Friday 9th October
Co-headteachers’ welcome
At this time of year, the political party conference season provides a visible reminder of an important part of democracy. Conferences provide opportunities to debate, challenge and develop ideas and policies, many of which may ultimately shape future election manifestos. Whatever our individual political views, the underlying principles of having a voice, listening to different perspectives and contributing to decisions that affect our communities are important ones.
Those same principles of participation and representation are ones we want our students to experience in school. This term, we held our first whole-school Student Parliament of the year, following elections across the school. Our elected representatives will be led by our new School Presidents and will have a genuine opportunity to contribute ideas, raise issues and help shape aspects of school life. As we often say, it is very much “by the students, for the students.” I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve together this year.
Of course, having a voice is only meaningful if we are prepared to listen, and this applies just as importantly to the relationship between school and home. We have been delighted to welcome so many parents and carers into school already this term. From our Larch Information Evenings and introduction evenings for our new Year 7 families, to pre-trip meetings for experiences such as the Battlefields trip and our sports tour to Portugal, these opportunities allow us to share information, answer questions and, importantly, build relationships. We know that the strongest education for a young person comes when students, families and school work together.
Listening must also lead to action. Following feedback from both parents and staff, we have decided to move towards more face-to-face Student Consultation Evenings. These conversations matter. They give parents, students and teachers the opportunity to discuss learning and wellbeing together, celebrate what is going well and, most importantly, agree what our students can do next to continue making progress. Technology has given schools many efficient ways to communicate, but sometimes there is simply no substitute for sitting down together and having a meaningful conversation.
At the same time, we want to use technology where it can make communication clearer, more consistent and more useful. One important development this year is the introduction of Provision Map, which will strengthen how we plan, record and communicate the support provided for students with additional needs. The system will enable us to bring individual student profiles, learning plans, targets, interventions and reviews together in one place, while helping staff monitor progress and evaluate the impact of support. It will also strengthen communication with parents, carers and students, helping everyone involved in a young person’s education to have a clearer understanding of the support in place and how they can contribute to the next steps. For us, its introduction is not simply about adopting another piece of software; it is about improving consistency between home and school and ensuring that conversations about support remain focused on the individual student.
Of course, strong communication is not only about the systems we use, but also about creating opportunities to listen to one another. We are therefore continuing to strengthen dialogue across our community through the launch of our new Staff & Parent Diversity Forum, which you can read more about in the article below.
And, of course, some of the most important voices we listen to are those of our students themselves. This term, we are once again carrying out our annual wellbeing survey across our all-through school. This gives us valuable insight into how our children and young people are feeling, both individually and collectively, and helps us identify themes across different ages and phases of the school. Most importantly, the information we gather informs what we do. It helps to shape our provision, directs interventions and support where they are needed, and gives us an invaluable overall picture of wellbeing across the school. Alongside the work of our Student Parliament, it is another important way in which we listen carefully to our students and use what they tell us to inform our next steps.
Ultimately, good communication is about much more than sharing information; it is about listening, responding and working together. Whether through our Student Parliament and School Presidents, our wellbeing survey, the Staff & Parent Diversity Forum, face-to-face Student Consultation Evenings, meetings and events, or improved systems such as Provision Map, we want every part of our community to have a voice and to feel heard.
One of the great strengths of being an all-through school is the richness of our community: children and young people at every stage of their education, families bringing different experiences and perspectives, and staff united by a shared commitment to helping every student flourish. We will not always agree on everything, nor should we, but there is enormous value in continuing to listen to one another, communicate openly and work together. That partnership between students, families and staff is fundamental to the school we want to be and to how we continue to learn, improve and make the very best decisions for the children and young people in our care. By the students, for the students, and in partnership with our whole school community.
Sixth Form Open Evening – Wednesday 14 October, 5.30–7.30pm
For all current Year 11 students and their families
Come along to our Sixth Form Open Evening and discover what makes Simon Balle Sixth Form a great place to continue your education after GCSEs.
Three reasons to come along:
- Academic Success – Find out how we support students to achieve their academic potential and succeed in their chosen subjects.
- Personal Development – Discover our wide range of enrichment and extracurricular opportunities that help students develop confidence, skills and experiences beyond the classroom.
- Destinations – Find out how we prepare students for their next steps, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, employment or other post-18 pathways.
Meet our staff and current students, explore our courses and facilities, and get answers to your questions about Sixth Form.
Musical News
Assemblies
The new term kicked off with an inspiring assembly led by our student presidents. Centred on “New Beginnings and Aspirations,” their message showcased the meaningful impact of our Student Parliament. Follow-up assemblies have continued to explore key values, including courage, diversity, and inclusion.
Last week, assemblies across the all-through school focused on our Behaviour Curriculum – specifically the explicit teaching of behaviour. We reflected on how small daily actions can uplift others and inspire us to strive for our best. Boxer Katie Taylor served as our exemplar of resilience, showing students what it means to break down barriers, work hard, and maintain respect. Our students engaged really well throughout.
Harvest Festival
Our Larch students enjoyed the Harvest festival at the church and was lovely to read comments from Rev Simon Cutmore:
The Harvest Celebration was just a joy! Read and sung participation was well rehearsed, paced and clear. The singing was joyful and full of meaning.
All in all, what was offered this morning by the whole school community tipped over from being performance to true collective worship – deeply spiritual without focussing on any specific religious tradition, and with plenty of space for thoughtful wondering.
MFL Bake Off
On Monday 28th September, the MFL Department hosted our exciting MFL Bake Off as part of our celebrations of European Day of Languages. We were delighted by the fantastic range of creative and imaginative entries, with students showcasing both their baking skills and their enthusiasm for different languages and cultures. Students had the opportunity to view the cakes at lunchtime and vote for their favourite. Here are the winning entries! A massive well done to Oscar & Felix G, Ava P, Emily A, Gemma W, Caitlyn F, Alice P and Sofia B!
SEND
If you would like to speak to a member of the SEND team, a virtual appointment of up to 15 minutes can be made using the following link: Virtual SEND Team Appointments
Support with Year 11 and Year 12 Practice Interviews
Thank you to everyone who has offered support with our Careers programme this year. With the success of our sixth form entries this year, we will need lots of volunteers for Y12 interview practice.
If you have interviewing experience and can help with the Practice Interviews on the dates below, please complete the Google Form.
- Y11 20th November 2026 – Whole School Day (ELSA Get Work Ready)
- Y12 (1) 3rd December 2026 – Approx 9am to 1pm
- Y12 (2) 10th December 2026 – Approx 9am to 1pm
If you would like further information about the other careers activities on the Google Form, please follow this link to the letter sent out at the end of the last academic year. If you have any other questions, please email carrm@siomonballe.herts.sch.uk.
Staff & Parent Diversity Forum – We would love to hear from you
It has been a real pleasure meeting with parents, carers, and staff at the start of this term to discuss diversity, inclusion, and representation. Hearing such a range of perspectives about our school community has been a genuinely powerful and inspiring experience.
I would love to extend this opportunity to the wider school community by launching a Staff & Parent Diversity Forum. If you would like to be involved, please email me at pooleyj@simonballe.herts.sch.uk.
Once interest is registered, I will confirm the date and time for our first meeting.
Thank you to everyone who is already working alongside us as we reflect, listen, and strive to become an even more inclusive community.
Lego bricks and magnet tiles donations Wanted
We’re looking for any donations of LEGO bricks and/or magnet tiles that we can use in KS1 for a club after half term.
If you have any spare pieces at home that you no longer need, please drop any donations into the Larch Office. Thank you for your support!
Library News
Foreign Language Friday
The first Foreign Language Friday of the year took place on Friday 2nd October. Students had the opportunity to practise speaking in French, Spanish, Italian and German in the real-life scenario of being in a restaurant abroad. They took turns to play the role of the waiter and the customer and they ordered food from real menus from each of the countries.
ROALD DAHL QUIZ RESULTS!
Well done to everyone who participated in the Roald Dahl quiz in the library on Thursday 24th September.
Congratulations to the winner and runners-up!
In third place: Harry (7A) and Henry (7L)
In joint second place: Clara (8R), Edward (8M), and Mikeyla (8R)
In first place: Alexa (7B)
Travel to school
Thank you for your support with the changes to the car park – it is noticeably quieter (and therefore safer) at the start and end of the day. However, we have received numerous complaints about drivers parking on double yellow lines and the zigzags outside the school. Please use common sense and do not put pedestrians and other road users at risk: the London Road car park is an 11 minute walk and is a much safer and more sensible place for drop offs and pick ups.
Council consultations
PSA
Joules Outlet Sale – 7th November
On Friday 20th November, the Joules Outlet team will return, setting up a pop up shop in the Larch Hall. This is a fantastic Christmas shopping opportunity where you will find something for everyone all at bargain prices. Save up to 70% off high street prices. Sale preview tickets are £8 and will allow early entry at 6pm into the sale room. General sale tickets are just £6, doors open at 6.30pm.
Tickets available on our website. Please share with friends and family, we need to sell 150 tickets in order for this event to be successful.
We are also looking for volunteers for this event. Free entry and early access to all of our helpers! Volunteer here.
UV Discos – Years 1 to 8, 13th November
We’re delighted to announce that our UV Discos will be taking place on Friday 13th November, in the secondary hall. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate the season with UV lights, music, dancing, and plenty of fun with friends.
Book your tickets via the yeargroup links but hurry – spaces are limited.
Frost Fair Laser Show – 5th December. Save the datet!
Sponsored boards
Kings Group is one of our sponsors for this year’s Festive Light Show on 5th December. For every board displayed, the PSA will receive £10. Complete this short form if you are able to display a board at a given address: https://forms.gle/Z2TNKDQ7p76jvVSV8
£50 will be given to the class or form with the most sign ups by Friday 30th October. This incentive is open to both primary and secondary phases. The £50 reward must be spent on items, equipment or activities that will directly benefit the students of the winning class or form.
If your company is able to sponsor this event, please get in touch by half term so that we can include your artwork on our printed material.
Stallholders wanted
We are looking for a number of stallholders to make our Festive Light Show special. This year, all pitches are just £15 to reflect a shorter winter event and will be outside. We encourage you to wrap up warm, bring a weighted gazebo and for an added touch of magic, why not bring some battery operated lights to decorate your pitch. If you are interested in making a booking, please email us with what you plan to offer so that we can check existing bookings: psa@simonballepsa.org.uk
A message from Busy Lizzies
We are excited to announce that we are ready to accept bookings for our October 2026 Holiday Club and Sports Club.
We have two exciting holiday booking options for your children to choose from:
Holiday Club – Open for ages Reception to Year 6 at all schools and children aged 3-4 year who attend Busy Lizzies Nursery provision.
Available dates – Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October.
We will be based in the Larch Hall and have access to the playground and Astro turf. We will offer free flow play and have various games and activities each day including: Air hockey, board games, arts and crafts, small world/construction area, dolls house, snooker/pool, dance mat, loombands, lego, reading/quiet area and many more. We will also offer outside play to include our ever popular ezy riders, bikes, trikes and various sports, alongside our gardening club and access to the farm
Sports Club – Open for ages Year 1 to Year 6 at all schools.
Available dates – Monday 26th October to Thursday 29th October.
(please note The Sports Club is open Mon-Thurs, but we will be running the Holiday Club on Fridays)
A variety of sports will be available in the new Elm Sports Hall and Astro turf. A dedicated sports team led by Miss Baker will have exclusive use of all the new Sports Hall resources including, Kin ball, Basketball, badminton, netball, table tennis, dodgeball, archery, cricket etc. with the additional sports chosen by the children each day.
We will also join the Holiday club children each day for a big dodgeball battle.
There are two time sessions available for the Holiday club and Sports Club: 9am to 3pm is £35 and 8.30am to 5pm is £45. Please note the Sports Club will be 9am to 3pm but you can choose the 8.30am to 5pm extended session and your children will join the holiday club between 8.30am to 9am and then 3pm to 5pm.
FOR THE BOOKING FORM CLICK HERE
Once booked, you will have a 7 day free cancellation period in case your circumstances change but after this time payment will be expected even if you don’t use the sessions. Therefore, please only apply if you will need the sessions.
We look forward to welcoming your children in the October Holidays.
Dates for your diary
A full calendar of events can be viewed on the school website.
- Wed 14th Oct: Sixth form open evening (Y12 and Y13 expected on site to help)
- Thurs 15th – 16th Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip 2 (forms MNR)
- Mon 19th Oct: Y10 Student consultation evening
- Tues 20th and Wed 21st: Larch student consultation evening
- Tues 20th Oct: Y9 Volcano day
- Thurs 22nd Oct: Sports Tour departs
- Thurs 22nd Oct: NYC trip departs
- Thurs 22nd Oct: Y12 Geography trip information evening
- Mon 26th Oct: Half term
- Mon 2nd Nov: Autumn 2 starts – all students back in school
- Mon 2nd Nov: Y9 and Y12 assessment weeks start
- Tues 3rd Nov: Y13 Geography trip departs