"Arriving late was a way of saying that your own time was more valuable than the time of the person who waited for you."  Karen Jay Fowler 

As I get older I become increasingly preoccupied with punctuality.  Perhaps it is the fact that, with every passing year, time becomes more important.  But I also feel that punctuality is the epitome of politeness and good manners. I truly believe in the quote above – someone who is habitually late, leaving others waiting, really does show a disregard for others.  Punctuality is a learned behaviour.  If we can develop the skill of managing our time and preparing for events and schedules, it will stand us in great stead as we go through life. 

This is why we have a firm view of punctuality at Hessle High School.  Students are expected to arrive at school early, or on time.  This ensures that they can be ready to start the day in good fashion.  Our year groups assemble in different locations around the school and they are expected to be in those zones by 8.30.  This enables them to move to their tutor rooms for tutor period to start at 8.35.   

Those that arrive after that time may be reminded by their tutors or pastoral staff but, if a student arrives to the internal school gates at 8.32 or later, they will be marked late.  This is to encourage them to arrive at least a few minutes earlier in future and be better prepared.  At that point, students are directed to the ‘Late Student’ entrance where they will sign in with Mrs Kibart and a member of the pastoral team. 

It would not be a surprise for you to know that students are not always happy to find the gate being locked and being sent to the late entrance.  Regular comments include, “I’m only a minute late” and “It wasn’t my fault.” 

Firstly, late is late.  Whether you were one minute late for a train, or thirty minutes late for a train, you’ve still missed it.  And, for the reasons given above, we want students to learn the importance of punctuality.  When a student is on time for school, this shows respect for themselves, for their tutor and their tutor group. 

Secondly, anyone arriving late will speak to Mrs Kibart who will log the reason and may or may not decide to issue a sanction, depending on the reason given.  However, “there was a lot of traffic” is rarely acceptable, unless there has been a localised incident that has caused unusual delays.  Mrs Kibart regularly hears reasons such as “My alarm didn’t go off”, “I couldn’t find my tie” or “I forgot my homework and went back for it”. In response, she offers advice on how they might avoid being late in future by laying out uniform, equipment and homework the night before, and checking the alarm is set.  Ultimately, we are teaching students to take responsibility for themselves, another crucial life skill. 

Thank you for your support with this.  

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Last evening I had the pleasure of speaking to the parents and family members of our most recent Year 11 and Year 13 students at our KS4/KS5 Awards Evening.  Whilst I was keen to congratulate the students, I also reflected on the role played by families and teachers in that success.  They obviously deserved credit too, but it also reminded us that few of us can achieve success on our own.  And it is the most successful people who tend to be most open to receive help and support from others.  Every one of the students that were commended last night received help, but they were also keen to ask for and readily accept it.  That is a real strength. 

Thank you all for your ongoing support and have a lovely weekend.