2^nd to 6^th June 2025

Week A

A Message from Mr. Whiteley

This has been a short but very productive half-term, during which we have had two sets of external reviews. I will share the results of those when they are published.  Our visitors made a host of highly complimentary statements:

· The headteacher and his senior leadership team (SLT) lead the school with warmth and ambition in equal measure.

· Strong values underpin the school’s aims and ethos. Students and staff demonstrate these values in the everyday life of the school through the tolerance and respect they show one another.

· The recently implemented ‘no phones’ policy is having a very positive impact.

· Teachers know students individually and relationships between staff and students are warm and positive.

· There is a calm atmosphere in lessons and classroom routines are clear and consistent, which supports students’ ability to be ready to learn.

· There is an inclusive culture and positive atmosphere in the school, where students feel a sense of pride and belonging.

· Students with SEND are very well-supported and report that they feel listened to, valued and cared for.

I would like to congratulate Year 11 students for the excellent start they have made to their exams, which, for some reason, started a week earlier this year.  Their conduct and efforts have been exemplary.  They will shortly be receiving an amended schedule for after the half-term break where their timetable breaks down to revision sessions and examinations only.  We will also be sharing with them a date for clearing.  On clearing day, it is important that students ensure that they have returned all materials borrowed from school, such as revision guides and laptops, etc., and that they do not have a deficit on their school meal account.  Any funds left in their account will be paid back to parents.

I would like to congratulate the Year 8 and 9 football teams for their excellent conduct in the county football finals, and the fantastic supporters who accompanied them with special praise to our 6^th Form first team who won their final once again, making us county football champions.

School re-opens on Monday 2^nd June for all.  Until then, I wish everybody a restful break and hope you can enjoy the sunshine.

Catering Update for Parents

We're always looking to improve our catering service, and we appreciate your feedback! Following recent parent comments, we've had a productive discussion with our catering manager regarding the current menu and our new cashless system.

Cashless System & Ordering

As you know, we've recently introduced a new cashless catering system and are refining its processes. We are investigating methods of placing orders, but in the meantime, students (and staff) can make requests to the kitchen staff at breaktime for certain made-to-order meals, like tuna pasta salad, cheese pasta, specific jacket potatoes or sandwiches, etc.

Menu and Salad Options

Our menu comprises food cooked from scratch with fresh vegetables, fresh herbs and locally sourced ingredients.  Each day there is fresh salad available too, and we are working to promote this with the students.

Your Feedback Matters!

We truly value your input and have initiated a menu review based on recent suggestions. We also regularly consult with our student council about the menu and overall kitchen service.  If your son is not already directly involved with the school council, please encourage him to speak with his form representative to see how he can provide input.  

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to provide the best possible dining experience for our students.

Half-Term Revision Sessions for Y11

Geography - Wednesday 28^th May, 9am to 1pm 

Triple Biology - Friday 30^th May, 10-2pm in the Sixth Form Centre with Mrs Little - bring a packed lunch

FIFA Esports Form Tournament

We had a great first semi-final.

9G3’s RB Leipzig are through to the final on Friday after beating 8F2’s Inter Milan 4-3. 

Congratulations to 9G3 and commiserations to 8F2. 

Tomorrow we see an all-Ruskin semi-final when 10R2's Newcastle take on 10R1's Arsenal. 

Good luck to all teams still competing. 

Make it in May

Our students are currently collecting stamps every morning and afternoon. Students that have 100% attendance throughout May and June will each receive a prize in July.  Students are very excited about collecting their stamps and receiving their prize. Congratulations to all the boys that have attended every day in May.  Jump into June starts straight after the half-term holiday - on Monday 2^nd June. 

Library

In honour of Empathy Day, which takes place on Thursday 12^th June, our Book of the Week is The Boy in the Suit by James Fox. Ten-year-old Solo - embarrassingly, that isn't short for anything - just wants to be normal. He wants a name that doesn't stand out. He wishes he had a proper school uniform that fitted. Most of all, he longs to stop crashing funerals for free food. But when Solo and Morag crash the funeral of a celebrity and get caught, the press are there to witness their humiliation. The next day it's splashed across the papers. Before Solo knows it, he becomes a viral sensation, and life may never be normal again. Solo's uphill pursuit of security, community and connection will break your heart and then mend it. A wonderful book!

On Friday 27^th June, our students will be supporting Wallasey Village Library and Community Centre by completing a sponsored Readathon throughout the day. All the money raised by our students will go towards the library's own Readathon, which they are completing on Saturday 14^th June.  If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause please click this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wallaseyvillagelibrarycommunity-centre-2

For book recommendations, library events and more follow @library_mosslands

Charity Ice Cream Sales

There will be ice cream sales every Monday to Thursday at 1pm until the end of term. We will be raising money for various charities.

World Turtle Day

To celebrate this event on May 23^rd, students have been learning about turtles in their form groups. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about these fascinating animals, understand the impact of things like recycling and littering, and explore why turtle conservation matters, while linking to key themes in science.

Art Department

You can follow us on Instagram @art_mosslands to see some fabulous examples of the work produced by our students.

Reporting an Absence 

Parents must telephone the school attendance line (0151 638 8131, option 1) on the first day of absence before 8.45am and on each subsequent day of absence. Alternatively, you can email attendance@mosslands.wirral.sch.uk. Please do not use the admin@mosslands email or the contact school option on the My Child at School app as these do not go directly to attendance, and you may still get a truancy call. It is our duty to keep your child safe, so if you do not inform us, you will receive a truancy call. You will receive 6 further calls until you respond.  The number which will display as an incoming call is a Sheffield number, 0114 303 4042.

Medication in School

If you have any questions or concerns regarding medication in school, please contact the SEND Department. Students should not bring medication into school and any medication should be registered at reception. If your child is diagnosed as being asthmatic, following on from medical guidelines, please ensure they have an inhaler on then at all times and that we hold a spare within school. Many thanks.