Headteacher's End of Term Letter

Please see a letter attached from Mark Palmer, our Headteacher.

Please note a change to the start of the new term in September:

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of another busy and successful academic year, I am writing to share some key updates, express my gratitude, and wish you all a wonderful summer break.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredibly warm welcome and generous support I have received since joining Crofton in June. Taking on the role of Headteacher here is a privilege, and these past eight weeks have only reinforced what a special community this is. We are embarking on an exciting journey together - building on the strong foundations and successes of the past while looking forward with a refreshed, renewed energy and a shared vision for our school's future.

Saying Farewell and Warm Welcomes

At the end of this term, we say a fond farewell to several members of staff who are moving on to new chapters: Mr Walczak (Maths Teacher), Miss Davis (LSA), Mr Bunn (Geography Teacher), Mr Reed (LSA), Ms Trujillo-Ramos (RE Teacher), Mrs Barden (SSL), and Mrs West (Drama & English Teacher).

I am sure you will join me in thanking every one of them for their dedication, hard work, and care for our students during their time at Crofton. We wish them the very best for the future. At the same time, we are excited to be preparing to welcome a fantastic cohort of new colleagues to the Crofton team in September, and we look forward to introducing them to you and our students at the start of the new term.

Summer Resources & Family Support

The summer holidays offer a wonderful opportunity for families to relax, recharge, and spend quality time together. To help you make the most of the break - and to ensure you have access to extra support should you need it - there are a range of brilliant services available:

Community & Local Activities:

Hampshire Family Information and Services Hub (FISH): A fantastic one-stop portal

(fish.hants.gov.uk) where you can find details on local summer activities, community events, holiday clubs, and general family advice.

Health, Wellbeing & Confidential Support:

• ChatHealth (Text Support):

o Parents/Carers: Text 07507 332417 for advice on emotional wellbeing, health, and family life.

o Young People (11–19): Text 07507 332160 for confidential support on mental health, anxiety, relationships, and wellbeing.

• Kooth (www.kooth.com): A free, safe, and anonymous online mental health platform offering 1-to-1 chat sessions with qualified counsellors for young people.

National Safeguarding & Urgent Helplines:

• Childline: Free, confidential support available 24/7 for children and young people. Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.

• NSPCC Helpline: For adults concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child. Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

• Shout: A free, 24/7 text line for anyone in crisis. Text 85258.

Please note that our staff team will be taking a well-earned break with their families over the summer holiday and our school email accounts - including the safeguarding inbox (safeguarding@croftonschool.co.uk) will be monitored periodically. If you have an urgent safeguarding concern or require immediate assistance during the break, we strongly encourage you to contact one of the dedicated support services above, call 111, or in an emergency, dial 999.

End of Term Timings & Return in September

Please take note of the following key timings for the end of this term and the start of the Autumn term:

End of Summer Term (Wednesday 22nd July):

New Year 8 & Year 9: Dismissed at 12.15pm.

New Year 10 & Year 11: Dismissed at 12.20pm.

Start of Autumn Term:

Wednesday 2nd September: Year 7 only arrive for their induction day.

Thursday 3rd September: All students return.

A gentle reminder that the school day starts promptly at 8.45am for all year groups.

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership, trust, and support as I have settled into the school. I hope you and your family have a restful, safe, and enjoyable summer break, and I look forward to seeing everyone back in September ready for a fantastic year ahead.

With kind regards,

Mark Palmer Headteacher