Headteacher's Bulletin
05/12/25 - Edition 79
Mr Lisseman - Headteacher
Dear Parents & Carers,
With just two weeks to go until Christmas break, the school is beginning to feel wonderfully festive. Our Sparkle and Shine decorating competition is adding a brilliant burst of creativity and colour to classrooms throughout the school, with paper chains, snowflakes, fairy lights and all the sparkle of the season.
We are also looking forward to our upcoming Carols in the Courtyard event, which promises to be a beautiful evening of music and community. If you haven’t yet bought your tickets on the Arbor Shop, there is still time — it’s always one of the highlights of our December calendar. Next week, our Year 7 students will enjoy their very own seasonal treat as the pantomime Dick Whittington arrives in school on Wednesday — always a cherished moment in their first secondary Christmas with us.
On Monday 8th December, we will be holding our PTA Annual General Meeting, and we warmly invite all families to attend. The PTA plays a vital role in supporting school life and enriching opportunities for our students, and the AGM is a chance to hear about upcoming plans, contribute ideas, and get involved in a way that genuinely makes a difference. We would be delighted to see as many parents and carers there as possible.
Yesterday we were delighted to welcome families for Year 11 Parents’ Evening. Thank you to all who attended and to staff for the time, care, and thoughtful conversations that make such a difference at this crucial stage in the year.
As we celebrate the season, we also take a moment to say a very fond farewell to Mr Renwick, who has been part of our teaching team for the past two years. Mr Renwick is returning home to Australia, and while we are sad to see him go, we are deeply grateful for his dedication, warmth and contribution to school life. We wish him every success and happiness in the adventures ahead.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into the final stretch of term and towards a well-deserved Christmas break.
Ms Riordan - Head of Year 11
Yesterday our students collected their mock examination results — a moment that brought smiles for some and renewed determination for others. Regardless of how they felt, we are incredibly proud of each student for their effort, commitment, and resilience.
Mock results offer a valuable opportunity to learn, reflect, and refocus. This is just one step in their wider journey. Keep striving, supporting one another, and moving forward.
You’ve got this, Year 11!
Mr Savvidis - Mental Health and Well-being lead
At Twickenham School, we are committed to ensuring every student feels supported, understood, and empowered to succeed. As part of this commitment, we were delighted to welcome a representative from the Richmond Carers Centre last week to launch their Young Carers in School Programme within our community.
This initiative helps us identify and support young carers—students who balance school life with significant responsibilities at home. Through workshops, guidance, and staff training, the programme enables us to create a more inclusive environment where young carers can access the recognition, wellbeing support, and academic opportunities they deserve.
By working in partnership with Richmond Carers Centre, Twickenham School continues to champion the wellbeing of all students and strengthen the supportive culture at the heart of our school in Whitton.
Ms Fenton - DSL and Assistant Headteacher
This week our Year 10 students were really pleased to welcome Steven from Drugsline Education. Steven talked about his own personal experiences of addiction and homelessness and explained his journey to helping vulnerable young adults overcome this challenge. This talk was honest and powerful and our students came away with lots to think about!
Ms Horta, Mr Giordmania and Ms Farrell - Heads of House
Today we welcomed our enthusiastic Year 8 and Year 9 students into the auditorium for their turn at the Christmas ornament decorating competition. The lunchtime event brought together students from Mandela, Curie, and Farrah House, offering them the chance to relax, express their creativity, and enjoy the Christmas spirit together as a year group.
The turnout was once again fantastic, with students eagerly designing ornaments using paint, ribbons, glitter, and plenty of festive flair. The excitement and teamwork on display made the event a brilliant way to finish the week.
A huge thank you to all the students who joined in today — your positive energy and artistic talent made the event a real success.
And there’s more to come! Next Friday, students in Years 10 and 11 will have their turn to decorate their ornaments, and we’re looking forward to seeing their contributions to the tree as well.
Christmas spirit is well and truly spreading through Twickenham School!
Mr Hayes - Head of PE
Our Girls Basketball teams stole the show this week! Year 11 Girls delivered a fantastic performance, edging out RPA with a thrilling 56–50 victory. Year 8/9 Girls fought hard and pushed the game into overtime but narrowly lost 18–16 to Hampton High. We are so incredibly proud of the hard-work and determination that both teams showed.
Twickenham School
Percy Road
Twickenham
TW2 6JW
0208 894 4503