Dear Parent/Carer
Another term begins and we are almost through another school year. So far, it has been a good year
and we have accomplished much. Below and overleaf are some items of news and information for the
term ahead.
Important dates this term:
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From 26th April – 28th April Years 7, 8 & 9 Literacy and Numeracy National Tests (Yr7 Literacy on
3rd May) – see school website for timetable
Monday 1st May, Bank Holiday Monday – School closed
W/C 15th May – Meet the Tutor, Parent Appointments for Yr9
W/C 5th June – Meet the Tutor, Parent Appointments for Yr8
23rd June – Yr11 Prom
Monday 26th June – Staff Training Day. School closed
From 27th June – Meet the Tutor, Parent Appointments for Yr10
Friday 30th June – Sports Day
Thursday 6th July – Year 6 Primary Transition Day and Parents Evening
W/C 10th July – Meet the Tutor, Parent Appointments for Yr7
11th & 12th July – Summer Show – We Will Rock You
Friday 21st July – End of Term
Thursday 24th August - GCSE Results Day
New Building Developments
We are still on track for the building to be handed over to the school on 22nd December 2017 and will
therefore be moving straight in to the new school site after the Christmas holidays (more details to
follow). The building is now watertight and the internal rooms are almost all in place. It really does
look as if it’s going to be a fantastic place to learn in. The opportunities also for the community to use
the site will also be wide ranging.
As you are aware, we are going to be sharing the site with CAVC (Cardiff & Vale College), which
essentially gives the school a Sixth Form, which is fantastic for continuity and should raise student
aspirations. In addition, it will give some of our staff the opportunity to teach A Levels.
We will still be called Eastern High; however, the campus or site we are located on will be called Eastern
Community Campus.
New Ties
As already mentioned the name of the school will remain the same as will the school logo and colours.
However, we have decided to change the school tie from September. Before I go further, the new tie
will be given to your child free of charge. From then on replacement or additional ties will incur the
usual charge.
The reason for the change is nothing to do with the new building but to do with our Colleges. Since
introducing them, many students have asked for ties that represent their College. It is also very useful
to have college ties from a staff point of view as it makes it easier to identify what college a student is in
and therefore easier to refer a student to a College Leader.
Colleges to Houses
I mentioned colleges above, but as we progress towards the new building, we have been working
increasingly with Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) who will be sharing the site with us. This has led to
some confusion at times when we refer to our Colleges therefore to make things easier for all; we have
decided to now refer to our Colleges as Houses.
Year 10 and 11 Exams
The GCSE’s begin a few weeks after the break. Year 11, who have been working very hard, will be joined
this year by Year 10 who are also sitting English, Maths and Science GCSEs. We are optimistic for both
year groups. Departments have been giving student revision guides for their subjects. Make sure your
child also checks out Mr Robinson’s revision videos on our website (there’s a link at the top of the home
page on the website).
Staff Leavers
A farewell goes to Mrs Bell who has led the Welsh Bacc in the school as well as organising all the
Personal & Social Education. Before Eastern High Mrs Bell worked at Llanrumney as a Head of English.
We wish her all the best in her new role in Wrexham and a big thank you for all she has done for the
community.
Year 7 Admissions
One of the best bits of news for me last term was that our first choice Year 7 admissions for the school
went from 86 last year to 188 for September 2017. This not only brings more money into the school,
but also allows us in time, to offer a broader more varied choice of curriculum for Key Stage 4 students.
As always thanks for all your support.
Regards
Armando Di-finizio
Head teacher