WEEKLY BULLETIN
20 September 2024
Welcome from the Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
A Tribute to Jo Varney
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jo Varney, a cherished and vibrant member of our school community. Jo, who had been a vital part of our admin team since 2020, lost her long battle with cancer, but not before leaving an indelible mark on all of us at Montpelier High School.
Jo was as colourful in personality as she was in her appearance, bringing a warmth, joy, and energy to our school that will never be forgotten. Her time with us was made all the more precious by her tenacity and resilience throughout her illness. She continued to brighten our days, always facing challenges with her trademark humour and unwavering honesty.
Before joining us, Jo spent over two decades in service to the community, most notably at the Parkway Parent and Child Project, where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless families. Her adventures extended far beyond the UK, as she travelled extensively and spent part of her early life in a kibbutz, showing the same bold spirit that infused her life here.
Jo’s adventurous nature didn’t stop with her travels; she was just as daring with her words. Forthright, honest, and hilariously funny, Jo was the life and soul of our office. She spoke with clarity, and her infectious laughter lifted the spirits of those around her. There was never a dull moment when Jo was in the room, and her presence was nothing short of a gift to us all.
As we prepare to celebrate Jo’s life on the 2nd of October, we invite all students and staff to honour her memory by wearing bright, colourful tights—a tribute to her vibrant spirit. In keeping with her generous heart, all proceeds from the event will go to charity, ensuring that her legacy of giving continues to make a difference.
Jo Varney will be deeply missed, but her legacy of laughter, love, and boldness will live on in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Jo.
Yours sincerely
Vanetta Spence
Headteacher
Messages for Parents
DATES TO REMEMBER Thursday 26 September 2024 - Open Evening for Prospective Year 7 Friday 27 September 2024 - INSET 2 - School Closed to Students Wednesday 02 October 2024 - Year 10 GCSE Information Evening Thursday 03 October 2024 - Open Morning for Prospective Year 7 - info/sign up to follow Friday 04 October 2024 to Sunday 06 October 2024 - Duke of Edinburgh Silver Qualifying Expedition (Year 11) Friday 04 October 2024 to Sunday 06 October 2024 - Duke of Edinburgh Gold Training Expedition (Year 13) Thursday 10 October 2024 - V6 Open Evening for Prospective Year 12 Wednesday 16 October 2024 - Open Morning for Prospective Year 7 - info/sign up to follow Wednesday 16 October 2024 - Drama Coursework Performance Evening (Year 11) Monday 21 October 2024 to Friday 25 October 2024 - Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifying Expedition (Year 13) Friday 25 October 2024 - Term 1 Ends For further calendar event dates please click here. TEACHING WEEKS (WEEK 1/2) We operate a two-weekly teaching cycle, WEEK 1 & WEEK 2. The current week will appear as a pop-up on the Montpelier High School homepage. You can also view a calendar of the teaching cycle by clicking here. TERM DATES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2024 - 2025 You can find the dates for the academic year by clicking here. |
CONTACTING MHS & V6 SIXTH FORM Following our merger with E-ACT, our email addresses have changed. Apologies if you have tried to contact us on our old address and received a ‘bounce back’ message. You can find an up-to-date list of contacts on our website, and contacts for safeguarding, SEND, attendance and wellbeing at the end of this bulletin. Our email for all general queries is mhs-info@mhs.e-act.org.uk or for sixth form v6-info@v6.e-act.org.uk |
MHS Ski Trip to Austria, Easter 2025
Due to some changes in circumstance, we have two spaces available on the ski trip. We are going to Austria in the first week of the Easter holidays, 2025. The letter and more information are available here - https://www.montpschool.org/2482/ski-trip-easter-2025 Please contact Sally Thorne sally.thorne@montpschool.org if you would like to discuss taking one of these spaces. |
CAREERS NEWS BRISTOL OLD VIC - WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY Next year Bristol Old Vic will be running two Work Experience weeks for Year 10’s and Year 12’s. Year 10 Work Experience will take place between Monday 30th June - Friday 4th July 2025. Year 12 Work Experience will take place between Monday 9th June - Friday 13th June 2025. Applications for both years will open in October half term 2024, and when they do students can find out how to apply here: Work Experience | Bristol Old Vic VIRGIN MEDIA WORK EXPERIENCE Virgin Media O2 are offering a limited number of spaces on a virtual work experience program during October half term. The program was so well received and completed by lots of students during Easter 2024. This is for young people aged 14 - 16. CLICK HERE to apply now. Any queries email - Virginmedia02@school-outreach.com INCLUSIVE CAREERS INFORMATION SESSION Parents are invited to an information session with Inclusive Change HOME (inclusivechange.co.uk). Inclusive Change run parent information sessions on next steps, education after year 11, being ambitious and aspirational, access to work and key steps to follow as a parent of a pupils with EHCP. This session is being hosted by E-ACT Venturers' Academy. The Details are: 11th October Speaker: Lucy Main :10 am - 11:30am Questions and 1:1's - 11:30 - 12 Venue: Venturers' Academy Hareclive Road - Based in the Hall EVELYN PARTNERS - SCHOOL LEAVER APPRENTICESHIPS Applications are open for All of these positions involve studying for a Level 7 Apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to a master's degree). Evelyn Partners will cover the cost for all college tuition and exam sittings. To be successful, students should be predicted or have obtained minimum 112 UCAS points in their top three A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and have minimum Grade 5 (or equivalent), in English Language and Maths respectively. Business Outsourcing Services Evelyn Partners School Leaver Programme, Accountancy - Bristol (Sept 2025) | SmartRecruiters Business Tax: Evelyn Partners School Leaver Programme, Business Tax - Bristol (Sept 2025) | SmartRecruiters Audit: Evelyn Partners School Leaver Programme, Audit - Bristol (Sept 2025) | SmartRecruiters We also have an opening for a January 2025 starter in the Business Outsourcing Team, should you know of any ex-students who may be interested: Evelyn Partners School Leaver Programme, Accountancy - Bristol (Jan 2025) | SmartRecruiters If you have any questions regarding these opportunities please contact Ruby Sims, tel 0117 3762443 or email Ruby.Sims@evelyn.com UBHW Introduction to Dietetics University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UBHW) are running an online 'Introduction to Dietetics' session with Band 5 Dietitians. The session will be an opportunity for students to find out more about the role of Dieticians in different areas of UHBW and is aimed towards students who may be thinking of this as a career choice by exploring different routes into the profession. This is aimed at students in Year 10 - Year 13. When: Monday October 14th, 7 - 8 PM Where: Online via Microsoft Teams. Invites to be sent out once an online application has been completed Link - online 'Introduction to Dietetics' session |
AIDBOX CHARITY
Did you know that our local Aidbox charity helps 70-100 people seeking refuge in Bristol every week and they run a free 'shop' of pre-loved items to help families get access to the things they need. They have very limited space to store things so be sure to check the list before donating to give your gift the most impact.
Here's a link to items that are currently needed:
https://www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk/donate-your-items
Aidbox is a local charity located next door to our school and they came to talk to us during refugee week to teach us about the situation facing refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol. They explain how we can work together to make our school a more welcoming place to people fleeing persecution in their home country and seeking safety here. You can find out more about the amazing work they do here: https://www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk/ourstory
JOIN THE NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR
Calling singers aged 9-18! Sign up now to join the National Youth Choir
If you love singing with others, National Youth Choir is for you!
Interested in joining one of our choirs?
This autumn we’ll be looking for new singers aged 9-18 to join our fantastic choirs. If you’re passionate about singing and want to develop your musical skills, perform a wide range of music and make new friends, we’d love to meet you! All our auditions take place online with a friendly, supportive panel who are there to help you feel relaxed and sound your best. Booking is now open, and auditions will take place at selected dates and times between 19 October and 1 November. We’ll be in touch about the outcome of auditions by December, and singers who are joining the choirs will be invited to take part in our residential singing courses in spring and summer 2025.
V6 SIXTH FORM - UCAS INFORMATION EVENING
Please see links here to the presentation and recording from the UCAS Information Evening event presented by Caroline McClean, Head of Sixth Form.
PQA PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES - FREE TASTER SESSION
Try a full session for free at PQA Performing Arts Bristol.
Friday and Saturday classes.
For info please contact carly.bond@pqacademy.com
www.pqacademy.com
BOOK ONTO OUR OPEN MORNING SESSIONS HERE:
9:00 - 10:30AM
Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5RD
0117 9424328
www.montpschool.org
mhs-admissions@mhs.e-act.org
Online Safety Updates
For online safety updates please visit our website here.
Meet The Tutor Evening - Head Of Year Information
Thank you to parents and carers for attending our Meet the Tutor evening at the beginning of Term 1. The slides from the Heads of Year presentation for each year group can be found on our website.
For general enquiries, please email mhs-info@mhs.e-act.org.uk telephone 0117 942 4328
For attendance, please email mhs-attendance@mhs.e-act.org.uk telephone 0117 942 4328 option 1
For safeguarding, please email mhs-safeguarding@mhs.e-act.org.uk or telephone 0117 942 4328
For SEND, please email mhs-senco@mhs.e-act.org.uk or telephone 0117 942 4328
For wellbeing support when school is closed, please email mhs-safeguarding@mhs.e-act.org.uk
If you believe you or someone else is in danger call the Police – 999