barbican. I'm currently writing an animated show for TV with one of my friends. I think it is a good idea but although I can't say much about it as I don't want to spoil too much but trust me, the idea for the show is class even if I say so myself!
Yussuf: What book would you recommend to teenagers?
Mr Neil: My favourite fiction book is The Hunger Games because it is a very interesting idea and has been developed into a series of films. My favourite non-fiction books is 'The 48 Laws of Power' which is a book about the self and psychology, but I think you need to pass a certain level in life to read it.
Dante & Yussuf: Thank you Mr Neil.
Mr Neil: You are welcome.
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT SCHOOL?
JOE, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
It was a year ago on the 1st February that we lost our esteemed colleague Joe Couzins to cancer. Joe had worked with us for many years as a PE teacher and as a Head of Year, a job he loved and one that he was exceptional at.
He made a huge difference in the lives of our students, showing courage and bravery and an abundance of resilience. Our school community wanted to rename our games area in his honour and this has happened today. Joe, forever in our hearts.
Thank you Mr Paish.
From Left to right: Ese (Y8), Sheetal (Y10), Inalen (Y9), Noora (Y7) and Desmond (Y7)
These superstar students on our School Council, presented to our Senior Leadership Team last week. To show our appreciation, Ms Thurston invited them to Hot Chocolate Friday with her. In Ms Thurston's own words, "what a gorgeous way to start the day!"
Y8 ENRICHMENT REWARD TRIP TO THE NATIONAL THEATRE
As a reward for excellent attendance to our enrichment clubs in the first term (Autumn) of this school year, our Y8's got to go with Ms Nembhard to the National Theatre to see 'The Witches' and a fun time was had by all (including Ms Nembhard who I think is paying someone!)
These are a few of the comments written by, Anna, Ese, Harley and Maja:
“It was an amazing experience with fun people and a great musical. We went to see ‘The Witches’ with Ms Nembhard who was wonderful and awesome to be with.”
“The Musical was extremely funny and exciting! The Grand High Witch’s accent was legend!”
“For a show called ‘The Witches’, it was absolutely musical and fantastical and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“The story was so enthralling, it pulled me in immediately. The visuals were something that could only happen in a magical universe????
Y10 ENVISION FINAL: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNING TEAM!
What a Final! Our Envision team wins!
The team showcased their resilience and initiative when they were faced with massive delays on public transport on their way to the Envision Final.
Their optimism and determination never waned, and they made it just in time to deliver a thoughtful, professional and inspiring presentation to an audience of business people, other schools and a panel of judges.
The panel, their coach and the team’s business mentors praised their teamwork and creativity, organisation and communication skills.
Envision trustees in the audience also commented on how clear it was that they had worked collaboratively over the 12 weeks and supported each other to grow.
Everyone was very interested in the issue the girls had decided to highlight: the need to improve financial literacy amongst young people, particularly as they move on to college and work. The team had even taken time out of their busy schedule to attend a financial information workshop on taxes and payslips so they were better informed and could disseminate the information amongst their peers.
The mentors from Nuveen, the employer we have worked with over the last couple of years, felt that their own experience working with Deptford Green, has been so positive and enriching and they particularly enjoyed working with the team.
The team was crowned Envision Champion and received an award and individual feedback.
We are incredibly proud of all of them and look forward to starting the programme with a new team after half-term.
If you want to know more and would like your child to be in the next Envision team, get in touch at cnembhard@deptfordgreen.co.uk
Mr Ramsay took the students above to take part in Debate Mate on Thursday 25th January. He asked some of the students to write some feedback for us and here it is:
Noora: 'Last week there was 'quite the debate', which was being held at Sydney Russell School. Our students who took part had lots to say about this trip, but we could not get over how amazing the journey was! One of our students in the team, Kareem (Y10), said, "The journey was memorable, the school was beautiful, it's nice to see this club grow and to see the newer students getting better, and I'm looking forward to the next one!'
Kareem: 'During our trip, we were faced with 2 motions that both teams had to debate. We had to raise an argument on whether we should ban Reality TV and if there should be a curfew in place for Under 16’s. Anna (Y8), who was on my team said that she "really enjoyed the debates as they allowed us to bond and build the relationship we have as a team". The debates themselves were all extremely tense, and despite both teams losing, we can all agree that we had an amazing time. Everything from the journey to the experience is one I am sure we will all cherish for many years'.
Well done to everyone who took part, including Ilia (Y8), Megan (Y9), Xavier (Y8), Katie (Y7), Noora (Y7), Hephzibah (Y8), Amon (Y8), Anna (Y8), Ese (Y8), Ashley (Y8), and Joshua (Y8). Special Thanks to Megan (The Teacher/Adjudicator) and Mr. Ramsey
Thank you Kareem and Noora - this is excellent. You have been rewarded with Lorics!
On Wednesday 31st January, about 36 Y10 & Y11 students and a few staff went to the Peacock Theatre in Aldwych to watch 'Tess' produced by Turtle Key Arts who are also coming in to work with our students this week which is really exciting!
Y11's were asked to observe the production and make notes as they are working toward their GCSE which is coming up fast! 'Tess' is based on the Thomas Hardy novel 'Tess of the D'ubervilles' which is an intensely rich and dark novel. We have the novel in the library if anyone is interested!
Thank you to Mr Heelbeck for organising the trip and to Mr Paish and Mr Jones too for helping make it such a great trip!
Leyla Y11: School Captain
Dear students, staff and parents/carers,
As your Environmental School Captain, I am excited to share with you some of the eco-school strategies we have planned for the coming months.
Firstly, I would like to invite each and every one of you to join us for a litter pick during the first week back after the half-term break. This activity not only helps to keep our school grounds clean and beautiful, but it also fosters a sense of community and responsibility towards our environment. We believe that everyone together can make a difference and we would love to see as many people as possible getting involved.
I am thrilled to announce that our eco committee has been hard at work, brainstorming and putting together our first-ever strategy. We believe that collaboration is key, and we are open to accepting support, input, and ideas from all members of our school community. We encourage staff members to join us in our mission to create a more sustainable school environment.
We want to create a space where everyone feels welcome to contribute their ideas and suggestions. Whether you have a passion for recycling, energy conservation, or biodiversity, we want to hear from you. Together, we can build a stronger, greener, and more environmentally conscious school.
The power of collective action cannot be underestimated. Together, we can make a real difference in preserving our planet for future generations.
Thank you Leyla - this is fantastic and well done to all the Eco committee for working hard on our behalf.
A GENTLE REMINDER: OUR NEW POETRY ANTHOLOGY IS NOW AVAILABLE TO BUY FOR £2 THROUGH PARENTPAY
Well done to all our contributors who have been rewarded through our LORIC Reward System...
Lina lighting up the librarywith the light she made in DT. Well done Lina! You should be so proud!
When we come back from half-term, I will be calling any students who want to be a part of designing a banner to put up on Pagnall Street near the underpass asking motorists to SLOW DOWN as our school is so close to it and students (and other members of the public) are trying to cross a very busy road.
The raised surface on the road between the underpass and the park is so confusing for both motorists and pedestrians and there is often confusion as to whether cars will stop or whether people should cross! Having a banner there will, we hope, alert motorists to the potential danger.
Thank you to Ms Thurston for suggesting the idea.
This week Y8 went to experience 'Seven Worlds, One Planet' narrated by David Attenborough. The experience shows the depth and vast landscape of our planet and allowed our learners to think about the planet in different ways.
Learners were surrounded by a 360 visual journey exploring iconic landscapes and wildlife. It was a fantastic way to explore the world without even needing a passport!
Thank you Mr Stamp.
Y7's developing their investigation skills in Science. How does Gravitational energy affect the bounce of a ball?
Y8's have been learning about Thermal Equilibrium and Energy Transfer.
Y9's are busily identifying and labelling unknown substances, acid or alkali using a universal indicator.
Thank you Ms Heiser for curating the photos so nicely & thanks Ms Manning for such engaging & fun lessons!
FOOTBALL
The Y7 girls beat Eltham hill in the cup last week. They were one nil down and then Katherine equalised. After extra time it remained 1-1 and they then won the penalty shoot out. Amanda, Katherine and Emelie scored their penalties and won 3 -1
Safi was voted player of the match. She made lots of saves in the match and then saved two penalties in the shoot out. Well done to all of them, to Ms Calvert for training them and for Ms Nembhard who helped organise the fixture.
Y8 & 9 Girls Football Team played really well against St Dunstan's last week! They just narrowly lost 3 -2. It was a challenging game as the girls hadn't trained together since before Christmas, but still well done, well played and thanks as always to Ms Calvert!
The school are now registered to be able to issue Foodbank Vouchers to any of our families who may need them. There is a referral process we have to follow, so if you want us to issue you with some vouchers, please contact Ms Coffey: acoffey@deptfordgreen.co.uk
Thank you Ms Coffey
AS WE APPROACH THE HALF-TERM HOLIDAY...
Click HERE from information on our website including:
Student/parent support services during school closure - click HERE
We have been asked by Lewisham Council, SEND Services to find out about your experiences with the services you have received for your child/young person, so that they can look at improving them. Please see their message below.
SURVEY: PARENTS & CARERS FEEDBACK ON SEND SERVICES TO LEWISHAM COUNCIL
For those of you who would still like to offer feedback to the council about SEND services, please share your views through this 10-minute survey BEFORE 19TH FEBRUARY 2024 - please click HERE
The findings will be shared in a report with SEND service providers and commissioners.
Thank you for your kind help
Siang Ing Lee: Public Health Specialist Trainee, Public Health Team
Lewisham Council
PLEASE, if you have any old or unused uniform or any uniform your child has outgrown, please could you donate it to school? We will be very grateful.
Thank you.
HAVE A LOVELY & SAFE HALF TERM HOLIDAY!
SEE YOU BACK IN SCHOOL ON MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY AT THE NORMAL TIME.
