10th November 2023

Dear Year 12 Parents,

I wanted to write to all Year 12 Parents to update them on phab, following the communication
that Mrs Pollard sent out on 2nd October.

As you will be aware, we are unable to run phab in the same way as in previous years. We
are, however, totally committed to phab UK and have been working very closely with Janine
Williams, the National Challenge and Events Manager alongside her colleagues Dawn Vickers
and Mik Scarlet, Joint CEOs. They have asked us to share this message:

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with St Helen's School and look forward to
welcoming the students to our phab Adventure residentials, where disabled and non-disabled
young people share their experiences to learn and grow together. Working in partnership,
phab and St Helen's School can educate young people about the values of inclusion, creating
an inclusive society where everyone can learn, thrive and belong.”

As has been the case for very many years, we are now in a position to recruit a small phab
Team of 8 Year 12 students. This group will lead the development of phab at St Helen’s and
may potentially have the opportunity to attend a phab Adventure Residential which would be
subject to funding.

Ahead of this, I wanted to write to explain the selection process in further detail so that you
and your daughters understand what will inform our decisions. Although we have designed
the selection process to be as fair and robust as possible, we regret that a very significant
number of students will inevitably be disappointed when they learn that their application has
not been taken through to the interview round. However, please be re-assured that all Year
12 students will have the opportunity to contribute to the phab through our whole school
charitable activities.

On Wednesday 8th November, we will email all Year 12 students to ask them to complete an
application form if they would like to apply for a role on the team. The application form will ask
students to explain and detail any relevant experience and their personal motivations for
wanting to join the team.

All applications received by the published deadline of 27th November will be anonymised by
the Senior School Office and sent to experienced members of staff who will read all the
applications and evaluate them carefully. Successful applications often convey a unique and
highly personal reason for wishing to join the phab Team, as well as an understanding of the
level of commitment required and the potential challenges.
After reviewing all the applications, staff will compile a shortlist of applicants to proceed to the
interview rounds which will take place at a date to be confirmed.

I do hope this letter has reassured you that the selection process will be fair and robust. Should
you daughter have any questions about the process, please tell her to direct these to Mrs
Haines (pippa.haines@sthelens.london) who will be able to advise.

Yours sincerely,
Mr Edward Walter