Ahead of the end of term, the college would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and inform you about a few items.
Key dates
Here are the key dates for your diary:
- College finishes for the Christmas break at 12pm on Friday, 20 December 2024 – college buses will run from 12pm
Bridgnorth
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate, English Bridge Campus
12:25pm London Road Campus
Ludlow
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge Campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate, English Bridge Campus
12:25pm London Road Campus
Oswestry
12:10pm London Road campus
12:15pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge campus
12:20pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge campus
Powys
12:05pm London Road Campus
12:10pm Abbey Foregate, English Bridge Campus
12:20pm Frankwell Roundabout, Welsh Bridge Campus
Madeley
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge campus
12:30pm London Road campus
Priorslee
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge campus
12:30pm London Road campus
Whitchurch
12:10pm Barker Street, Welsh Bridge campus
12:20pm Abbey Foregate bus stop, English Bridge campus
12:30pm London Road campus
- Teaching begins again on Monday, 6 January 2025 – timetables will run as normal
Communications over the festive break
If there are updates or changes in arrangements for students' return to college in January, we will communicate them via the MySCG app. Please look out for updates.
Information will also be sent out in the following ways:
- College’s social media channels, please search for Shrews Col Group
- College’s website: scg.ac.uk
- Parent information page on the website: Information for Parents (scg.ac.uk)
Staying safe and healthy over the break
The college website has some excellent resources to help you stay safe and healthy over the break.
Student Assistance Programme (SAP), provided by Health Assured
You will have access to a 24/7 helpline staffed by BACP-accredited counsellors to help you with any concerns. This includes linking you up to local safeguarding and emergency services where immediate action is needed to keep yourself or a friend safe. You only need to call 0800 028 3766 to access this service.
Staying safe if you’re going out over Christmas
This article has some great guidance on staying safe if you plan to go out over the Christmas break.
We want you and your friends to enjoy Christmas and the New Year. We hope this information will help keep you all safe.
Here is some general advice for when you go out:
- Tell people where you are going, when you will arrive and when you will be coming back.
- Let people know when you have arrived.
- Stay with your friends and people you can trust.
- Watch out for your friends to make sure they are safe.
- Make sure your phone and Bluetooth are on so you can be located in an emergency.
- Always use a trusted taxi company instead of hailing one, and ensure the details match the one you get into.
- Budget for Christmas. Spending too much can be a real financial burden. Be wary of competitions, ‘deals’, and fake products.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended. Learn your limits.
- ‘Talk to Frank’ for information and advice on drugs and alcohol which may be affecting you orothers0300123 6600
- Report crime anonymously on 101 or www.fearless.org. If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 999.
Access the full article here: Staying safe over Christmas (scg.ac.uk)
Ask for Angela
If you’re out this festive season and someone makes you uncomfortable, Ask for “Angela”.
Bar and restaurant staff will know that you need help getting out of the situation and will call you a taxi or help you leave discreetly – without fuss.
Warm Welcome locations
Shropshire Council is running several ‘warm welcome’ locations over the Christmas break.
Details of the locations are here:
Shropshire: Warm Welcome locations | Shropshire Council
Staying healthy
Here are some tips to stay healthy during the festive break:
- Make the most of the festive break to get some downtime, relax, and sleep. Don’t make plans for every day—it’s okay to do nothing some days!
- You don’t need to be ‘stuck’ in the house – take walks, exercise but also find the time to rest
- If you feel low and have negative feelings, remember they will pass—but there’s always someone to talk to. Call the Samaritans on 116 123.
- Please remember to protect yourself from STIs and unwanted pregnancy by using a condom.
End of term thanks
It has been an incredibly busy and rewarding few months at our college. I am immensely proud of your dedication.
Balancing studies, personal goals, and life outside of college is not always easy, and your resilience and determination are commendable. Remember, it's important to take pride in your progress, no matter how big or small, and to celebrate the effort you invest in your growth.
The Christmas break is an opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect with friends and family. For those with exams or coursework deadlines in the New Year, I encourage you to balance your preparation with well-deserved rest.
Please also remember that this time of year can be difficult for some. Be kind to yourselves and one another, and if you or someone you know needs support, know that you are not alone.
I wish you all a wonderful, peaceful, joyful Christmas and a New Year. I look forward to welcoming you back in January, ready to embrace the opportunities of the new term.
With best wishes,
James Staniforth
Principal, Shrewsbury Colleges Group