Principals Newsletter 09.05.25

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9th May 2025

Principal’s Message for Week A, wb 12th May 2025

Next week, we’ll be coming together as a school community to support Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme highlights the importance of community and participation, reminding us that connecting with others can have a powerful, positive impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. To show our support, students are welcome to wear a green accessory on Friday 16th May, to take part and continue the conversations about the importance of our mental health and wellbeing.

 

For more information and helpful resources, please visit the Wellbeing section of our school website, where you’ll find links to external support and guidance.

Digital Inclusion Questionnaire

We are working with Manchester City Council's Digital Inclusion Team to explore ways in which we can improve access to affordable internet, devices and digital literacy  for our students and families. To help us with planning and allocation of funding and resources, please complete this short questionnaire. Thank you in advance.  Quick Questionnaire - Please complete

Manchester City Council: SEND Local Offers Newsletter

Please see the latest SEND Local offers newsletter here. Lots of activities such as free cycling sessions, cinema trips, swimming lessons, Football sessions, travel training and more to explore with the young ones.

The Placed Academy

Applications are now OPEN for the PLACED Academy Studio 2025/26, a flagship award-winning FREE programme of creative activities and professional development opportunities for young people who are currently in Years 9-12 who live in Northwest England. Promotional video link here: The Placed Academy  

The PLACED Academy is designed to tackle barriers young people face in accessing professional careers in the built environment, including architecture, planning, urban design and landscape architecture. They seek to support greater diversity in the sector, enabling young people to develop a wide range of skills, grow in confidence and feel empowered to shape the places of the future. The programme runs from July 2025 - March 2026 with monthly sessions and is funded by some fantastic practices and organisations and we can support travel costs (subject to circumstances). You can find out more about the programme and who sponsors us at www.placed-academy.com.

Applications close Sunday 15th June, there are just 60 places available. The link to the application form is HERE.

Eid ul-Adha and GCSE Examinations

We would like to make you aware that Eid ul-Adha is expected to fall on Thursday, 6th June, which coincides with two important GCSE examinations: English Language and Geography. We fully recognise the cultural and religious importance of Eid ul-Adha and the value of family celebrations. However, in accordance with national examination regulations, these exams cannot be rescheduled and must be taken on the scheduled date.

Your child must attend school and sit these exams. Missing these examinations will mean that they fail the qualification and this will impact their future opportunities.

 

Parent Coffee Mornings

 

We are delighted to announce a schedule of Parent Coffee Mornings which will take place during the summer term. There will be a theme for each coffee morning and space at either side to catch up with and chat to our school leaders!

They start at 9.30am and conclude by 10.30am on the dates below:

 

 

  • Thursday 15th May 2025  Supporting Reading and Maths
  • Thursday 22nd May 2025 Safeguarding and Wellbeing  Coffee Morning
  • Thursday 5th June 2025 Attendance, Wellbeing and SEND
  • Thursday 12th June 2025 Community of Belonging: MEA Central is for everyone
  • Thursday 19th June 2025 Reading and English as an additional language
  • Thursday 26th June 2025  Meet the senior team – drop in - the year ahead
  • Thursday 3rd July 2025  Y6 Transition Coffee Morning

 

 

 

 

Safeguarding


Support for families

On Manchester City Council’s website, there are a range of supportive services available. By following the link below, you can get advice and support from multiple charities and organisations.

Manchester City Council

https://hsm.manchester.gov.uk/kb5/manchester/directory/results.page?directorychannel=1-3-7

 

 

Lev You Lots

The link below offers families in the local area support around GP surgeries, foodbanks, community groups and mental health support links. https://levyoulots.com/services-and-support/

 

 

 

 

Head of Year Messages 

Year 7 – Ms. C Gates

This week, Year 7 have begun to participate in House Oracy. In form time, students explored what makes a powerful speech and started thinking about the topics they might choose to write about. The theme this year is "Two Minutes for Tolerance", and I’m really looking forward to seeing the thoughtful, creative and passionate speeches our Year 7s produce. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show the value of participation and develop confidence in speaking.

 

As this is such a short half term, the next round of Big Tests will be here quickly, taking place in the second week back after the May break. Please encourage your child to continue showing the value of achievement by working hard in lessons and completing independent work at home—including revision from knowledge organisers, SPARX maths, and retrieval practice in their red books.

 

A reminder to keep attendance high right through to the end of the year. Every day really does count, and this half term is a great opportunity to improve attendance by being in school every day. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Year 8 – Ms. S Bryan

 

It’s been another fantastic week for Year 8, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way you’ve all continued to engage with your studies and uphold the high standards we set for ourselves.

 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and carers for your ongoing support with the uniform. As we return to full uniform standards this week, I’ve been impressed by the preparation, showing both pride in their appearance and respect for our school’s values. Your cooperation truly makes a difference, and we appreciate it!

 

This week is also Praise Week, and both Mx Umpierrez and I would like to give a special shout-out to the entire year group for your outstanding scholarly habits. We’ve noticed the hard work and dedication you’ve shown this term, and it’s clear that Year 8 is fully committed to their academic growth. Keep it up! The attitude you bring to your studies sets the foundation for the successes of the future.

 

Let’s keep up the fantastic work, Year 8. I look forward to another great week ahead!

 

 

Year 9 – Mr C Blackburn

The Year 9 team is very excited to welcome the new Pastoral Manager to MEA Central, Miss Naz. Thanks for making Miss Naz feel so welcome.

 

As we move further into the term, it is a great time for Year 9 students to pause and reflect on their progress so far. Whether it is in lessons, homework, or personal goals Taking a moment to assess what is working and what could be improved can make a real difference.

 

We often think that big changes are the key to success, but it is the small, consistent improvements that build real momentum. A 1% improvement each day might not seem like much, but over time, it leads to significant growth. These "marginal gains" can come from better organisation, asking more questions in class, or simply aiming to stay focused for longer periods.

And as always, resilience is at the heart of progress. Not everything will go perfectly, and setbacks are part of learning. What matters is how we respond by bouncing back, learning from challenges, and keeping a positive mindset.

Let’s keep striving to be a little better every day.

 

A massive well done to the following students for being the scholars of the week last week.

Thanks,

Mr Blackburn and Miss Naz

 

Year 10 – Mr J Roper

This week we will launch a couple of exciting new initiatives with the year group during my assembly. The first one is to enable all the pupils to continue to show their dedication and maturity as we approach moving into Year 11.

 

The #Y11Ready will celebrate all the pupils who have completed a 'Perfect Week'. This will be based on; 100% Attendance and no late marks, receiving 1 or more CAPS and having all the correct equipment/uniform for school. Each pupil who completes a perfect week will be entered in a weekly prize draw - with the winner receiving their prize the following week.

 

Secondly, I will also be launching the opportunity for pupils within the year group to apply to become a 'Ball person' at Manchester United FC next week. This role would mean that the pupil selected would represent themselves and MEX Central at each home game next season held at Old Trafford.

 

We would like to take this opportunity to Thank you for your continued support of your Son/Daughter throughout the year.

 

Many thanks,

 

Mr Roper & Ms Renshaw

Year 11 – Mr J Rooza 

 

GCSE exam season is officially underway, and we couldn't be more excited for our brilliant Year 11's. This marks the beginning of a crucial period, and we are confident that our students will rise to the challenge and achieve fantastic results.

 

All students now have their personalised exam timetables. Please support us in ensuring these are kept safe and referred to regularly. It is essential that students arrive at school on time for every exam; punctuality and preparation are key to success.

 

Over the coming weeks, daily attendance is more important than ever. Teachers have planned highly focused revision sessions during lessons, tailored to give students the best possible chance of success. These sessions are a valuable opportunity to work closely with subject experts, revise key content, and build confidence.

 

We understand that the exam period can feel overwhelming at times. Encourage your child to stay organised, get plenty of rest, and take time to unwind between revision. If they are feeling anxious or unsure about anything, please do remind them that they are not alone. We are always here to help!

We are now at the final hurdle. Every bit of effort counts, and we are so proud of how far our students have come. Keep going, stay focused, and believe in your ability to succeed. You've got this!

 

Mr Rooza & Mrs Costello