Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,
As I sit here typing on this glorious sunny Wednesday, it truly seems that the tendrils of spring have just begun to properly take over from winter’s somewhat firm grasp- our school grounds have definitely started to look livelier with some of the flowers beginning to appear in bushes, and the Learning Link garden.
Our new half term began with an INSET day for staff to get to grips with our new platform- Arbor. We are incredibly grateful to all of those, support staff and our impressive “Arbor champions”, who supported the installation, migration, and training to ensure that we were ready to go on Tuesday morning!
Whilst our school systems were changing during the half term, some of our students and staff had gone in search of some sunshine in Seville. The students looked like they had a marvellous time. Mrs Totolan-Moore wrote:
Our trip to Seville was an incredible success and a truly unforgettable experience. The girls represented the school beautifully and embraced every moment with enthusiasm and maturity. We explored the stunning Real Alcázar, learned so much during our guided walking tour of the city, visited the magnificent Catedral de Sevilla, and even braved a very cold morning for our boat trip along the river! Watching the sunset from Las Setas was a special highlight, but for many, the flamenco show was the absolute best part of the trip. We are so proud of how the students immersed themselves in everything. It truly made the experience unforgettable.
We are grateful to all the members of staff who accompanied the trip, and to Mrs Totolan-Moore for leading.
The music department has been busy as ever. Before half term audiences were treated to a piano concert. We’re always so blown away by the standard of the performances in these concerts and know that this is the culmination of hours of practice and dedication…and probably some nagging about practising and taxiing to and from lessons by supportive parents and guardians
Today saw a small but mighty band of singers attend WADE Day Centre to sing for the guests following their lunch.
The program included Speechless, Mr Blue Sky, and some favourites for our audience to join in with; Stand By Me, and I’m a Believer. Some of the students looked slightly puzzled when I asked if they recognised “I’m a Believer” from the film Shrek, before realising (to my horror) that- having been released in 2001- Shrek is significantly older than our students…
Spring is a time often associated with new beginnings, and that is no different for The Holt. We’re in our last half term of our “House Year” with our house point totals resetting ready for the first day of the summer term- it’s the last push for House events, and competitions as well as a time that the Year 11 prefects get ready to hand over to their new Year 10 counterparts. Applications have been flying in left, right, and centre and the standard has been incredibly high from our Year 10 students. Whatever the outcome of an application, it’s always such a valuable experience, and teaches you something new each time you do it. The sheer volume of activities, opportunities, and skills showcased is truly commendable. A big well done to all of those who applied.
The Friends of The Holt have just launched an exciting “just giving” page with the aim of raising £5000 towards the cost of some items that our departments have identified as wonderful extras to have to enhance the teaching and learning and experience of all our students.
A letter has gone out and below is the link – please do browse the items and if you are able to make a small donation towards the cost of these, we would be most grateful.
justgiving.com/campaign/friends-wishlist-2026
Also detailed in the letter, are two other ways in which you and maybe the company you work for could help us to raise much needed funds, we hope you can help!
We would like to invite you all to our school production of Made in Dagenham. The show runs from Tuesday 17th- Thursday 19th March 7pm and tickets can be purchased from ticket source via the following link www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-holt-school
Although a short half term, Spring 2 is truly busy with PPEs, clubs, performances, applications, and many more things- hopefully all happening whilst retaining this glorious Spring sunshine!
Elizabeth Harris
Assistant Headteacher