Proud in many ways this week

June is LGBTQ Pride month, as an inclusive school community it was great to see the students embracing the spirit of the event. During Pride Month, a group of Year 10 Food students, with the support of staff, took the lead in organising a Pride themed cake sale. This was a wonderful celebration of inclusivity and community spirit, while also raising funds for the LGBT+ stall at Spark Day. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment from our students. I personally very much enjoyed the two cakes I bought for 50p each…although I am still waiting for the change from my £5 note!

Our Elements students participated in an engaging LGBT+-focused assembly. Following this, they completed activities which included creating displays that celebrate and demonstrate their allyship for the LGBTQ community. These have been proudly showcased in Oakwood, serving as a powerful reminder of our respect to all and reflects our shared values and positive culture we have at MHS.

I was also proud of how our school community coped with the hot weather last week. I know that the heat didn’t make sitting in class (or teaching in class) much fun at all, but student behaviour was excellent across the school and attendance wasn’t too bad either. Nationally absence rates pretty much doubled in the heatwave, but not at MHS where we saw a much smaller increase in absences. That says a lot, and I am sure we’ll see it again when the weather warms up again next week.

Finally, a lot of students and staff are enjoying showing their pride for the England football team during the World Cup, and that is great to see. It’s good to share these moments with friends and colleagues, and to see how far the team will get. I am aware that there’s a game on Sunday night/Monday morning that might last until dawn on a school day…and I expect some students and staff will stay up/get up to watch it. Good for you, I’m impressed! However, just to be really clear – school will be open at normal time on Monday for everyone.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

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