Pastoral Care

The Brain’s Gardeners: Immune Cells

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Dr Ramesh Manocha

A new study out today in the journal Nature Communications shows that cells normally associated with protecting the brain from infection and injury also play an important role in rewiring the connections between nerve cells. While this discovery sheds new light on the mechanics of neuroplasticity, it could also help explain diseases like autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia, which may arise when this process breaks down and connections between brain cells are not formed or removed correctly.

“We have long considered the reorganization of the brain’s network of connections as solely the domain of neurons,” said Ania Majewska, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and senior author of the study. “These findings show that a precisely choreographed interaction between multiple cells types is necessary to carry out the formation and destruction of connections that allow proper signaling in the brain.”

– University of Rochester Medical Centre

Source: The brain’s gardeners: Immune cells ‘prune’ connections between neurons | EurekAlert! Science News

Read more about the role of microglia.

Conversations this week:

Student Cards

Your daughter uses her ID card to access material in the LRC, use the printer and for signing in and out at Student Services. Can you please check your daughter does have her ID card. If she has lost it she is to  fill in an order form at Student Services.

Important Information about Attendance

When your daughter is late to school or absent from school due to illness a note must be brought in within seven days of her returning to school, otherwise the school is required to code this absence as unexplained. Even if you have phoned, sent a text or emailed to say your daughter is absent, the school still requires a note to be sent in explaining your daughter’s absence. Your daughter will be sent reminders via email asking her to bring in a note. Due to the urgency of when the notes are due you will be receiving reminders by email. Many students leave home too late and therefore miss buses and trains which can result in the above. Please support your daughter and help her to be on time to avoid the above.

The Music Festival

In  Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout this term the House choirs have been working hard learning the lyrics  and harmonies for the song they will be performing at the Music Festival. Congratulations must go to all the Year 12 leaders and House Conductors.

Below are the names of the hard-working, talented House Conductors for 2016.

MUSIC CONDUCTORS

Open Day

The students and staff are busy planning another eventful and fun-filled time for Open Day this coming Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Students who will not be able to assist on Saturday will be required to stay at school after lunch on Friday to help set up for this event. We look forward to welcome the many visitors to our school.

Mrs Elsa Vink

Acting Dean of Pastoral Care

Merit Award Recipients: