Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

 Road safety, parking and congestion in the local vicinity
I am writing to you today regarding a matter of extreme importance that directly affects the safety and well-being of every student in our school community, together with local pedestrians and road users: the current parking situation immediately surrounding the school site.

We must inform you that concerns regarding dangerous and illegal parking have not only increased but have reached a critically serious level. We are now at a point where the potential for a serious accident involving a student or member of the public is high. The specific acts of dangerous driving and parking we are observing include:

• Parking on pavements: This forces children and pedestrians into the roadway, directly exposing them to moving traffic -
• Parking near junctions and corners: This severely obstructs the view for all road users, especially smaller children attempting to cross, creating blind spots that prevent drivers from seeing them until it is too late – particularly near Upton Close, Highfield Road and Oaklands Road
• Illegal parking across road markings: Vehicles are frequently parked across pedestrian crossing markings, zigzag lines, and yellow restrictions, which are specifically designed to maintain clear visibility and safe passage in key areas.

These actions are not minor inconveniences; they are a fundamental safety risk and, in most cases, illegal. Our primary concern is the potential for a person to be seriously injured. We implore you to recognise that saving a few moments by parking dangerously is not worth risking a life.  We are requesting the immediate cooperation of all parents and carers; please plan your drop-off and pick-up routine to ensure you are parking safely, legally, and responsibly, even if it means parking further away and walking the final distance.

We will be working closely with local authorities to monitor the area, and illegal parking is subject to enforcement and fines. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical matter. We must work together to ensure a safe environment for all our students and neighbours.

Flu reminder: Years 7-11 – Monday 1^st December 2025
If you have not yet completed the consent form, please complete the link in the attached letter from the Bexley immunisation Team.

Important: Please let the school know on the day if your child is unwell or has recently had their Asthma medication increased – parents/carers should email the school nurse at medical@townleygrammar.org.uk before 8am on Monday 1st December as this information must be passed to the Lead Nurse on arrival for the session and before the immunisation session starts. Thank you for your cooperation.

Attendance
As the Autumn Term gets colder, Townley Grammar School is emphasising the crucial importance of excellent attendance, which is key to developing academic excellence, resilience, and determination. The school urges parents to encourage their children to attend even with minor symptoms like a slight cold, as research shows students with 95% attendance are twice as likely to achieve the best grades compared to those with 90% attendance, demonstrating that every day matters. Missing school means losing valuable academic learning, access to extracurricular activities, social opportunities, and essential in-school support, which significantly impacts overall success.

Scholastic Book Fair - Friday 28^th November – Wednesday 3^rd December

The book fair will be in school on the above dates and students will be able to purchase books and stationery outside the theatre, by Munchbox at lunch times.  To pay for items, please use the Arbor shop or use the QR code attached to pay directly to our Scholastic book fair - select Townley Grammar School DA6 7AB. Also attached is a copy

Please see the wish list for items that maybe in the pop-up shop.

Sexual Health Bexley - Parent & Carers Support Session
This is a safe, supportive space for parents and carers to learn, share, and build confidence in talking about sexual health with young people. Join for an informative and supportive session focused on sexual health for parents and carers. This event will take place at the Slade Green and Howbury Community Centre and Library. It is a great opportunity to learn and ask questions in a comfortable setting. The event is free, please sign up using the link here.

Blackfen Community Library Christmas Events
Please see the attached flyer for details of the forthcoming Christmas event with Santa’s Grotto on Saturday 29^th November and the Christmas Shopping Evening on Wednesday 3^rd December at 6.30pm.

Kind regards,

Miss S Totty
Deputy Headteacher