RTS Parents' Newsletter

As we reach the end of this first half of the Summer Term, I am sure that I am not the only one who feels that it is passing by incredibly quickly. Students have been focused on end of term topic checks, assessments, GCSEs; alongside the ongoing life of a very busy school.

I cannot state enough how proud we are of our Year 11 students and their drive and determination during these first weeks of the GCSEs. Although there are more to come after half-term, we strongly encourage them to take the time over the next few sunny days of the break to put down their pens, their flashcards, their revision books and catch up and relax with friends and family. Time away from their studies is important for them to feel refreshed and reenergised. They can then return to revision with clear heads and a strong sense of purpose.

A reminder that we are closed on Monday 01 June for INSET Day - see further details below in the Parent Zone for the exceptions to this.

Summer uniform should be worn on our return (blazers and ties with jumpers as optional). Exercise/Gym knicker style shorts are not appropriate to be worn for PE/Games - only black plain unbranded rugby style shorts or skorts are permitted to be worn. Please ensure students also come prepared with refillable water bottles and suncream as necessary. If extreme warm weather is forecast we will send an SMS to families with any uniform adaptations/adjustments.

Wishing you all a lovely half-term break and a chance to enjoy the much warmer weather.

Ms Dooley | Head Teacher

Recently she had the incredible opportunity to form a guard of honour at a prestigous event in central London, held at Watermen's Hall.

Fire Cadets is a great way for young people between the ages of 13-17 to have fun, make friends, and develop their skills and confidence - and it's completely free!

Ben V., Year 7, competed at the Middlesex County Championships recently and he did incredibly well.

Well done Ben, what fantastic results!

Another fantastic success story for our Y7s who won a rugby league tournament at Teddington Lock.

The boys played two very competitive 20 minute games of rugby. They won their first game against Cobham 40-26 and then their second game against Hinchley Wood 26-24 with a dramatic last minute try scored to win the game.

They all represented the school to a high standard, played some fantastic rugby League and brought home a trophy for the RTS cabinet!

Congratulations to the team and a special shout out to Luca W who won an individual award for the player of the tournament!
Team: Joseph C., Oliver D., Sebastian D., Freddie F., Eli, Marcos, Jonathan, Parker, Viyaan, Archie P., Ollie P., Luca W., Arjun, Toby W.

Last week a mixed Year 7 and Year 8 boys Tennis Team headed away to Grey Court School for an interschool tennis tournament. An impressive display of tennis ensued with ALL five RTS students coming home with Gold medals! Well done to Luke M., James M., Jack K., Oli G., and Max M.

Year 9 are in full swing with their Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Over the last few weeks they have been learning camp craft skills - the essential outdoor living skills required for their upcoming expedition, specifically focusing on pitching and maintaining a tent, packing their rucksack efficiently, and safely cooking nutritious meals outdoors. Then last Friday (15 May) the cohort headed off to Richmond Park to practise their navigation skills - understanding map symbols, compass skills, and the "4 D’s" of route planning: Direction, Distance, Duration, and Description - under the watchful eyes of Ms Carrick-Steele, Mr Briggs and the Year 9 tutor team. We are incredibly fortunate in this borough to be able to take advantage of this stunning National Nature Reserve, covering 2500 acres, literally on our doorstep.

Next up is the expedition walk at the beginning of June!

Year 10 GCSE Religious Education students had a valuable opportunity to meet The Reverend Donna McDowell, Assistant Priest from St Mary’s Church, Twickenham, deepening their understanding of Christian beliefs. During the session, they explored the concept of the Trinity, engaging thoughtfully with the idea of one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Students demonstrated excellent curiosity and maturity by asking insightful and challenging questions, showing a genuine interest in theological concepts and how they apply to believers’ lives. The experience enriched their learning and encouraged critical thinking about faith and belief.
Ms Tania, Curriculum Leader - PRE and PSHE

The Richmond upon Thames School (RTS) is holding a series of Open Mornings this term. These are a fantastic opportunity to see the school in action - visiting lessons, meeting staff and students, and exploring the facilities.

• Open Mornings: Wednesdays 03, 10 and 16 June 2026, 11:30-12:30
• The Richmond upon Thames School, Twickenham, TW2 7SL

• Please follow this link to book your place: Book Tickets

• View the RTS prospectus

Reminder - RTS is closed to students on Monday 01 June (following the May Half-Term) due to a staff INSET Day. Students should return to school on Tuesday 02 June, normal school day timings - 08:35-16:00.

Exceptions - Y11 sitting GCSEs scheduled for this day and Y10 GCSE Geography Trip.

With your continued support, we can achieve even greater things for our children and their school. You really do make a difference and we certainly cannot do this without you.

Please fill in this short form and we will be in touch.

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Easyfundraising

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Friends of RTS through #easyfundraising. Your support is invaluable in helping us achieve our mission.

If you haven't signed up yet, the process is simple and completely free. With over 8,100 brands participating, a percentage of your everyday online purchases will be donated to us—at no additional cost to you. Join us in making a meaningful impact today.

So far we have raised £1,348.91

Sign up here: Easyfundraising

Your FoRTS team,

Carmelle (Chair and Acting Secretary) and Pino (Treasurer)

General: forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk

Parking: fortsparking@rts.richmond.sch.uk

If you have concerns in relation to a student at RTS or indeed with regards to your own child, you may want to contact Single Point of Access (SPA) which acts as a central information hub for all professional agencies in Kingston and Richmond.

Richmond and Kingston SPA

The SPA phone lines are now open as follows:

• Monday-Thursday 08.00-17.15 and Friday 08.00-17.00 - the phone number during these times is 020 8547 5008

• Out of hours: 020 8770 5000

Hounslow Early Help Assessment

• Telephone number: 020 8583 6600

• Out of hours: 020 8583 2222

• Email: earlyhelp@hounslow.gov.uk

NSPCC:

Speak to a counsellor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Telephone number: 0808 800 5000, or text 88858

• Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

• Signvideo using British Sign Language (Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm)

Full-term dates and Inset day information is available on the school's website:

• Summer Term 1: Monday 13 April (09:45 start)-Friday 22 May

• Summer Term 2: Monday 01 June (INSET Day - school closed to students)-Friday 10 July (finish at noon)

Please find the Parent Calendar Summary for 2025-2026. Please check this regularly as some dates and times may be adjusted throughout the year.

Arts Richmond will coordinate the borough’s open studios festival, Art House, for 2026.

The festival gives visitors a chance to explore our artistic community and engage with artists, designers & makers from all corners of the borough.
Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th & Monday 25th May
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May

You can download a brochure via: https://artsrichmond.org.uk/art-house-open-studios

Actual copies of the brochures can now be collected from all borough Libraries.
Our Affiliate, the Landmark Art Centre, has also kindly agreed to be a collection point for our brochures, so why not pop in this weekend, pick one up and experience Twickenham Art Circles Spring Exhibition! They are showcasing work from both amateur and professional artists; the exhibition features a diverse range of art and sculpture. Over 200 works of art, including paintings, sculpture and ceramics by local artists for sale. Artists’ greeting cards will also be available.

Admission is free.

Half-Term Gardening Together

Wednesday 27 May, 1.30 – 3.30pm

Join us for our free volunteering session, Gardening Together, where the whole family can enjoy spending time in the sun caring for these beautiful green spaces, guided by our expert team at Chiswick House and Gardens, suitable for children aged 8 and over.

Click here to book.

Richmond Parent Carer Forum have partnered with Achieving for Children to host an event at The White House Family Hub on Monday 8th June. This is an information event to help parents and carers navigate summer holiday activities for children and young people with SEND and we’ll be asking for feedback on the current Family Hub offer in Richmond.

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Here Comes The Sun - How to Access Activities for Children and Young People Who Need Extra Support

10am-2pm, Monday 8th June at The White House, 45 The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN

Join us for this FREE in-person event at The White House Family Hub. You’ll have the opportunity to meet local activity providers and learn about What’s On in Richmond for children and young people who need extra support to access fun activities. We’ll also be asking for your views on the Family Hub offer in Richmond

Refreshments will be served all day and you’re welcome at any time so call in to pick up your FREE Summer Survival Kit or Afternoon Tea Hamper

Book your place here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HereComesTheSun8thJune

Dust off your violin, find your flute, or warm up your brass! We are thrilled to invite you to our Family Orchestra Day at St Richard Reynolds School.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a rusty returner, or a keen beginner, there is a seat in the orchestra waiting for you. This morning is all about the joy of making music together in a relaxed, friendly environment.

The Details

• When: Saturday 13th June

• Time: 10:00 -11:30am

• Where: St Richard Reynolds School TW1 4LT - Auditorium

• What: We’ll be playing a selection of accessible classics—no prior practice or preparation is needed! Sheet music will be emailed to you after registration.

• Tickets: £8 suggested donation payment can be made here (Concessions/Children go free)

Who Can Join?

Everyone! We truly mean "all welcome."

• All Ages: From children to grandparents.

• All Abilities: From Grade 8 to "I just learned my first scale."

• Instruments: All strings, woodwind, and brass players are welcome!

• All Non SRRCC under 18s must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event

Please ensure you register using this google form by 15th May

We can’t wait to hear the sound of the community coming together. See you there!

Any questions regarding the day, please contact Katie Batchelor (k.batchelor@srrcc.org.uk)

We would like to warmly invite families from across our community to our upcoming Families Together Coffee Morning.

This event aims to bring local services, charities, organisations and professionals together under one roof, creating an opportunity for schools and families to connect with support services, gather information and build stronger community links to better support the families we work with.

Families Together Coffee Morning
Friday 26 June
9:00am–11:30am
Chase Bridge Primary School – Chase Hall/Terrace

Parents, carers, guardians, school staff and professionals are warmly invited to join us for a relaxed morning with tea, coffee, sweet treats and the opportunity to connect with others in our community.

We are pleased to welcome guest speakers from:

• MHST (Mental Health Support Team)
• Richmond Carers Service
• ADHD Embrace
• Pre & Post Diagnostic Service

A range of local charities and organisations will also be attending with information and support for families, including:

• Hampton Fund
• RUILS Independent Living
• Skylarks Charity
• Parenting Leads Richmond
• Space2Grieve
• Riverbank Trust
• East to West Trust
• School Nursing Service
• ELSA Team
• Purple Elephant Charity
• PCF Richmond

Mrs Gilbert (SENCO) and I will also be available throughout the morning for support and informal conversations.

To sign up for the event, please complete the registration form below:

https://forms.gle/3Q4Nxu8je4M4yyUP9

We run different youth club sessions for a variety of groups, including for children and adults with disabilities.

Local bereavement charity, space2grieve is on hand, during both term time and school holidays, to provide free bereavement support for families living in the borough of Richmond.

When a significant person in a child’s life has died, parents and carers can feel overwhelmed and uncertain how best to support their children as often they are grieving themselves. In a Parenting Through Grief session, our experienced specialist bereavement supporters provide parents and carers with a space to talk it through, as well as key information and resources, so that they feel better equipped to help their grieving children. For children and young people, support is in the form of one-on-one sessions either in school or at our welcoming space at the ETNA Community Centre in Twickenham. The sessions are free, and available via self-referral.

For further information:

space2grieve.org.uk

0751 937 6363

Or email cypsupport@space2grieve.org.uk

It takes courage to ask for help. But for many young people who do, the support they need just isn’t there. Hundreds of thousands of young people are struggling with their mental health, but too many are being told to wait, struggling to cope and hitting a crisis point before they get help.

But things can get better. And Young Minds are leading the movement for change.

We provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health. We empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. And we give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in.

Together, we can create a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health.

The Helpline is a lifeline for parents, carers and children/young people who don’t know where to turn, or don’t feel listened to when their child is, or they are, struggling.

The timetable for the Summer Term 2026 is ready, and we are now taking bookings.

I have attached the full programme and individual flyers to this email, but this is what we have coming up this term:

These courses are only for families who live in the boroughs of either Richmond or Kingston.

Longer Courses:

• Parents in Conflict (3 weeks): Starts Tuesday, 2 June at Ham Children's Centre. Helps parents and co-parents develop strategies to manage and resolve disagreements constructively.

One-Off Workshops (2 Hours):

• Digital Parenting: Managing screen time, boundaries, and online safety. Running at The White House (6 July) and Ham Children's Centre (14 July).

Please note: We will also be running online evening versions of both these workshops later in the term, with exact dates to be confirmed shortly.

Coming Soon (Dates TBC):

We are also working on dates for Triple P, Triple P Stepping Stones, The Incredible Years, Playful Parenting, Teen Life (from the National Autistic Society), and Talking Teens (from The Centre for Emotional Health). Parents and carers can be put on the waiting list for any of these courses.

A few notes on booking:

• Spaces are limited: We allocate places on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. If a course fills up, I can put people on a reserve list in case of any cancellations.

• Childcare/Creche: Creche spaces, where provided, are extremely limited. People need to let me know when they book if they absolutely cannot attend without a childcare space.

What to do next?

If any family wants to book on to any of these courses, please email Tom Maybey, Richmond Parenting Lead: tom.maybey@achievingforchildren.org.uk. Include your name, email address, contact number, child’s name and age, and postcode that would be really helpful.

Our courses are neuro-inclusive, relaxed, and pressure-free, attendees are always welcome to move, doodle, or just listen.

If anyone is specifically looking for the EarlyBird or EarlyBird Plus courses (for families of autistic children), these are run by a separate team within Achieving for Children. You can find more info and families can refer themselves here: https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/parenting-courses/earlybird-and-earlybird-plus-national-autistic-society-programme

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