Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

Friday 26th June - Amended Timings

Published 22/06/26

Dear Families,

Re: Friday 26th June 2026 Plans

The Met Office has issued an Amber Alert for Friday 26th June 2026. There is the possibility of this changing to a Red Alert as temperatures are expected to exceed 34 Celsius. Please see below the revised mings for the school day on Friday 26th June along with updated arrangements for Year 10 PPE exams on that day.

Plans for Thursday 25th June remains as previously communicated.

Uniform Expectations

Students may wear their PE kit on the 25th and 26th June if they choose.
If your daughter wishes to wear a skirt or trousers and her school shirt, she may leave her blazer and tie at home.
Crocs or flip flops are not permitted as they are not safe footwear for moving around the school site.
Students should still bring their lanyard and other equipment for the school day.

Additional Information

We expect the school to open and operate as normal from Monday 29th June 2026.

We have a limited number of air‑conditioned spaces available and can accommodate some students on site until 3:00pm if required. If you would like your daughter to remain in school for the full day, please email: info@woolwichpolygirls.co.uk

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Ms Williams Headteacher

For Parents/Carers: A calmer way through the school holidays

Published 19/06/26

A calmer way through the school holidays

The school holidays can be challenging for families — but support is out there.

This simple, practical parenting approach gives you tools to:
✅ Stay calm and connected
✅ Reduce conflict at home
✅ Respond in a way that works for your family
✅ Keep your confidence as a parent

No judgement. No rigid rules. Just helpful, everyday tools you can use straight away.

💡 Free and easy to access on your phone

👉 Get started here:

NVR Companion App

NVR Oxleas original booklet (2007).pdf

Warmer Weather Update

Published 19/06/26

Dear Families,

Following yesterday’s message, we would like to remind you that, with the warmer weather expected to continue into next week, students may leave their blazers at home. All other uniform expectations remain unchanged.

We also encourage students not to bring jumpers and to ensure they bring a refillable (plastic) water bottle so they can stay hydrated throughout the day.

Kind regards,

Mr Savage

Assistant Headteacher

20-Minute Reading Challenge this Half Term!

Published 22/05/26

20-Minute Reading Challenge this Half Term!

Can you read (or listen!) for 20 minutes every day this half-term?

Join our Sora Reading Challenge and enjoy e-books or audiobooks while earning rewards:

Poly points for everyone who completes the challenge

Prizes for the students who read the most minutes!

Running: 23rd – 31st May

How to join:

Log in to Sora
Go to ‘Reading Challenges’ in your profile
Enter code: 6RZMZBKM

Or scan the QR code on the poster (available in the library after school)

Need help accessing Sora or the full catalogue? See Mrs Spencer in the library.

Let’s get reading!

Soraapp

FREE Things to do in Greenwich & London This May Half Term

Published 20/05/26

May half term is here - and so is a HUGE list of completely FREE things to do!

From creative workshops and family festivals to outdoor adventures, youth sessions and SEND‑inclusive activities, we’ve rounded up the very best no‑cost events happening across Greenwich, Bexley and London this May half term.

Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained during the school break, get stuck into something creative, explore local culture or simply enjoy the sunshine, this list is packed with brilliant free options for families, young people and the community.

Take a look, plan your week, and share it with someone who loves a free day out!

GREENWICH

BEXLEY

LONDON MUSEUMS

LONDON

INCLUSIVE

FREE Support Services When Schools Are Closed

Published 14/05/26

We recognise that sometimes unexpected situations arise during the holidays, and although school may be closed, support is still available for students and parents/carers.

To help during this period, we have created a list of free support services that can offer guidance, someone to talk to, or practical assistance when it is needed most. These organisations remain accessible throughout the holidays and are there to ensure that no one feels without help.

Please take care during the break.

Food & Essentials Support

Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme – Free holiday clubs with meals for children on benefits‑related free school meals (usually up to 4 sessions per holiday).
Royal Greenwich Holiday Food & Fun – Free meals and activities across Woolwich, Plumstead, Eltham and Thamesmead (including SEND-friendly provision).
Trussell Trust Food Banks – Emergency food parcels available nationwide.
Family Action FOOD Clubs – Affordable food boxes and holiday support.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

Childline – Free, confidential support for under‑19s (0800 1111).
Shout – Text CONNECT to 85258 for free 24/7 support.
Kooth – Free, anonymous online mental health support.
ThinkNinja App – NHS-supported wellbeing app for ages 10–18 (access may vary locally).
Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support (116 123).
Papyrus HOPELINE247 – Suicide prevention for young people (0800 068 4141).
NHS Mental Health Crisis Line – Call 111 and select Option 2.
YoungMinds – Advice and support for young people and parents.

Family & Parenting Support

Family Hubs & Start for Life
FamilyLine (Family Action)
YoungMinds Parent Helpline (0808 802 5544)
Parenting Smart (Place2Be)
Mind – School holiday wellbeing support
Family Lives
Action for Children
Barnardo’s
NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)

Online Safety & Protection

CEOP – Report online grooming or abuse.
Thinkuknow – Advice, videos and resources for children, parents and carers on staying safe online.

Greenwich Phoenix Basketball Trials - 7th May

Published 06/05/26

We are excited to invite your Year 7–10 girls to attend Greenwich Phoenix basketball trials. This is a fantastic opportunity for young players to develop their skills, enjoy elite coaching, and explore the National Basketball League pathway.

Trial Details:

U14 Girls (Year 7–8) – Thursday 7^th May 2026, 17:45–19:45
Registration Link: Under 14 Girls - Year 7-8 Registration Link
U16 Girls (Year 9–10) – Thursday 7^th May 2026, 17:45–19:45
Registration Link: Under 16 Girls - Year 9-10 Registration Link

Venue: Thomas Tallis School, 134 Kidbrooke Park Road, London SE3 9PX

Additional Info:

The first session is free for all new players.
Players are encouraged to attend and can join Phoenix directly after the session.
The session focuses on skill development, game exposure, and player growth.

Support Our Green Club Gardening Project in Tesco Stores This Summer

Published 13/04/26

We are delighted to share that Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls has been shortlisted for the Tesco Stronger Starts in‑store vote with our project: Green Club Gardening.

From Tuesday 28th April to the end of July, customers can vote for our project in selected Tesco stores across our local area. Every vote helps us move closer to creating a wildlife haven on our school grounds and giving students the chance to grow, nurture and harvest their own food.

How to vote:

Make any purchase in a participating Tesco store, and you’ll receive a blue token.
Place it in the box for Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls: Green Club Gardening.

Where you can vote:

Kidbrooke Village Express SE3 9GR
Eltham Express SE9 5ER
Cutty Sark Express SE10 9SW
The Reach Thamesmead Express SE28 0NY
Greenwich Express SE10 9TZ
Clifton Lee Express SE12 8BL
Eltham High Street Express SE9 1DH
Greenwich Creek Road Express SE8 3BN
Plumstead Lakedale Road Express SE18 1PP
Woolwich Express SE18 6GD
Greenwich Peninsula Express SE10 0ES
Eltham Coronet Express SE9 6BZ
Deptford Blackheath Road Express SE10 8EF
Woolwich Extra SE18 6HQ

Your support will help us bring this project to life for our students and our community. We would be incredibly grateful for the backing of our wider community, as this project will make a meaningful difference to our students’ learning, wellbeing and connection to nature.

Staff Bake Off - The Results!

Published 27/03/26

We held our Staff Bake Off today in support of a very special cause - (our School Business Manager) Mrs Highfield’s daughter, is running a half‑marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Our judges, Headteacher Ms Williams and CEO Mr Plumb, had the difficult task of choosing winners from more than 15 incredible entries. From banana bread and focaccia to lemon drizzle and carrot cake, the standard was truly impressive, and it became clear very quickly that this was going to be a tough competition to judge!

Staff Bake Off - The Results!

1st Place: Ms White with her incredible Chocolate “Piggy Oink Oink” Cake
2nd Place: Mrs Bridge with her delicious Luxury Cheesecake
3rd Place: Mrs Verrillo with her gorgeous Millionaire’s Shortbread

A huge well done to our winners and to everyone who entered - your bakes were truly outstanding.

At break, we held a cake sale where students and staff were able to buy all of the delicious entries, and everything sold out in record time. Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, or bought a slice!

We will be sharing the final fundraising total in due course - watch this space!

A huge thank‑you to everyone who baked, took part, and donated. Every contribution makes a difference.

A special thank‑you to our friends at Churchill's Confectionery Ltd for their generous biscuit donation for our event today. They kindly sent one box of chocolate and orange biscuits and shortbread with toffee pieces.

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to add even more treats to our cake sale and we completely sold out! All funds raised are going to Macmillan Cancer Support and your contribution helped make the event a fantastic success.

We are so grateful for your kindness and continued support.

PolyMAT Spring Newsletter - Read Now!

Published 26/03/26

Our Spring 2026 Trust Newsletter Is Here!

We are delighted to share the latest edition of the PolyMAT Trust Newsletter (Issue 6) - a celebration of our people, our values, and the incredible work taking place across our schools this term.

This issue explores our Trust-wide theme of resilience, reflected in everything from our inaugural PolyMAT Conference, to the inspiring activities taking place in classrooms, to the achievements and community spirit shown across each of our schools.

This edition includes:

Highlights from the first ever PolyMAT Conference, bringing together over 500 colleagues
Insights from each headteacher on how resilience is lived and nurtured in their school
Free support services and activities available to families over the spring break
A celebration of our 200th YouTube video milestone
Updates, achievements and stories from across our Poly Family

As always, this newsletter reflects the CARE and UNITY that sit at the heart of our Trust and drive our shared vision of Success for Everyone.

We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Read the full Spring 2026 edition now

FREE Things to do in Greenwich & London This Easter Half Term

Published 26/03/26

Spring is here - and so is a HUGE list of completely FREE things to do!
From Easter trails and art clubs to youth sessions, creative workshops, family festivals and SEND‑inclusive activities, we’ve pulled together the best no‑cost events happening across Greenwich, Bexley and London this spring.

Whether you are looking for ways to keep the kids busy over the holidays, explore local culture, get creative, or enjoy the great outdoors, this list is packed with brilliant free options for families, young people and the community.

Dive in, plan your days, and share it with someone who loves a freebie!

Greenwich

Bexley

London

SEND Inclusive

Bake Off & Cake Sale - Friday 27th March 2026

Published 25/03/26

Bake Off & Cake Sale - This Friday!

We are so excited to be hosting a whole‑school Bake Off and homemade cake sale this Friday 27th March, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support

This cause is especially close to our community, as our School Business Manager’s daughter is running a half marathon to support Macmillan’s incredible work.

What to expect:

A delicious selection of homemade cakes
Available at break and lunch
Students can pay with cash or via the QR code on the poster or here

Allergy reminder:

Every cake will include a clear allergen label. Please remind your daughters to check these carefully before buying.

Thank you for supporting such a meaningful cause. We can’t wait for a brilliant event and truly appreciate every contribution towards Macmillan’s vital work.

Woolwich Polytechnic

Latest News

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Friday 26th June - Amended Timings

For Parents/Carers: A calmer way through the school holidays

Warmer Weather Update

20-Minute Reading Challenge this Half Term!

FREE Things to do in Greenwich & London This May Half Term

FREE Support Services When Schools Are Closed

Greenwich Phoenix Basketball Trials - 7th May

Support Our Green Club Gardening Project in Tesco Stores This Summer

Staff Bake Off - The Results!

PolyMAT Spring Newsletter - Read Now!

FREE Things to do in Greenwich & London This Easter Half Term

Bake Off & Cake Sale - Friday 27th March 2026

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