Parent and Carer Update

Message to Families 18^th September  2023

Welcome to a new college year at Portland

 

Dear parent/carer

Welcome back if your young person is returning to Portland after the summer break and also a very warm welcome to parents and carers of young people who have started at Portland in the last two weeks.

We set up this this communication channel in 2020 to keep you informed of the rapidly changing situation with Covid.

We have since used this channel to keep families up to date around a wide variety of activities at Portland, including getting your views on things like our new strategic plan.

All the Principal’s Communications are approved by me personally and I write most of the content myself.

I am making that point because in an age when we are bombarded with content on our phones and computers I want this channel to be one that gives you important information (sometimes even emergency measures such as snow closures) not loads of marketing hype.

 

Construction work on campus

It is going to be very busy on our main campus over the next 12 months with a rolling construction site working until Christmas to install a completely new water main.

We have prepared a social story for learners that explains in straightforward terms what is happening. You can read that here.

We will be starting work soon on a new manufacturing training centre next door to our existing building trades training centre.

After Christmas we will be opening another construction site around The Pines building as we upgrade the 65 year old accommodation block into a modern residence for 15 learners.

All the works are carefully planned for safety but do take care if you are visiting campus.

 

Dining Room

We will be displaying this poster in the dining room to remind everyone who uses the dining room how to prevent infections from spreading. As we head into cold season, it would be useful for you to go through the poster with your young person too.

 

Newstart Activities Programme

If you are new to Portland then it is worth me mentioning our Newstart Activities programme which may well have something worthwhile for your young person and indeed for all the family. We are working with some great partners to bring you free or low-cost activities that are very disability friendly.

See all of the activity options and timetable here. 

Socials:

If you’re not already connected with us on socials, follow us today to keep up to date with all things Portland. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

 

All good wishes

Mark