As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, kind, and inclusive school community, on Tuesday 21^st October we had an Anti-Bullying Pop-Up Stand!

The stand appeared in the Hall at breaktime and student learnt about:

• What bullying is and how to recognise it

• Find out how to report concerns safely and confidentially

• Pick up leaflets and information about getting help

• Share positive messages about friendship, kindness, and respect

Our anti bullying ambassadors were on hand to answer questions, offer advice, and encourage everyone to take a stand against bullying.

We’re proud to be reinforcing the message that “Bullying is never okay” and that every student deserves to feel safe and valued at school.

Once again we are delighted to share that we are in the news, with the recent visit from the Borough’s mayor. Check it out in the latest edition of the @NuneatonNews now!

Miss Benfell has visited both Middlemarch Primary and Chetwyd Junior School this week to deliver some descriptive writing workshops.  Pupils learned some new ambitious vocabulary and practised using it in their work, describing an image after the fall of Icarus.  There was some fantastic writing and pupils thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.

This term has been an exciting one for the 17 staff new to Etone.  With their recruitment adding capacity and depth to both subject areas and wider support.

All of our new staff received their welcome packs in the first week to help them ease into their new roles as well as joining Mr Smith and other members of the Leadership team for a welcome breakfast at the end of the first week.

In their highlights of the first week they said “how friendly and welcoming everyone is and how close the staff are.”  They appreciated the “leadership presence and support,” and really enjoyed “seeing Year 7 starting to build their confidence.”

Also, within the first term our new staff have been welcomed by Sam Kibble from the Central Team at Matrix Academy Trust who outlined what was available as part of Matrix’s staff benefits and wellbeing support.

Teachers returning from maternity leave have also been welcomed back with bespoke return to school support and check ins ensuring that the transition is the best it can be. 

Every year we seek to improve and develop our new staff induction support so the induction survey completed by all new staff is essential to this.   Mr Smith met with new staff for a coffee and pain au chocolat at break time to support this evaluation and to thank them for their contributions to Etone so far.

As the year progresses, we will continue to check in with our new staff to ensure they have settled well, enjoy their role and can access the developmental opportunities on offer withing our school and Trust.

On Friday 19^th September the school did a tremendous job raising funds for Jeans for Genes, for the first time in a while. Whilst we would like to raise funds for every charity, this isn’t always possible. However, it was lovely to be able to add this event to our calendar to support individuals suffering from genetic disorders.

Across the day there were some tremendously fantastic displays of denim and we are so pleased to announce we have raised; £459.87 towards the charity. A big thank you for your show of support in helping us in our first fundraising event of the year.

Last weekend some of our junior cadets attended a multi-activity weekend hosted by Barr Beacon CCF. This was an actioned packed weekend where some of our cadets experienced camping and cooking their own food for the first time 

Fieldcraft skills were practiced where the cadets learnt how to see things in the field without being seen themselves. In addition, the cadets learnt how to patrol in an urban area. 

The icing on the cake for the weekend for most of the cadets was when they had the opportunity to be Robin Hood for a moment and use the newly acquired archery equipment.

10 of out cadets and two instructors will be travelling north on Sunday morning to attend a 6-day adventurous training camp

 Where they will be climbing, shooting, water sporting and even having a day at Blackpool pleasure beach

On Tuesday our Year 7’s were visited in their assembly by Flight Officer Gittings (AKA - Mr Gittings) from the Etone CCF to introduce them to the CCF and invite them to the June taster sessions for joining.

Each year our CCF build on their impressive numbers and as the contingent have evolved and developed, we are proud to share some of the highlights including their attendance at remembrance events, raising funds for key charities, success at cross trust competitions (winning the RAST and shooting ones recently) along with getting the chance to experience G Force in the air.

The quality and opportunities of our CCF are next to none, although rather than reading about it follow the link to the CCF page to watch our video sharing all of the amazing offers within the CCF: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/ccf/

To find out more about the Year 7 tasters check here: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CCF-Parent-Recruitment-Letter-June-2025-1.pdf

Friday 21st was a time for the Community School of the Year to swing into action. With a busy day Etone College raised funds once again for Comic Relief. Building up to this day our pupils had the chance to understand the importance of the charity through our annual assembly. This year delivered by Mr Bowley and the Community Champions the focus of the assembly was sharing how small actions can have big impacts. 

For example for just £100 this can fully train a mentor in Africa who can support young children in keeping them safe. An interesting question to think “how much is our safety worth?” with all Houses agreeing much more than £100.

On the day itself it was fantastic to see the efforts of the Etone Community Champions as they descended onto the school gates to help collect for our Non-uniform day. With the vast majority of pupils showing their giving side the buckets were already heaving.

At lunch time the festivities continued as pupils had the chance to take part in specially designed activities at lunch including the: ‘Tell us a Joke’, ‘Design a Red Nose’ competitions or the Big Comic Relief quiz. So far we have raised over £800 with the final total being announce later this week. Well done Etone!!

Join us on March 17^th for our upcoming Themed Menu Day – Celebrating St. Patricks Day. With the luck of the Irish on our side you can indulge in the classic ‘Irish Fry’ complete with bread and butter, enjoy trialling our Irish Stew with traditional Colcannon. Before finished off with a delicious cupcake surprise. See you on the 17^th – And may the luck of the Irish be with you!