Welcome back after what I hope was a good summer holiday. The outlook for the Academy is excellent for 2009-10: exam results were ahead of predictions; there have been some important building improvements over the summer; and there are some excellent new members of staff. The new school day also means that there are further opportunities for after school classes and clubs (we now have floodlights outside!). All these developments add up to a great year to come.

Do you love films? Do you love talking about films? Ever thought about becoming a film reviewer? If so, look out for FilmClub coming soon to COLA... FilmClub is a chance for you to explore the world of film through free weekly screenings, online reviewing, industry events and hands on support. Starting on Friday 18th September, we will be showcasing a variety of films after school.

Please ask Ms Ayling or Ms Cook for further information and watch for posters around school.

Check out the new issue of Cover to Cover - in your tutor group folders this week! There are special offers on great new books, including the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid for only £3.99! Also new is the latest addition in Robert Muchamore’s Cherub series, Brigands M.C. for only £8.99. If you love cool free stuff, check out the C2C website for some great free give-away offers at:

clubs-kids.scholastic.co.uk/clubs_content/win_stuff. Place your orders in the library (cash or cheques made payable to Scholastic Book Club) by September 28^th, and start a new book for a new term!

Are you a Harry Potter fan or a Percy Jackson freak? Is Jacqueline Wilson the best writer or Malorie Blackman? Keen on getting recommendations for new authors to try? Want to find out about new books? Want to enter competitions? Want to check out author websites? Then come along to the Library on Wednesdays after school and join the COLA KS3 Book Group.

The City of London Academy's rugby development will continue this year with sessions on both Mondays and Thursdays from 3.15pm. These sessions are open to boys and girls in years 7, 8 & 9 – and matches are arranged for all years later this term. See Mr Derbyshire for more details.

There is a full time Greenhouse Dance Instructor based at CoLA, offering FREE extra-curricular dance classes. The classes are available to students in ALL years and at all skill levels. Dance styles taught include: Street Dance/Hip Hop Popping, Locking, Jazz & Contemporary!

Students from CoLA involved in Greenhouse Dance over the last academic year have performed at world famous stages in London, such as The Royal Albert Hall and Sadlers Wells Theatre! There are also half term dance programmes and trips to see West End Musicals such as Sister Act!

The new dance timetable is as follows:

Please see Ms Thompson in PE for more details.

If your child needs to keep their medication at school, you must complete a medication form when you bring in the medicine. We cannot give out medication to students without written permission.

Please remember the following

·         If you lose your student card there will be a £5 charge for a replacement. By careful sourcing we have been able to halve the previous £10 charge.

·         Free School Meals are now administered by the new finance office in the Rendezvous restaurant during break and lunch times. Students should go to the office (by the payment machines) if they have any questions about payments and money.

·         Any other payments will also be handled by the Rendezvous Office during break and lunch.

Talent at Christmas is potentially London’s biggest 2009 Christmas party for young people, combining a talent competition with a huge Christmas party. It features a performance from a chart-topping artist, and sets from top London DJs playing the best of Hip Hop, House, Old School, Funky House, R&B, Bashment, Garage, Dance and Club Classics! The talent competition will feature eleven young singing and dance acts competing for your vote; with the chance to win a dream prize, including professional studio recording, PR consultation and exposure to major record labels.

Talent at Christmas will take place at the Indigo2, the O2, London on 21st December 2009. Doors open at 18:30. This is the place to be this Christmas holiday! See www.talentatchristmas.com for more details.