Filter Content
- Message from the Headteacher
- Vielen Dank
- Speakers for Schools
- Student Leadership
- Mental Health Awareness Week
- DCT Mvumi vs Covid-19
- DT Reward Board
- PE Stars
- Student News and Views
- Wellbeing
- Lincolnshire #covidteenheroes
- #covidteenheroes Millie
- #covidteenheroes Megan
- Nathanael #covidteenheroes
- A window into the world of Sasha!
- Alumni Newsletter
- Inspiring Female Lead: Sandie Webster
- Art Student Work
Welcome to the Term 5 edition of our termly Newsletter. I cannot ignore the strange situation we all find ourselves in with regards to the closure of schools across the country and the debate currently running regarding whether schools should open.
I can personally see both sides of the argument. It is true that we need to start to open up society at some point and can’t remain in lock down indefinitely. Opening schools is part of that wider loosening of the lock-down and should be part of the debate. I, and all of the staff at QEHS are incredibly keen to get our wonderful school back up and running as usual again. We are missing the vibrant, exciting and busy atmosphere that pervades our everyday lives at school. Our amazing students are what make working at QEHS such a pleasure, and not working with them every day is really difficult. We would have been looking forward to final rehearsals for our school production of School of Rock, taking part in a variety of House Competitions and enjoying a whole range of exciting and interesting lessons in Term 6. So in short, I am sure we all miss being at school.
However, the COVID-19 virus seems to be very infectious and can be devastating for some people should they catch it. Lincolnshire has thus far been lucky in that we have one of the lowest infection rates of the whole country. That being said, parts of Lincolnshire are more severely affected such as Boston, and neighbouring counties, such as North Lincolnshire, have greater levels of infection. A number of our school community including staff and students have serious underlying health conditions, which means that we must protect them as much as possible from infection. We also need to be mindful of loved ones who are at greater risk should we pass the virus on to them.
I will not debate the politics of whether now is the right time to open schools; as a Headteacher of a state school I must do what the Government is asking me to do with regards to trying to open up society again, and to that end we intend to open for Years 10 and 12 by providing them with some face-to-face contact to supplement their continued learning at home. This opening will be carefully controlled starting on Monday 15 June and we will closely monitor how well our social distancing and hygiene procedures work. It cannot be denied that attending school for either staff or students brings more risks of infection than staying at home, no matter how many control measures we put into place. It is important therefore, that what we offer students attending school outweighs these greater risks and it will be up to individual parents and students whether they feel this is the case.
What I do know is that at some point, hopefully in the near future, we will again welcome back our wonderful staff and students with open arms and warmth and we can get back to the amazing job of supporting our students to become well-rounded, intelligent and well-educated young adults.
Mr D Allsop
Headteacher
As we all adapt to using the computer and social media more, and in ways that are new to many of us; the Languages Staff compiled a video for the QEHS Community, shared on Twitter @QehsMfl :
youtu.be/RrM0_iz0JDk A little message to you all @QueenElizHigh
Gut gemacht 12. Klasse!
And in return, they received a message from the Year 12 German Class https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M9wfcobwAI&feature=youtu.be
Thank you to our amazing Year 12 for their message back!
Students have been thoroughly enjoying the Speakers for Schools’ programme of virtual talks. There really is something for everyone; if you haven’t already joined a talk then please do. It is really useful to refer to talks like these when you find yourself going for university or job interviews.
Calendar links have been included to help you to save the dates. If you watch the talk please fill in the activity sheet including the name of the colour mentioned during the talk and email it to me; I will then enter you into the QEHS Speakers for Schools prize draw.
HOW TO JOIN THE VTALKS
- Join 10 minutes before the VTALK to be ready
- You can join without needing an account – Watch how here
- For full speaker descriptions visit the VTALK Schedule here
VTALK LIBRARY & MORE
- Watch pre-recorded VTalks from the library here
- Please see the Schools Guide here.
Next Week:
Mr J Kingdom
Staff are always thrilled to hear your good news stories, and we are proud that so many of you are finding ways to help others whilst you are home-schooling. This week, (18-24 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week and we would love to see or hear of your acts of kindness.
Please share by tagging us in any photos on Twitter @QueenElizHigh or email your stories to: [email protected] .
Here are some posters that Mr Fearn has shared from Francesca, Isabella and Christian in 9S:
Thank you 9S!
Mrs H Crick
This week we received a message from our friends in Tanzania.
Over the last school year a small group of students have been working on a new Student Newspaper. Having reviewed the draft editions, we have decided to relaunch the "The QEHS Messenger" in the format of a newsletter style newspaper. The Editorial Group are currently working on the first edition, which we hope to release next term.
We hope to bring you a newspaper that:
- is fun/presented in a way that engages the students
- allows a platform to share new School Council discussions
- shares successes, from both in and out of school
- includes regular bulletin information/calendar of events
If you have an article or topic that you think will be of interest to the students of QEHS, then please let us know. Alternatively, if you are a writer, reporter, photographer, designer, cartoonist or editor and would like to become involved, please contact Miss Kell or myself.
For example, reports from subject Ambassadors will be welcomed, summarising successes, events and opportunities within a Faculty or subject area. Initially, we hope to bring you the newspaper termly.
Mrs J McGrath
If you are unable to find the information you require, or wish to give feedback on the guidance or counselling you have received, please feel free to complete: https://queenelizabethshs.schoolzineplus.co.uk/form/6
Lincolnshire County Council wish to share, photographs of teenagers doing the right thing during isolation: having a positive impact on others whilst staying at home and saving lives.
The #covidteenheroes initiative is looking to launch a positive social media campaign to celebrate teenagers making the right choices during this crisis. This is important for three reasons:
- to actively promote the behaviour we want to see
- to change any negative public perceptions towards our teenagers
- to acknowledge that social distancing measures are more difficult for adolescents than others because of their developmental stage
As some of our teenagers are finding difficulties with isolation itself, let us give them a positive channel where their strengths and community spirit can be celebrated. So many of our students are unaware of the valuable impact they are having on those around them as we all try to find ways to move through the days, week ad months of change. Don't be shy! Share a proud moment or achievement with us. Send a photo and caption to [email protected] or https://twitter.com/QueenElizHigh
You will then be contacted in the first instance by the school if your image is chosen to become a Lincolnshire #covidteenheroes and asked to submit a consent form. We are particularly keen to find some of our younger covidteenheroes.
Millie (Year 13) offered her support to the Salvation Army food-bank as soon as school closed. Turning her hand to anything, Millie has been a tremendous support, in place of many of the Salvation Army regular volunteers, who are self-isolating. From designing Easter goody bags, to handling donations, baking cakes and making up food parcels, Millie is an invaluable part of the team of 4, allowing the food-bank to meet increased demand. Millie even organised cakes to be baked and delivered to John Coupland Hospital, THANK YOU. #covidteenheroes
Tweets:
27/4/20
Salvation Army https://twitter.com/salvationarmy
We are doing so many more food parcels just now, and due to the social distancing have had to limit the team helping, but Millie has been doing a grand job helping out! @QueenElizHigh
QEHS https://twitter.com/QueenElizHigh
Fantastic community work and citizenship. Well done Millie, we are extremely proud of you. You have become a Key Worker - thank you.
"Deserves acknowledgement of her efforts", Mrs J Thorpe.
"This is such a moving and inspiring tweet", Mrs R Rider.
.
5/5/20
Recognised by Lincolnshire County Council #covidteenheroes!
Well Done Millie!
Megan from QEHS has really stepped up to the challenge of supporting her family business. As mum is shielding from Covid-19, Megan has taken the reins and kept open the deli; when most of the businesses around have had to close their doors. Usually functioning with a team of 6, Megan has kept the door open to provide essential services for local people, whilst the majority of the team are in self-isolation. Using social distancing of ‘one in, one out’ Megan is working long hours, whilst maintaining a cheerful life-line to customers - perhaps the only person some of the customers are able to meet and speak with on a regular basis. In addition, the deli has combined efforts with the local fruit and veg stall to make sure vulnerable people receive necessities such as bread, milk, cheese, fruit and veg – delivered to their doors. Without Megan none of this would be possible.
We all thank you Megan, you are a truly amazing! #covidteenheroes.
Nathanael #covidteenheroes nomination 3
Team of students are giving back to their community, delivering almost 100 newspapers each day to self isolating rural households.
School Counsellor Diane Hall nominated Nathanael as a #covidteenhero - she had heard he was supporting the elderly and vulnerable in his village. Little did she know, that behind Nat was a whole team of QEHS teenagers, both past and present!
Past Head Boy Erik, and friends wanted to protect the older generation of villagers from risking their health, by visiting the local newsagent. They felt it was important that people should not go without their routine read, whilst shielding from Covid-19. Erik posted on the village Facebook News Forum and promptly raised a team of early morning, cycling volunteers to assist with delivering the papers. They created a rota to deliver papers 7 days a week, which has been praised by the locals.
Nat was surprised by the #covidteenheroes nomination and explained: “People pay the corner shop directly for the cost of the newspapers and the cost of the newspaper only. We then pick up the newspapers and cycle them round. Our role in the operation is entirely voluntary, to give something back to our community.”
Whilst many of us are struggling with the limitations that have been placed on us all, it is perhaps easy to forget the added isolation that many of our older and more vulnerable members of society may be feeling right now. What more could you ask for than a cheerful bunch of covidteenheroes to keep you connected?
Current students: Nat, Esther, Chris and Sophie.
Former students: Thomas, Sammy, Lewi, Erik, Will and Seth.
We are so proud of you all for your community spirit! #covidteenheroes
"Love this!" Mr T Johnson, Proud Head of Elgar.
"...this one especially made me proud as it’s such a big group." Mrs E Watson, Assistant Headteacher.
A window into the world of Sasha!
Sasha #covidteenheroes nomination 4
Self-isolation has been difficult to process. We are used to our freedom, unrestricted movement and frequent human interactions. We have all made adaptations to home working/schooling, we are using the power of the internet to communicate more than ever before and we all look forward to that face to face smile, hug; sharing the little things again, with our friends and loved ones.
When Sasha heard the family holiday was cancelled, she expressed herself through her art work. She knows how much her mum loves the sea and beach, so decided to bring the holiday into the garden. Not only has she brightened up her garden, but she brightened her art teachers’ day when the picture was sent through on Instagram; also that of the QEHS Twitter community too!
“Sasha, one of our talented GCSE Artists got a little bored, so she painted the wall of this outbuilding (with permission of course!) What a brilliant way to stay creative, use your talents and bring something beautiful into your lives on lock-down. Fantastic effort Sasha!” commented a delighted Mrs E Walsh.
The Alumni Newsletter was recently sent out to over 800 registered Alumni and can also be found on https://qehs.lincs.sch.uk/news?nid=9 . If you would like to upload an article to either the Alumni Newsletter or the Term 6 Live Newsletter 19/20, just click/follow the links on the left hand menu of this Newsletter page.
If you are an ex-student of the school, it may interest you to register with Future First https://futurefirst.org.uk to connect with the school, alternatively look up the Facebook page: Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough: Alumni , details of which can be found at https://qehs.lincs.sch.uk/alumni.
A new Alumni Newsletter article was recently added, which highlights the work of the Archive Group, in particular Mrs Thorpe, in answering an enquiry for information on a maths master, from over 100 years ago.
Alfred Hallam Petty (1889-1916) - School master at Gainsborough Grammar School, died of wounds from the Battle of the Somme. His name is one of the many featured on the QEHS War Memorial from both World Wars.
This short extract from the Gainsborough News Chapter 19, December 1916, explains how Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School used the cancellation of their Speech Day to support the war effort; highlighting the desire of our students, even so far back in time, to do something positive in support of the crisis of the time, perhaps mirroring the action our #covidteenheroes of today.
Inspiring Female Lead: Sandie Webster
Inspiring the QEHS Female Lead Society
Staff are always delighted to hear news of the successes of past students. Here is the amazing story of Alumni Sandie Webster, as she goes from strength to strength. Sandie is an inspiration to us all, especially her own children (at QEHS) as well as the newly formed Female Lead Society, who she hopes to meet later in the year.
Sandie first hit the headlines in October 2013, when she won the National Dulux “Pitch 2 Win Business Award” for decorating. On reaching the final 5 she delivered a 20-minute Dragons Den style winning pitch to the judges.
A month later she was the first ever female winner within the construction awards, at the final of the “National CITB Skillbuild Decorating Competition”, as well as becoming the Lincoln College “Student of the Year”.
Four years after starting her own successful Painting and Decorating business in Gainsborough (http://sandie-webster.co.uk/), 2017 saw Sandie recognised as an inspirational female in construction, becoming a member of the Painting and Decorating Association. This facilitated Sandie becoming the first female Regional and National Judge for the Painting and Decorating Awards, with CITB Skillbuild (Worldskills), for the construction industry - now in her third year.
https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/2019/11/news-detail/
So, what’s new for 2020?
Sandie recently featured in the Painting and Decorating News:
To celebrate International Women’s Day, a painter and decorator from Lincolnshire has shared the secrets of her success in the latest podcast from a national trade body. “I have recently done a podcast about my life, also working with them and CITB on promoting women in the trade etc.”
Sandie’s most recent accolade came earlier in 2020, as the runner up of the “Women in Construction Award” in Design and Build Magazine. As she expands her business, having enlisted her first female apprentice due to start in September, I’m sure you would join QEHS in wishing Sandie every future success. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and accepting our invitation to attend the QEHS Junior Presentation Evening 2020.
"Many thanks for this, it is so nice to be recognised at Queen Elizabeth's as I have so many fond memories", commented Sandie.
To connect with Sandie:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandie-webster-07bb658a
To share your own QEHS success story, or that of a friend or relative, please email [email protected] or submit at https://qehs.lincs.sch.uk/news/submit
As we all embrace on-line learning, this term sees the start of the Art Department sharing student work on Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenElizHigh. A wide variety of the art work shared by students can also be found on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qehs.artdept/
Watch out for future publications!
Ms M Muir