JS/JEC
NEWLOGO
March, 2014
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Changing with the times - new year, new image
Exciting changes are underway at Heysham High! I have already shared with you my plans for the
school buildings and grounds, and the refurbishments which are taking place, and I am now in a
position to let you know about some smaller scale but equally important changes being introduced
between now and the beginning of the next school year in September.
Change of logo
One of the things I have been very keen to address has been the overall image of the school and
the way we present ourselves to the world. A look at our website gives a picture of what we stand
for and what is happening in school, from both an academic and an enrichment point of view.
However, I feel that our existing logo does not reflect the vital, dynamic school that I inherited in
September. It has been in existence for twenty years and is no longer fit for purpose. We have
been discussing changes to the school logo with a professional design company for some months
now, and consulting with the Student Council and school governors, and I am pleased to introduce
our new logo and mission statement to you.
Heysham High aims to be an outstanding, oversubscribed school with
world class facilities and a thriving sixth form. We will provide an
outstanding curriculum that meets all students' needs and fully
prepares them for the future. We are committed that the school and
its students play a central role in the community; locally, nationally
and internationally.
Our students will recognise that with courage, determination,
scholarship and compassion, anything is possible.
The "helix" logo represents a DNA strand; the starting point of lifelong learning and the platform
from which all things are possible. The colours represent the different houses to which students
belong to foster a sense of healthy competition and the middle "H" places Heysham High at the
centre of its community and responsibilities. This new logo will be on all logo-ed items of uniform
for next September
Changes to uniform for September
We have been consulting with members of the School Council and Governing Body about changes
in uniform requirements, and we have taken the decision that as from September, 2014, Heysham
High uniform will not include a blazer. Instead, all students will wear a grey, v-necked jumper
carrying the new logo.
I am aware that opinion on the wearing of blazers will be split, but I am sure that the wearing of
jumpers and ties will smarten the appearance of our students, and it will certainly be less costly.
We have also listened to the views of students and parents who say they dislike the current clip-on
ties, so in September all students will be wearing traditional ties. Whilst we are making this
transition, we will also be moving to having one type of tie, rather than ties in house colours.
Also, the School Council has been telling us for some time now that our girls would like to return to
wearing ties as part of their uniform so, also from September, all girls will need to be wearing a
shirt and tie rather than the open necked blouses they are wearing at the moment.
Costs and exceptions
The new jumpers will cost £18, which is a considerable saving on the cost of a blazer, and the new
ties will be priced at £4.
However, I am aware that some students will have blazers that could have been worn again next
year, so in the first instance in September, if the blazer is handed in in exchange, we will be
discounting the cost of a jumper to £15
The jumpers and ties will only be available to purchase from school.
The only students exempted from wearing the new jumper and tie will be students in year 11. If
they wish to do so, year 11s may continue to wear blazers, black jumpers for boys and black
cardigans for girls, and the current style of clip on tie. They may, of course, if they wish, wear the
new grey jumper and new tie. The only rule here is that they may not wear a combination of the
two.
I will be in contact with you again as soon as possible to give you more details of opportunities to
purchase new items of uniform. We are, of course, making every effort to keep the costs as low as
possible.
I am sure that you will agree with me that having a smart, businesslike appearance is hugely
important. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride in the school and presents an efficient and
well-ordered image in the community. I am grateful, as always, for your support and help in this
matter.
Exciting times!
Yours sincerely,
John Shannon,
Headteacher