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Issue 50, December 2002 

For Them

Before you bid, for Christmas’ sake,
Your guests to sit at meat,
Oh please to save a little cake
For them that have no treat.

Before you go down party-dressed
In silver gown or gold,
Oh please to send a little vest
To them that still go cold.

Before you give your girl and boy 
Gay gifts to be undone,
Oh please to spare a little toy 
To them that will have none.

Before you gather round the tree
To dance the day  about,
Oh please to give a little glee
To them that go without.

Eleanor Farjeon

Dear Parents/Guardians
At the end of another hectic but productive Autumn Term, I wish to thank you on behalf of all the pupils and staff at Woodhey for the exceptional support you have offered in many ways this year. It is, as always, much appreciated. I always reflect, at this time of the year, on the marvellous charitable deeds of our youngsters. This year has been no exception with several thousand pounds raised for local, national and international charities. In a time of growing materialism and commercialism it is heartening to see young people genuinely caring for the welfare of others less fortunate than themselves.
All our staff continually try to emphasise the importance of positive relationships through kindness, understanding and courtesy. These qualities are particularly relevant over the Christmas period, when we hope all our pupils will join their family, friends and neighbours in showing an act of kindness to someone in the local community.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy, restful Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
M Braidley, Headteacher
Farewell to Staff
We say goodbye to five colleagues at the end of this term

Mr Dunning
Brian Dunning has given long, loyal and highly valued service to both Bury LEA and Woodhey High School.
Brian retires this week after working for 38 years in Bury – the first fifteen years at The Derby Grammar School and the last twenty three years at Woodhey. Brian has been at Woodhey since its inception in 1979, following the previous headteacher, Frank Bennett, from The Derby.
Brian, an Australian by birth, came to England in the 1950’s before attending Bolton County Grammar School where he excelled at sport – especially football and cricket. He moved on to Bolton Technical College where he trained in mechanical engineering whilst serving an apprenticeship at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Ltd. It was by chance that Brian joined the teaching profession in 1965 after a friend saw an advert for an assistant master at The Derby Grammar School. Brian applied for the post of assistant master to teach Metalwork and Technical Drawing and was successful. An illustrious career followed with promotion to Head of Middle School and a position outside school as Inspector and Examiner for the Joint Matriculation Examination Board. Whilst at The Derby, Brian’s love of sport and outdoor activities made him a very popular teacher and colleague. Indeed, one year the 1st XI soccer team won the Greater Manchester Cup under his guidance – a terrific achievement.
Brian moved to Woodhey when the school opened as Head of Careers Guidance and Head of Year Five. Brian continued his promotion through the career structure to his current position of Assistant Headteacher – a role which carries several major areas of responsibility.
Brian has devoted much of his own time to generations of pupils at both The Derby and Woodhey and is affectionately known by all as “BD”. His love of sport has never diminished from his own early playing days at Bolton Wanderers where he was an integral part of their youth team which lost narrowly 2 –1 to a Manchester United team (including Bobby Charlton!) in the Lancashire Cup final. Brian moved onto Stockport County where he played for four years in their reserve team before moving into the teaching profession.
Professional football’s loss has certainly been teaching’s gain and Brian’s enthusiasm, experience and knowledge of the game has certainly benefited thousands of young footballers.
Brian’s skills as a teacher have also shone through in his career and despite the heavy managerial responsibilities he has carried in more recent times, he has always made time to speak informally to staff, pupils and parents alike. Brian retires from Woodhey with the thanks and best wishes of everyone connected with the school and the local community ringing in his ears. His love of sport (especially cricket and golf nowadays) and politics linked with his fondness for gardening will keep him fully occupied. Brian’s charity work with the Ramsbottom Rotary Club and his pride in his family will also give him much pleasure in the years to come.
We all wish “BD” a long, happy and healthy retirement – thank you for all you have done Brian – It is much appreciated!

Mr Garvey, a long-serving and highly-valued member of the English department, retires after being at Woodhey for nineteen years. John is an excellent teacher of English and has also contributed to the teaching of several other subjects whilst at Woodhey. John has made a superb contribution to “whole-school” activities including our dramatic productions, school holidays at home and abroad and theatre trips. John’s sense of humour and cheery personality will be greatly missed by staff and pupils alike.
I’m sure that pupils, parents and staff, both past and present will wish John a long and happy retirement.

Miss Lardillier
Veronique leaves us after four terms to return to her native France before moving to Australia. Veronique has worked in our Modern Languages Department for just over a year and will be missed by us all. I’m sure Veronique will make a success of her new career and we wish her well for the future.

Mr Hudson
We also say goodbye to Mr Hudson who has been on a temporary contract with us for the term. We are very grateful for all the hard work done both inside and outside the curriculum. We wish Mr Hudson well for the future.

Mrs Harwood leaves our office team after a term with us. Kristine has been a valuable addition to Woodhey but she has chosen to return to her previous employment. We thank her for her brief contribution to Woodhey and wish her well in her new post.

M Braidley, Headteacher
Parents – Please help!
I have been contacted by several residents from the Whittingham Drive area informing me that large groups of young people (boys and girls) have started to congregate there in the evenings. This in itself, is not a problem but recently damage has been done to personal property, cars and gardens. The latter is obviously very anti-social and unacceptable. Not all the culprits are from Woodhey but a large proportion will be.
As an integral part of the local community we want our pupils to be positive citizens and reflect well on the school – even when they are not in uniform.
The residents, many of whom are also parents of Woodhey pupils, are asking all parents to monitor the behaviour of their children before the issue gets out of hand. The local police and councillors have already been contacted and will be contacted again should the need arise. Please help to return the area to the quiet and pleasant neighbourhood it has always been .
M Braidley, Headteacher
Junior Public Speaking
The winners of the competition were: Beth Shedwick (9P), Lauren Allpress (9K) and Charlotte Morris (9K) who chose the topic “Fame“. The runners up were: Ellie Beryl, Emma Woods and Sian Ratcliff who entertained the audience with their talk on “Little Sisters“. Many thanks to all the competitors, the Year 10 helpers and the judges, especially Mr Brooke, who chaired the panel.
EM
Soccer
Year 7 5-a-side Football Team competed in Bury Schools’ Tournament, and won it! They have now qualified for the Wagon Wheel National Tournament at JJB Stadium in Wigan.
HT
Rugby Results 
v Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
U16		won		42 – 0
U13		won		25 – 5	
v Bury Grammar School
U16		won		19 – 7
U14		won		54 – 0
U13		lost		41 – 0
U12		lost		25 – 7
v Thornleigh
U16 		won 		66 – 0

Rugby Tournament
Year 9 competed very well against ten other teams in November. The highlight was beating St Bede’s Manchester 5 –0.
BH

Individual Rugby Honours
Well done to Jordan Page, Harold Buchanan and Jonathan Appleton (all of 11 Calrows) who have been selected for the North of England Development Squad weekend at Fleetwood.
HT

Netball
Well done to the Year 9 Netball team who got through to the final of the National School Tournament at the Manchester Velodrome in November. They all played extremely well and just lost out to St Bede’s for a place in the next round. The team is entered for the County School Tournament in March and are hoping to go one better. Watch this space!
The year 7 and 8 teams visited Radcliffe earlier this month and clocked up their first wins of the season. The year 7’s won 7-4 and the Year 8’s managed a convincing 13-0 victory.
Well done girls.
HF 
Fixtures until half term
14 Jan AWAY	Yr 8 + 9 v Parrenthorn
21 Jan HOME	Yr 11 v Parrenthorn
28 Jan AWAY	Yr 7 (A+B)v Tottington
4 Feb  HOME	Yr7 + 8	v Philips
5 Feb  AWAY	Yr 7 (A+B) v Prestwich
11 Feb AWAY	Yr 9 + 11 v Philips

Hockey
After half term, the Senior team continued their winning streak by becoming the Bury Schools’ Senior League Champions. Having beaten Phillips 2 – 0, Broad Oak 4 – 0. Bury Grammar School 2 – 0, Tottington 2 – 0 they met St Monica’s in the final where a score of 2 – 0 clinched the title.
Well done girls! Let’s hope we can repeat this in the Indoor League after Christmas.
The U14 Indoor team began their matches mid–November and at this time, they too remain unbeaten with wins against Castlebrook 3-1 Tottington 3 - 1, Parrenthorn 5 – 1, St Monica’s 7 –1 and St Gabriel’s 2 – 0. The league draws to a close after the holidays on Wednesday, 8 January with matches against both Elton and Philips to be played at Elton and, hopefully, a place in the finals later in January.
The Year 8 team have had mixed fortunes in their outdoor league games. They drew against St Gabriel’s 1 – 1,and lost against Tottington 5 – 0 , St Monica’s 3 –2 and BGS 3 – 0.
After several Saturday practice sessions the Year 7 team played their first game, a knock-out match against Elton, last week. The team played well and were unlucky not to score on several occasions. After extra time (and when we could no longer see the ball!) there was still no score, so the match will be re-arranged for the new year.
Many thanks to the ‘regular’ parents for their continued support through all kinds of weather!
HF 
Hockey New Year Fixtures
Wednesday 22 Jan Senior Indoor v Elton and Philips at Elton
Monday, 27 Jan Year 9 League   v Castlebrook at Goshen
Wednesday, 5 Feb Senior Indoor v St Gabriel’s at Elton
Monday, 10 Feb Year 9 League   v St Gabriel’s 
				and St Monica’s at Goshen
Wednesday 12 Feb Senior Indoor v Castlebrook
				and Parrenthorn at Castlebrook
Belfast, Here we come!!
On Sunday, 1 December, eleven Woodhey girls took part in the NW Schools’ Trampolining competition held at Copley Leisure Centre, Stalybridge. All girls bounced exceptionally well with the following outstanding results.
The Year 11 team of Amanda Jackson (11G), Heather Snodgrass (11G), Katie Scott (11A) and Julia Christie (11G) finished in an excellent 5th position in the U19 closed section.
Carla Tumelty (9P) took part in the U15 section finishing in a creditable 25th place out of a total of 65 competitors. Nuala Tumelty (11H) and Gemma Linnell (8C) both competed in the difficult open class competition where the standards were very high with the girls bouncing against several national performers. Nuala finished in a superb 8th place in the U19 section while Gemma was an excellent 9th in the U13 section.
Our greatest success of the day was in the U13 closed section where our team of Leanne Storey (7P), Abby Morris (7P) Sophie Smith (7G) and Laura Barker (8H) finished in a fantastic 2nd position with Leanne winning the section as an individual performer. These girls now qualify for the next stage of the competition – the North of England, which is to be held in Belfast on 25 January. If you can help by sponsoring them – please sign up!! We hope to raise money towards the cost of airfares / accommodation etc. by doing a sponsored bounce after the Christmas holiday.
Well done to all who took part at Copley and many thanks to parents for their help and support on the day.
HFi
Girls Football
The Year 7 girls 5-a-side team recently travelled to St Gabriel’s for their first knockout tournament. They drew with St Monica’s and beat Tottington ‘B‘, with Shauna Carnson (7G) scoring all five goals, before meeting Tottington ‘A’ team in the semi final. After a thrilling match, which went to extra time, Woodhey lost on penalties.
 
League fixtures after Christmas
Yr 10/11 16 Jan 6 March
Yr 8/9 6 Feb 13 March
Yr 7 27 Feb 10 April

Parents’ Surgery
Once a month, I will stay behind after school and hold a ‘surgery’ which is open to any parent who would like to discuss anything with me. No appointment is necessary and the meetings will be quite informal. Parents will be seen on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Next term the meetings will be from 4.00 – 6.00 pm in the Library at school on the following days
Tuesday, 28 January
Thursday, 27 March
These meetings are intended to be for parents who consider the usual channels inappropriate. The ’surgery’ is in addition to the current procedure, not a replacement for it.
M Braidley, Headteacher
Drop Us a Line…
Please could I remind all parents and guardians that we would appreciate it if you could send us a brief letter of explanation if your child has to miss school for any reason at all. Letters requesting that pupils are taken out of school for a family holiday should be addressed to the Headteacher, and parents are respectfully reminded that leave of absence for holidays must be applied for by law.
Many thanks for your co-operation.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Charity Shoe Boxes
Once again we have taken part in the Rotary Club Shoe Box Appeal. This year 70 boxes were collected and will be sent to countries in Eastern Europe. Many thanks to all those who contributed.
J Clark
Stories For Infants
It was a crisp November morning as Year 8 Set 1 English group route-marched in the direction of St Andrew’s primary school. Mrs Metcalf, the commander-in-chief, strode on ahead. We entered the school breathlessly, and suddenly we were surrounded by a whole army of Borrowers, full of curiosity. We grabbed our weapons (our infant story books) and quickly got to work reading our stories. On the whole, the children were angelic, however, sometimes we found a little ‘monster’ in our midst! We departed, confident that we had enthralled young minds with fantasy and whimsical adventure. (I’m sure!!)
Emma Woods (8 Kay)
Cool, Clear Water
Thanks to the hard work of the Healthy Schools’ Task Group, we now have three water coolers in operation in school. These are very well used by the pupils, who have looked after them very responsibly. Particular thanks to the ‘Water Prefects’ for monitoring the machines this term.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
Physical Activity Section: Canoeing
Recently, five Year 9's were lucky enough to be given a place on a canoeing course with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Every Saturday for six weeks, we met at Burrs Country Park, and for four hours, we practised our canoeing skills, played games and went on river journeys. The water was freezing, as we found out when we capsized. Most of us learnt from our experiences, which was a good job as David made it a habit to capsize at least twice every week. Even though the weather was icy, it was good fun and we all passed our two-star awards!
Laura Sharkey and Charlotte Wheelhouse, 9HS
Winter Warmers
Now that the cold and wet weather are here, please could we respectfully remind parents that pupils should have a sensible outer coat to wear to school. Hooded tops and sweatshirts are not part of our uniform and do not look smart; nor are they appropriate for the winter weather. Pupils should wear a plain, warm, weatherproof jacket which covers the school blazer. Hats are not allowed, and will be confiscated from pupils if worn.
Also, may I remind parents that girls wearing trousers to school must wear the standard ’Honeybees’ design, as stated in the uniform list. No other trousers are acceptable for girls.
Helping Hands
Once again I’m proud to report that Woodhey pupils have been highly successful in contributing to charities at home and abroad. Pupils in the senior school raised £165 for Food Aid, an international charity, and pupils raised £100 for Children in Need by the sale of home-made cakes and muffins to our ever hungry pupils! Thanks to everyone for their help and support.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Investors…
On Monday, 4 November Mr Braidley and I were the guests of Business Link at a ceremony at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium where we were presented with the school’s Investors in People Recognition Award. Another certificate to place on the walls of Woodhey! Thanks to all who helped us achieve this re-award.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Adopt-a-school
We are proud and pleased that the school has been ‘adopted’ by the Halifax Plc, Bury. We have already organised a successful day’s placement for two teachers at the Halifax in Bury, have organised mock interviews to take place for Year 11 pupils on their Progress Review Days, and ‘signed up’ three people who are willing to mentor some pupils in Years 9 and 10. We are very grateful to the Halifax, and are looking forward to working together with them.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
More Mentoring
The school has also been selected to run a pupil mentoring scheme, organised by the National Mentoring Network. We have £500 to set up the scheme, and look forward to training our first pupil mentors in the New Year.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Duke of Edinburgh Award - Diary 2003
Could parents of pupils involved in the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme please note the following dates of training activities.
Thurs, 16 Jan, 7.30 – 9.30: Parents’ Evening, Seedfield DTC
Sun, 9 March, 10.00 – 3.00 pm: Day Walk, Bronze/Silver. Meet at Ramsbottom Baths Car Park.
Sat/Sun 29/30 March: Clitheroe – Waddow Hall, Bronze. Meet at BGS. Depart BGS 8.30 am, return BGS 5.00 pm.
Fri/Sun 4-6 April Yorkshire Dales. Practice Final Bronze/Practice Silver. Meet at BGS. Depart BGS 6.30 pm, return BGS 5.30 pm
BGS – Bury Grammar School – (Girls) Bridge Road, Bury
DTC – Seedfield Centre – Parkinson Street, Bury
Adverse Weather Policy
In the event of a heavy snowfall every effort will be made to keep the school open, but regard for the children’s safety must be paramount.
Accordingly:
In the event of heavy snowfall during the school day, the situation will be carefully monitored by Senior Management personnel and the School Office. We shall gather information from Manchester Weather Centre, the Police and local bus companies as to the state of the roads and predictions for the remainder of the day concerned. The school will respond to their advice. In the event of school closure and a ‘staggered’ evacuation , those children most at risk , i.e. those with physical disability and those who live in outlying areas, will be sent home first, provided they have access to their home or other place of safety. Such children, before they leave, must indicate their destination if it is not their home.
After-school events, games, clubs, detention, choir, parents’ evening etc. will normally be postponed.
Where adverse weather is forecast, pupils should be suitably clothed and provided with sufficient money to cover bus fares. In the event of heavy snowfall or adverse conditions overnight, we will try to contact the local radio stations (Tower FM, GMR and Kay 103) to broadcast details concerning whether school will be open or closed.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Peak-time Parking
As of the return to school on Monday, 6 January 2003 parents will not be allowed to bring their cars on site to collect their children between the hours of 3.30 pm and 4 pm. This measure is purely to ensure the health and safety of our pupils and to enable school buses to enter and leave the school grounds unhindered.
We respectfully ask that all parents support us in this measure by picking up their children, if this is absolutely necessary, at a pre-arranged point in the neighbourhood of the school (e.g. the estate behind ‘The Brook,’ the estate around Lancaster Avenue, Holcombe Brook precinct).
Parents should not block either the approach road to school or Est Bank Road, to which residents and emergency vehicles need access.
Thank you for your cooperation.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Senior Public Speaking
Congratulations to Paul Blakeley (10A), Chris Todd (10A) and Ben Connor, (10C) who entertained the audience with their views on “Monty Python”; Stephanie Murray (11C), Julia Christie (11G) and Katie Scott (11A), who looked at the problems of a broken heart, and, the winners, Kathryn Elles (10H), Esther Pilling (10H) and Lauren Webster (10H)who explored the influence of music on our lives.
Thanks to Mr Goodman, Mr Taylor and Mr Chamberlain for judging the competition.
EM
Prize-winning Natasha
Congratulations to Natasha Anwar-Lindley (10A), whose design for the Teenage Pregnancy and Sexual Health poster competition was a prize-winner. Natasha attended the launch of Bury’s Teenager Pregnancy Strategy at the Village Hotel, Pilsworth, where she received her award from Bury South MP, Ivan Lewis.
Congratulations to Natasha, and thanks to the other Year 10 pupils whose designs were also submitted for the competition.
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Friends of Woodhey
2002 – 2003 Recycled Uniform
There will be a sale of second-hand uniform on the following dates at 6.30 pm in school: Tuesday 25 February, Tuesday 29 April, Monday 19 May, Wednesday 18 June.
Name that Uniform
Please could parents make sure that all uniform is named. We have so many ‘Lost Property’ items with no name in – often very expensive items too!
P Burrow, Deputy Headteacher
Friends of Woodhey
Waste Paper Collection
The Waste Paper Collection is held on the 3rd Sunday in each month, between 10 am and 12.30 pm. Please bring in your waste paper. Sorry we cannot accept cardboard, plastic bags or envelopes.
Remember: Read – and Recycle

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