TERM 2 VALUE:

Integrity

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of 2025, there is so much for our College community to be proud of. This has been a year marked by learning, creativity, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose that continues to guide everything we do. Over recent weeks, we have celebrated the achievements of our students across many areas of our College life. Congratulations goes to our students who received regional recognition in the Young Writers Competition - an outstanding accomplishment that reflects both individual talent and the supportive environment in which our learners grow. In the classroom, our Geography department continues to lead the way in educational innovation, ensuring that students have access to the most up-to-date tools and ideas shaping the subject today. Meanwhile, our Performing Arts and Music students have once again showcased their exceptional skills, taking home competition wins and delivering performances that reminded us just how vibrant and gifted our College community is. The list of achievements goes on, however these successes are, as always, supported by colleagues across the College who work tirelessly - often behind the scenes - to create a place where students can flourish academically, socially, and personally.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our students for their incredible generosity during our Christmas Hamper Appeal. From creative fundraising events to thoughtful donations, students have embodied the spirit of giving, helping us support individuals and families who need it most. Our Chaplaincy team has led this campaign, reminding us of the deeper meaning that Christmas holds.

As we journey through Advent, we are invited into a time of preparation, reflection, and hopeful expectation. It is a season that encourages us to look forward with optimism while also taking time to appreciate the light we bring to one another’s lives.

Important Dates & Reminders

• Start of Term: Teaching resumes for students on Tuesday 6th January
• GCSE Results: Students awaiting GCSE Maths and English results can collect these on Thursday 8th January
• Progress Review: Our Year 13 and Access to Level 3 Progress Review will take place on Wednesday 14th January
• Progress Reports: Recent student progress reports will be released to parents before Christmas via our Parent Portal

Wishing you and your families a peaceful Christmas and a joyful, hopeful New Year. May the weeks ahead be filled with rest, light, and renewed energy for the term to come.

Best wishes

Marian Curran

Principal

If you are travelling by an SB Bus

Buses will be departing college campus at the earlier time of 12.30 on Thursday 18^th December

Also...

You must purchase a Student ticket (required for all over 16s) and travel with your Student ID Card.

First Bus carry out routine checks and will issue fines of up to £50.00 if you are found to be travelling using a child ticket or without your student ID Card.

Thank you for your assistance.

In order to enhance site security/safety at the college, we will be locking the secondary entrance/exit gates by the new sports pavilion in the times between college coach drop offs & pick-ups ( 09:45 -14:45)

This will allow our security personnel to concentrate on one single point of entry to site that is within line of sight from their position at the barrier.

However, this will mean that for staff/students entering/leaving site between 09:45 – 14:45 the main entrance gates at the end of the drive will be the only access/exit option.

This change will be effective from 6^th January 2026.

As the weather gets colder and wetter, we’re all spending more time indoors. Let’s keep our college a clean, welcoming place for everyone. Here’s what we expect:

✅ Pens belong on paper, not on walls, desks, or chairs. 🖊️
✅ Toilet paper = toilet use only. Not stuffed back in the holders, not on walls, not anywhere else. 🚽
✅ Bins are for rubbish – keep floors and tables clear. 🗑️
✅ Treat furniture and equipment like you’d want it treated at home. 🛋️
✅ Respect each other’s space – no mess, no stress.

🤝Why? Because a clean, safe, and welcoming environment benefits everyone. It’s about pride in our college and respect for each other.

Bottom line: If you wouldn’t do it in your own home, don’t do it here. Let’s keep our spaces looking good and ready for everyone to enjoy. 💪

The lost property pile has been growing recently, reminder to check and collect anything you may have lost from reception before the end of term!

Here's some of the items in the pile:

• Several sets of house keys
• Pieces of jewellery
• Earphones/Earbuds
• Tupperware
• Water bottles
• Jackets/Coats/Jumpers
• Scarfs/Hats
• Stationary and pencil cases

The College takes the safety of students and staff very seriously. Students should not invite friends who do not attend St Brendan’s onto the site and must wear their student lanyard and ID at all times on campus. (Students should obtain a temporary student lanyard from the main reception if they do not have their ID card with them.) Our campus personal , Frank and Blessing, patrol the site and can be approached if any student is concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.

Attendance is crucial for success, particularly during these initial weeks. For our Year 12, ATL3 and Year 13 students, please be aware that we will be closely monitoring attendance. Maintaining regular attendance is important, as it impacts your ability to remain enrolled on your courses. Should there be concerns about your attendance falling below our threshold during the first three weeks, it may affect your place at St Brendan’s.

We are here to support you through these transitions and ensure that your time at St Brendan's is both successful and enjoyable. Our staff, including teachers, progress tutors, inclusive learning team, careers team, mental health team and the senior team, are here to help with any concerns or queries that you may have.

St Brendan's is a cashless campus so please make sure you have a card and/or contactless payment on your phone.

If you need to purchase print credit you can do this on the College “Store” which you can access on our website or by using this link St Brendan's Sixth Form College Store

When prompted to login, click on the “Sign in with Microsoft” option, where you can use your College email and password. Your print credit account will automatically update after payment has been approved.

A reminder to all students, parents and carers to please turn right only, when exiting the College between 15:50 – 16:20 at the end of the College day.