Withernsea High School

Year 7 students enjoyed a festive conclusion to the autumn term with a Christmas Disco, delivered as part of the school’s rewards system. Taking place in the school hall on Thursday 11th December, the event formally recognised students who had demonstrated positive conduct and commitment to learning.

Out of a year group of 143 students, only 20 did not meet the eligibility criteria to attend, meaning the vast majority of Year 7 demonstrated the standards expected of them. Of those eligible, around half chose to attend the disco, reflecting strong engagement with the school’s rewards offer.

Attendance was dependent on students meeting clearly defined expectations, as communicated in assemblies and to parents in advance. These included no late arrivals, no detentions and 100 per cent attendance, with allowances made for exceptional circumstances and medical appointments. Data was monitored over the fortnight leading up to the event to ensure consistency and fairness.

Reflecting on the importance of acknowledging students’ positive behaviour, Assistant Headteacher Matt Burnitt said: “Events such as the Year 7 Christmas Disco are an important part of our rewards system. They recognise students who consistently meet our expectations around attendance, punctuality and behaviour. While it was a fun and memorable way to end the term, it also clearly reinforced the message that positive choices and commitment are noticed and rewarded.”

On the night, students were invited to wear festive partywear and enjoyed dancing to a live DJ playing Christmas classics. A surprise visit from Santa Claus, played by Jason, a Year 11 student, added to the excitement. Refreshments were available from a tuck shop, and many students commented positively on the atmosphere, with several requesting further discos later in the year.

The event also marked an important milestone in community involvement, as it was the first to be formally supported by members of the school’s recently founded Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA). Vice Chair Kim Wallis and PTFA Secretary Michele Daniel managed the box office, collecting ticket money, and supervised the area outside the hall during the event. They also supported staff in ensuring all students were safely collected at the end of the evening.

Proceeds from the £2.50 entry fee and tuck shop profits will go towards fundraising for the Year 7 Residential trip. The event raised a total of £207.35. 

ABOVE: The disco provided Year 7 with an opportunity to celebrate the end of term. 

ABOVE: Miss Wiseman, Head of Year 7, was kept busy all evening running the event's tuck shop.

ABOVE: Year 11 student Jason made an appearance as Santa. 

ABOVE: PTFA Secretary Mrs Daniel and Vice Chair Mrs Wallis supported the event. 

The inaugural Annual General Meeting of Withernsea High School’s newly established Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) took place last Wednesday, 26th November. 

The meeting brought together parents, carers and staff to formalise the creation of the group and agree its initial direction. Attendees were welcomed and thanked for their support before the purpose of the AGM was outlined, including the adoption of the new Constitution and the election of committee officers.

During the meeting, the Constitution was reviewed and formally adopted, establishing the structure and operating principles that will guide the PTFA’s future work. Elections followed, resulting in the appointment of Mrs Jodie Allen as Chair, Mrs Kim Wallis as Vice Chair, Mrs Chele Daniel as Secretary and Mrs Joanne Willingham as Treasurer. All relevant paperwork was completed and signed by the new officers, and the committee agreed to begin the process of registering the PTFA as a charity to support future fundraising activity.

Members held a detailed discussion about upcoming fundraising opportunities, reflecting the group’s commitment to supporting both the school community and key development priorities. Further input will also be gathered through forthcoming meetings with the school’s Progress Team.

Funds raised through planned activities will contribute to projects identified earlier in the year, including the purchase of anaphylaxis kits, support for educational visits, additional resources for the school’s breakfast club and initiatives linked to attendance, literacy and provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The date of the next PTFA meeting will be confirmed and shared in due course, with members encouraged to bring forward further ideas to support the group’s aims.

Enquiries about the PTFA, including expressions of interest in joining or volunteering, can be directed to Kim Wallis at wallisk@wscampus.net or by telephone on 01964 613133.

We are pleased to invite you to the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Withernsea High School PTFA, which will be held at the school on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at 4:00pm. On arrival, please sign in at the main reception. Light refreshments will be provided.

During the meeting, we will elect our PTFA Committee and agree on the adoption of our new Constitution, which will outline the rules and principles guiding the PTFA. Nominations for anyone wishing to stand as an Officer or Committee Member should be submitted in advance of the AGM. 

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. Among the projects identified for support during the group’s first meeting in October were the purchase of anaphylaxis kits and funding to support educational trips. The group also discussed providing additional support for the school’s breakfast club, as well as projects linked to key priorities in the School Improvement Plan, including attendance, literacy, and provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The PTFA will play a vital role in supporting our school community, and we are keen to build an active group of parents, carers, and staff who can help shape future projects and events. Whether you would like to join the committee, volunteer occasionally, or simply come along to share ideas, your involvement will make a real difference.

We hope the group will bring lasting benefits for everyone involved. For parents, it offers a chance to form closer connections with the school and other families, while for staff it provides opportunities to work alongside students and the community on positive, enriching projects. 
If you would like more information about the AGM or about joining the PTFA, either as a general volunteer or as a committee member, please contact Kim Wallis (Admin Support Assistant) at wallisk@wscampus.net or on 01964 613133.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 26th November, and to working together to support our school community. 

Withernsea High School has launched a new Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA), a move designed to strengthen community links and enhance opportunities for its students.

The initiative aims to bring together parents, staff and members of the wider community to support the school through fundraising, volunteering and collaboration.

The first meeting of the newly formed group took place earlier this week. Among the items discussed were the potential challenges faced by parents and carers when engaging with secondary school initiatives, and how the PTFA could help strengthen relationships between school and home.

Members shared a wide range of fundraising ideas, from community events such as supermarket bag-packing and quiz nights, to seasonal activities including raffles and Christmas craft stalls. Other suggestions included setting up a tuck shop, hosting a disco, and using EasyFundraising - an online platform that allows supporters to raise money for the school through everyday online shopping.

Sarah Evans, School Business Manager, said: “We are excited about the launch of a new PTFA, as we know how valuable they can be to schools. We have such a strong community here in Withernsea and the surrounding villages, and we already know that our parents, carers and local community care deeply about our school. We hope that the PTFA will give supporters a way to make a meaningful difference in enhancing the school experience of our young people.”

Reflecting on the financial challenges faced by schools and the support PTFAs can provide, Mrs Evans added: “School budgets are more challenging than ever this year, and we know that fundraising and PTFA support can really make a difference. We are extremely grateful for any support in establishing this exciting new initiative.”

Among the projects identified as priorities for future fundraising are the purchase of anaphylaxis kits, an A1 printer for the school’s Design Technology faculty, and funding to support educational trips. The group also discussed additional support for the school’s breakfast club, as well as projects linked to key priorities in the School Improvement Plan, including attendance, literacy, and provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The group also discussed how the PTFA could engage with local organisations and community groups, including emergency services and businesses, to reinforce existing partnerships and establish new ones, ensuring the association reflects the strong sense of community within the school’s catchment area.

Sarah Evans said: “We hope the PTFA will provide lasting benefits for all involved. For parents, it offers the chance to form closer connections with the school and other families, while for staff it provides opportunities to work alongside students and the community on positive, enriching projects. The association also aims to involve students through the school’s Board for Change, as well as retired staff and other supporters who wish to remain connected to the school community.”

Over the coming weeks and months, the group aims to expand its reach through engagement opportunities at school events. Its members will shortly begin planning the first series of fundraising events. The school welcomes anyone interested in contributing ideas, time or support to join the initiative, which promises to play a key role in enhancing the school experience for young people in Withernsea and the surrounding area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build stronger connections between families, staff and students while actively supporting our school’s development and success.

A thriving PTFA can make a real difference. It creates a platform for parents and teachers to collaborate on projects, organise events, and provide invaluable support to the school. Whether it’s fundraising for new resources, planning fun activities for students, or simply bringing fresh ideas to the table - your involvement can have a lasting impact.

We welcome all parents, carers and friends of the school to contribute in ways that suit them. Whether you have time to volunteer, skills to share, or ideas to contribute, your participation, no matter how big or small, will be appreciated.

To express an interest, or find out more, please contact Mrs K Wallis (Admin Support Assistant) at wallisk@wscampus.net