Principal's Update 30 August 2024
Posted 2nd September 2024
Dear Families
Welcome back! I hope that you have had a fantastic summer and spent valuable family time together. Firstly, I would like to pass on my congratulations to the Class of 2024, they worked exceptionally hard and we believe the results this year will put us amongst the most improved schools in our trust and in Leeds.
The main reason for my updating you today is to provide clarity on arrangements for the start of term.
On Monday 2 September we have our 'Meet the Tutor Day' where students will be receiving their equipment packs and vital information about the upcoming year. Appointment times have already been sent out so please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
On Tuesday 3 September, our Y7 students only will be in attendance. The gates will open at the slightly later time of 8.00am and students will move as directed to their first whole year group session. This day is vital as part of the Y7 transition to help them to get in to excellent habits and get to know the DUA routines.
On Wednesday 4 September, all students will return. Again, the gates will open at the slightly later time of 8.00am and students should move directly to their lines on the Piazza ready for hands to go up at 8.20am and their day to begin.
From Thursday 5 September the normal routine will commence with gates opening from 7.50am and students moving to their Morning Meeting locations by 8.20am.
A reminder that the normal school finish is now 3.00pm daily.
Next week I hope to share with you information on our enrichment and extra-curricular offer which will be significantly improved on last year, all clubs will run from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.
Attendance is critical at Dixons Unity and was identified by Ofsted in our recent 'Good' inspection as an area to improve. There is a significant link between achievement and attendance. The government has brought in new regulations around attendance which means unauthorised or frequent absence will bring with it a fine. We want to work together to ensure families are not fined, so please do get in touch if you require support with your child attending school. We have a slightly new absence protocol - families are expected to call and speak to a member of staff before 8.20am. This must happen on every day of the absence.
Finally I would like to thank you in advance for your support this year and look forward to updating you weekly on the goings on at Dixons Unity!
Mr A Jacobs