Blog week ending 24th September
It has been a wonderful start to the new academic year and a pleasure to meet so 
many of our families at our recent Welcome Evenings.
We are now looking forward to welcoming parents and carers back to school for our Meet the Tutor Evening on 30th September, which will provide another opportunity to connect with the staff who support your child’s day-to-day school experience.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks.
Behind the scenes, we are also putting the finishing touches to this term’s exciting programme of extracurricular activities and clubs. We are delighted to share details of some of the opportunities already available, with even more to come in the weeks ahead. These activities play an important role in extending learning beyond the classroom, helping students develop new skills, build friendships and perhaps even discover a new passion or talent. Our current after-school timetable (and one lunchtime club!) is as below, more clubs will be added as they become available.
Introducing Miss Alves … We are delighted to welcome Miss Alves to the English Department this year. A published poet with a passion for literature and creative writing, she enjoys helping students develop confidence in expressing their ideas and finding their own voice. Fluent in three languages and currently learning a fourth(!), Miss Alves brings a unique perspective on language and communication to the classroom. She will also be leading our Writers’ Club, where students can explore their creativity and share their love of writing. In the featured Year 7 English lesson, students are evaluating a text from Greek Mythology, Persephone and Hades.
Introducing Miss Arnautu … We are also pleased to welcome Miss Arnautu to the English team. Passionate about creative writing and self-expression, she is keen to inspire students to explore language, imagination and storytelling in new ways. Fluent in two languages, Miss Arnautu also enjoys combining writing with art and illustration, often bringing words and images together to communicate ideas creatively. She looks forward to helping students develop confidence in their own writing and creative expression. Pictured below, Miss Arnautu and her form.
Year 11 Art students are busy working on their GCSE portfolio pieces, inspired by this year’s theme of ‘Identity’. Through a variety of media and artistic approaches, they are exploring what identity means to them on a personal level. The results are both creative and striking, with students producing some truly beautiful work, as the images below demonstrate.
Introducing … My name is Mrs Palmer, and I am the Mental Health Lead and 
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Stone Lodge School. I am based in the Safeguarding Office, near the Wellbeing Hub.
A key part of my role is supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our students and helping to ensure that they know where to turn if they need extra help. I can offer a listening ear, help students access appropriate support within school, work alongside parents and carers, and signpost or refer to external services where further support may be needed.
I am also keen to continue developing our whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing, including raising awareness, reducing stigma, and making support as visible and accessible as possible for both students and families. I shall be attending the Meet the Tutors Evening for all parents and carers for Years 7-12 on Wednesday 30th September and look forward to meeting with you all!
For further details please see the below posters (Parents & Carers information on the left and Students’ support on the right)
This year, we welcomed a new House, Maya Angelou, with our current Year 7 students allocated across all five Houses. Each House is named after an inspiring individual whose achievements reflect the values of Stone Lodge School. Throughout the year, students can earn House points through lessons, competitions and positive contributions to school life. The House system creates a strong sense of belonging, alongside plenty of friendly competition and fun.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a fantastic opportunity for Year 10 students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, gain valuable experiences and make lasting memories. Universities, colleges and employers all recognise the commitment and resilience that DofE participants demonstrate, but above all, it’s great fun! If you’d like to find out more about the Award and what’s involved, come along to our information meeting this evening. Miss Haynes will be outlining the scheme and will be able to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing students, parents and carers there – 6-6.30pm this evening!
To mark European Day of Languages, our Modern Foreign Languages Department are staging a week of exciting cultural activities to celebrate and experience traditions across Europe and beyond!!
Local activities running over half term. The below poster and opportunity have been shared with us – we hope you find them of interest.
READY TO GIVE GOLF A GO, GIRLS?
Get Golfing is running a FREE girls-only Fun, Food & Golf Camp for girls aged 11-16 this October half-term at Redlibbets Golf Club. Girls can enjoy fun golf activities, games and challenges, meet other girls, build confidence and enjoy a free meal. No previous golf experience is needed, and all equipment is provided!
Date(s): 28th & 29th October
Time: 9:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: Redlibbets Golf Club
FREE
Places will be prioritised for girls receiving benefits-related free school meals, but all eligible families are encouraged to apply. Register your child’s interest here: https://forms.gle/88tPfSd2cddpqFq9A Please register your interest by Friday 2nd October 2026.
Come and discover how much fun golf can be!
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Info evening – 24th September 6-7pm TONIGHT
Years 7 – 12 Meet the Tutor evening – 30th September 3.30-7pm
Year 9 Careers workshop – 5th October
Parent/Carer Information evening Mental Health & Young People (online) – 5th October
Year 9 Careers workshop – 7th October
Year 11 Careers Talk – 9th October
Year 6 Open Evening – 15th October
Year 6 Open Mornings (by appointment only) – 19th-23rd October
Last Day of Term 1 – 23rd October
First Day of Term 2 – Thursday 5th November
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
