19th December, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

School Choir

The choir took part in a large scale production at the Colston Hall last week, called ‘Everyman’s Land’. Their singing was fantastic, the dancers were beautiful and confident and the behaviour of the whole choir was exemplary. Well done every single child. A big thank you to all the parents who helped, transported children, brought tickets and generally supported us in our endeavour. There will be video clips on the school blog, for you to look at. A certificate of participation has been sent to the school and a copy of it will also shortly be on the blog. Finally Kate Courage has sent a copy of the programme to each choir member to congratulate them and for them to keep as a souvenir. Choir resumes on week two of next term – 3.30-4.30pm

Sing Up

As you know we are striving to become a Silver Award Singing School. All the children are doing really well and are singing beautifully and enthusiastically. Over Christmas you might like to visit the SingUp website with your children (it’s free!). They have SingUp.org.uk/Families/Festive Pack/Download. There are also lots of seasonal songs to both listen to and sing along with, and they can be found at SingUp.Org.uk/search song bank/seasonal songs. ‘Keeeeep singing!’

‘In the beginning’ Sex and Relationship Education scheme of work

Thank you to all the parents, staff and governors who attended this weeks meeting to introduce this scheme to the school.

If you were unable to come to the meeting, but would like to look at the scheme before it is adopted by the school, please ask at the school office.

Children's Christmas Mass at St Joseph's - 6pm Christmas Eve

If your children would like to take part in the Children's Christmas mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve, either in the dramatised Gospel or by doing a reading (or both) then there is still time to come to the last practice which is on Monday 22nd Dec at 10am in the church. (Please note the change in date and time) For further information and to express your interest, please ring Cathy Williamson on 9401782.

The Mass will also include a collection of gifts for the homeless (tinned food, gloves, etc.) to be taken up at the offertory. Everyone welcome!

Cathy W

Dates for Diaries

Monday 5th January - Term 3 Starts
Tuesday 6th January - Mass in school hall
Tuesday 16th January, 6pm - Y5/6 camp meeting
Monday 26th January - Staff training day (school closed)
Monday 2nd February - Y5/6 Deanfield Study Centre Trip


Can I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help and support this year. In particular can I thank the PTFA for their hard work and endless enthusiasm.

We wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and we will see you all on Monday 5th January.



Matt Condon



Headteacher

12th December, 2008.
Dear Parent/Carer,

Christmas Celebrations

We would like to invite you all to our Christmas Carol Concert which will take place in the Parish Church at 9.30am on Thursday 18th December. We would also like to invite you to our Christmas end of term Mass on Friday 19th December at 9.30 am in the school hall.

Children's Christmas Mass at St Joseph's - 6pm Christmas Eve

If your children would like to take part in the Children's Christmas mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve, either in the dramatised Gospel or by doing a reading (or both) then there will be two practices. The first will be on Monday 15th Dec at 3.45pm in the church and the second will be on Sunday 21st at 4pm, again in the church. For further information and to express your interest, please ring Cathy Williamson on 9401782. The Mass will also include a collection of gifts for the homeless (tinned food, gloves, etc.) to be taken up at the offertory. Everyone welcome!

‘In the beginning’ Sex and Relationship Education scheme of work

Another reminder that Trisha Antolik, the Diocese Primary Advisor will be joining the school for a special meeting to introduce this scheme to the school on the 16th December. The meeting will be at 6pm and all parents/carers are invited.

Celebration of AchievementsThere will be a celebration assembly next Monday at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-

Harry Barton, Maya Buckler, Clement Harvey, Abigayle Williams and Vivian Johnson.

Deanfield Study Centre

The December instalment is now due.

Date for Diaries

Tuesday 16th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 2.45pm
Tuesday 16th December - ‘In the beginning’ school meeting – 6pm
Wednesday 17th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 9.30am
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Carol Concert – 9.30am in the parish Church
Thursday 18th December - Infant Party – afternoon
Friday 19th December - End of term Mass in the school hall
Friday 19th December - Term 2 finishes for Christmas
Monday 5th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes and have a peaceful and happy Christmas.




Matt Condon
Headteacher

5th December, 2008.
Dear Parent/Carer,

Section 48 Inspection
Mrs. Maisie Foster inspected the school on behalf of the Diosese this week. She was made to feel very welcome by the whole school community and we thank you all for your support. A full report will be sent home when it is published.

‘In the beginning’ Sex and Relationship Education scheme of work
Another reminder that Trisha Antolik, the Diocese Primary Advisor will be joining the school for a special meeting to introduce this scheme to the school on the 16th December. The meeting will be at 6pm and all parents/carers are invited.

Christmas Lunch
Monday will be the last day to order Christmas lunch for your child. Numbers need to be given into the kitchen by that day. You will not be able to order a Christmas dinner after Mondays deadline.

Christmas Lunch helpers
The school cook is looking for 2 volunteers to help in the school kitchen on the 10th December (Christmas Lunch day) between 11am - 1.30pm. If you are interested or would like more information, please go along to the school kitchen and speak with Zowie, or come to the office.

Parish Christmas Fair
The School stall in the parish fair raised £60.55 last weekend. Thank you for all your donations and a big thank you to Miss Geach and Miss Wright for running the stall.

PTFA – School Book Fair
Thank you to everyone who supported the book fair last week. Due to your efforts we raised an amazing £480 worth of books for the school.

Christmas Disco
The Christmas Disco has now sold out & promises to be great. The PTFA have worked very hard to organise the event but need additional support on the night. If you would like to help out, just see a PTFA member or the staff in the school office.

Deanfield Study Centre
The December instalment is now due.

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly next Monday at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-
Reuben Reji, Rajan Sahota, Sandra Paslawska, Oliver Halliday, Oliwia Zielinska, Charlotte Petrie, Alvin Chime and Orian Jamieson.All parents and carers are welcome to this celebration.

Date for Diaries
Wednesday 10th December - School Christmas Dinner
Tuesday 16th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 2.45pm
Tuesday 16th December - ‘In the beginning’ school meeting – 6pm
Wednesday 17th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 9.30am
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Carol Concert – 9.30am in the parish Church
Thursday 18th December - Infant Party – afternoon
Friday 19th December - End of term Mass
Friday 19th December - Term 2 finishes for Christmas

Yours sincerely,


Matt Condon
Headteacher

28th November, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Beginning of Advent Mass

We will be celebrating the beginning of Advent with Father Eric in Mass this tomorrow morning. The Mass will begin at 9.30am in the school hall.

Christmas Lunch

Christmas lunch will be on Wednesday 10th December, at the cost of £2.00. per child.

Christmas Lunch helpers

The school cook is looking for 2 volunteers to help in the school kitchen on the 10th December (Christmas Lunch day) between 11am - 1.30pm. If you are interested or would like more information, please go along to the school kitchen and speak with Zowie.

Every Man’s Land Choir Project

The choir are performing at the Colston Hall ‘Every Man’s Land Choir Project’ on Thursday 11th December. We still have not received all the consent forms, or the £4.50 required for the coach to transport us there

Deanfield Study Centre

The next instalment is now due.

RE Topic - BIRTHDAYS

This is our current RE topic. The children are learning about Advent as a time of looking forward to and preparing for the birthday of Jesus.

Suggestions for home activities

· Use a religious Advent Calendar so that your child is reminded that Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for Jesus’ birthday. Use Mission Together Advent Calendar on www.missiontogether.org.uk
· Together, make a birthday card for Jesus.

Parish Mass

The parish Mass for Y5/6J and Y1/OT for next Tuesday has been cancelled and will be re-arranged for another date.

‘In the beginning’ Sex and Relationship Education scheme of work
Trisha Antolik, the Diocese Primary Advisor will be joining the school for a special meeting to introduce this scheme to the school on the 16th December. The meeting will be at 6pm and all parents/carers are invited.

Medication in School

Can I remind all parents that children are not allowed to bring cough sweets into school.

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-

Maici Quirke, Aleena Vincent, Amelianya Cachia, Evie Attwood, Nadia Naibet, Tejal Sebastian, Ahsley Morgan and Jack Underhill.

All parents and carers are welcome to this celebration.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 28th December - Beginning of Advent Mass
Tuesday 2nd December - Y5/6J and Y1/OT Mass in Parish Church
Friday 5th December - Y5 and 6 Toy Sale
Tuesday 9th December - Y56J and Y1OT Mass in Parish Church
Wednesday 10th December - School Christmas Dinner
Tuesday 16th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 2.45pm
Tuesday 16th December - ‘In the beginning’ school meeting – 6pm
Wednesday 17th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 9.30am
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Carol Concert – 9.30am in the parish Church
Thursday 18th December - Infant Party – afternoon
Friday 19th December - End of term Mass
Friday 19th December - Term 2 finishes for Christmas

Yours Sincerely


Matt Condon
Headteacher

21st November, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

‘In the beginning’ Sex and Relationship Education scheme of work
Trisha Antolik, the Diocese Primary Advisor will be joining the school for a special meeting to introduce this scheme to the school on the 16th December. The meeting will be at 6pm and all parents/carers are invited.

Fashion Show
Tonight - 21st November
Fashion show. 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Get some pre-Christmas
bargains.
Doors open at 6.30pm, £2.50 per ticket, you can pay on the door.

Christmas family social - Friday 5th December
There are only a handful of tickets left for the Christmas social. If
you would like to come, get your ticket request in as soon as
possible. Adults £3.50, children £2.00. There will be a disco, an
adult bar, a separate children's bar & food.

Section 48 Inspection of Denominational Religious Education
Just a reminder that on the 2nd and 3rd December the school will be visited by an inspector looking at the religious education. Thank you to all those who have taken the time to complete and return the attached form. If you have not sent back your form, could you please complete and return it in a sealed envelope labelled ‘Section 48 Inspector’ on Monday. Additional forms are available from the school office.




Class Masses
Y56C and Y2S will join the Parish for Mass next Tuesday morning at 9.15am. All parents and friends are welcome to join us.

Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch will be on Wednesday 10th December, at the cost of £2.00. per child.

Book Fair
The Book Fair begins on Monday 24th November. This is an opportunity to buy your last minute Christmas presents, as well as supporting the PTFA. The PTFA do a fantastic job all year round to raise money to benefit your children in school.

Every Man’s Lane Choir Project
The choir will be performing at the Colston Hall ‘Every Man’s Land Choir Project’ on Thursday 11th December. If you have not sent back your child’s consent form, as well as £4.50 towards the cost of the coach, could you please do so by Monday 24th November. If insufficient contributions are received children will be unable to partake in the performance.

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly next Monday at 9.15am . The following children will receive awards:-
Joseph Cachia, Ashley James, Tibin Thampy, Yab Stepaniuk, Julia Lewkowicz, Julia Dombek, Oliver Wiecioch-Giles, Sam Davis and Callum Slade.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 24th November - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 25th November - Y56C and Y2S join Parish for Mass
Tuesday 2ndth December - Y56J and Y1OT join Parish for Mass
Friday 5th December - Y5 and 6 Toy Sale
Wednesday 10th December - School Christmas Dinner
Tuesday 16th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 2.45pm
Wednesday 17th December - Nativity Performance (Reception) 9.30am
Thursday 18th December - Infant Party
Friday 19th December - Term 2 finishes for Christmas

Yours sincerely


Matt Condon
Headteacher

14th November, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Section 48 Inspection of Denominational Religious Education

On the 2nd and 3rd of December the school will be visited by an inspector looking at the religious life of the school and religious education. Please complete the attached for as soon as possible and return to the school, in a sealed envelope labelled ‘Section 48 Inspector’.

Again, can I thank you all for your support.

COMING SOON - PTFA FASHION SHOW - Friday 21st November!!!

St Joseph's Parish Hall. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start with clothes from many high street retailers including Wallis, River Island, Topshop and Jane Norman. Plus footwear, jewellery, handbags & makeup.

Tickets £2.50, on sale from PTFA members in the playground, or put your ticket requests & payment in an envelope addressed to the PTFA & hand in to the office. Please make cheques payable to St. Joseph's PTFA.

Secondary Transfer 2009.

This is a reminder from St Bernadette’s Secondary School that if you have applied for a place for your son/daughter for September 2009, the deadline for a copy of Baptism/Holy Communion Certificate is Monday 1st December 2008

Children in Need

£121.17 was raised for non-uniform day for Children in Need. Well done everybody

Parish Raffle Tickets

Please can all tickets be returned to the school office as soon as possible.

Team Points

Well done to St. John’s Team for winning the team points competition last term. As a reward they will have a special non-uniform day next Friday.

Class Masses

Continuing next week, a small number of classes will each week join the parish for Tuesday morning mass at 9.15am. Next week Y5/6P and Y2F will join Parish for Mass will attend Mass. All parents and friends are welcome to join us.

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday at 9.15am . The following children will receive awards:-

Marika Niekowal, Joseph Staddon, Julia Lekowicz, Shaun Dagnall, Ruby Webber, Kavita Sahota, Rungkan Bosarakam, William Munro, Samara Ayton-Lambourne, Leon Avery, Talia Scott, Antonia Alexander-Walker, Charlotte Cunningham, Leigh Smith and Favour Ray-Nwosu.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 24th November -Book Fair Week
Friday 14th November -Y5/6C Cake Sale
Tuesday 18th November -Y5/6P and Y2F Mass
Friday 21st November -PTFA Fashion Show
Tuesday 25th November -Y5/6C and Y2S Mass
Tuesday 2ndth December -Y5/6J and Y1OT Mass
Friday 5th December -Y5 and 6 toy sale

Yours sincerely

Matt Condon, Headteacher

Dear Parent/Carer,

St Joseph's Pre-school

We are holding a Christmas Shopping Market so get organised for Christmas and see what bargains and original gift ideas are on offer!

It's on Friday 14th November in the parish hall from 7pm till 10pm.

The event will include several stalls including books, cards, handbags, jewellery, clothes etc. Entrance is just 50p and includes a mince pie and hot drink! We are also looking for further stallholders for the event. Tables are only £8 for the evening, and all your profit is yours.

If you are interested in having a table at the event then please ring Cathy or Deb on 0117 9147173 for further details asap.

St Joseph’s Christmas Fair

Please support the Parish Christmas Fair by buying the raffle tickets sent home with your child. If you are unable to sell any of the tickets, could you please return them to the office, as every tickets has to be counted for.

Children in Need

It will be a non-uniform day this coming Friday, 14th November for ‘Children in Need’ Please send in 50p if your child would like to take part.

Deanfield Study Centre

The November instalment is now due.

Yours Sincerely

Matt Condon

7th November, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Ofsted Report

Your child will be bringing home on Monday, a report from Ofsted after their recent visit to our school. As stated in the covering letter, I would encourage you all to read the full report.

COMING SOON - PTFA FASHION SHOW - Friday 21st November!!!

St Joseph's Parish Hall. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start with clothes from many high street retailers including Wallis, River Island, Topshop and Jane Norman.
Plus footwear, jewellery, handbags & makeup.

Tickets £2.50, on sale from PTFA members in the playground, or put your ticket requests & payment in an envelope addressed to the PTFA & hand in to the office. Please make cheques payable to St. Joseph's PTFA.

PLEASE BOOK TICKETS ASAP!

Individual Photos

The photographer will be coming to school this coming Monday - 10th November, to take individual photographs. If you wish younger brothers or sisters to be in the photographs, please come to the school reception at 9am.

After School Clubs

Multi Skills starts on Tuesday 11th November. Cooking for Year 3/4 and Fencing for Year 5/6 will begin on Thursday 13th November.

Judaism Week

In Religious Education lessons next week, the children will spend this week exploring Judaism. At home you could encourage your children to talk to you about what they have been learning about Judaism.

Class Masses

Beginning next week, a small number of classes will each week join the parish for Tuesday morning mass at 9.15am. Next week year all three 3/4 classes will attend Mass. All parents and friends are welcome to join us.

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday afternoon at 3.00pm. The following children will receive awards:-

Dean Turner, George McIntyre, Alfie Ferris, Nula Wallace and Nathan Long,

Westonbirt

The school trip to Westonbirt has had to be cancelled as we have only received 66% contributions. All money will be refunded next week.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 24th November - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 11th November - Y3/4 join Parish for Mass
Friday 14th November - Y5/6C Cake Sale
Tuesday 18th November - Y56P and Y2F join Parish for Mass
Tuesday 25th November - Y56C and Y2S join Parish for Mass
Tuesday 2ndth December - Y56J and Y1OT join Parish for Mass
Friday 5th December - Y5 and 6 toy sale

Yours sincerely,
Matt Condon,Headteacher

24th October, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Father Eric’s 30th Anniversary of his Ordination

Congratulations to Father Eric for his 30 years as a priest. The children presented him with a gift and card in this morning’s assembly. The parish will be celebrating this occasion with Father Eric in mass tomorrow evening, at 6pm in church. All are welcome.

Cakes and Sweets

In future can children not bring cakes into school for birthdays. Sweets are allowed. There will be certain occasions when children are able to bring party food into school and teachers will advise parents on this when appropriate.

Multi Skills

We are happy to announce we have found an alternative coach for multi-skills and this club will resume on Tuesday 11th November. Unfortunately we were unable to find an affordable alternative drama coach. Cooking for Year 3/4 and Fencing for Year 5/6 will begin on Thursday 13th November.

PTFA

The PTFA are looking for new volunteers. They meet every 4-6 weeks on an informal basis – usually in a local pub, but the venue is flexible.

Their aim is to:

• Form ideas that will lead to a stronger sense of community within our school
• Consider how they can positively impact on our children’s learning with exciting and unique educational opportunities.
• Enjoy the networking and social exchange with other PTFA Members.

The PTFA have recently appointed a new committee, but need your support, energy and ideas to keep their ideas fresh. Please help in any way you can, whether just for one event or throughout the year. Contact them through the school office, Mr Condon or any of the PTFA Members.

PTFA FASHION SHOW - Friday 21st November

St Joseph's Parish Hall. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start with clothes from many high street retailers including Wallis, River Island, Topshop and Jane Norman.
Plus footwear, jewellery, handbags & makeup.

Tickets £2.50, on sale from PTFA members in the playground, or put
your ticket requests & payment in an envelope addressed to the PTFA &
hand in to the office. Please make cheques payable to St. Joseph's PTFA.

PE Kit

Can all children come back into school after the break with complete, labelled PE kit.
The expected PE kit is as follows –
White T-shirt
Navy blue or black shorts
Plimsolls/daps
Suitable bag for the above with a string loop for hanging

TV

The school owns a large TV and Video, and we would like to donate it to a worthy cause. Both items have been electrically tested, and if you are interested please contact the office.

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 5th November INSET - School closed to pupils
Thursday 6th November – Children return to school
Friday 7th November, 9.30am – Start of term mass in the school hall
Monday 24th November Book Fair Week

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon,
Headteacher.

17th October, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

October – the Month of Mary

This month the children have been learning how Mary guided Jesus, her son. We have also been praying to Mary so that she might guide us in life too.

Ofsted

As you know the school was inspected by Ofsted this week. Can I thank you all for your support, in what has been a very busy few days. In particular, can I thank the children, whose excellent behaviour, politeness and positives attitudes towards school impressed our visitors. The report will be published towards the end of the month.

Cricket Club

Apologies but the Cricket Club next week is cancelled. The children will still receive their entitled number of sessions.

69th Bristol Beaver Colony

The colony meets in St Josephs Parish Hall on a Tuesday evening (5pm-6pm), and we desperately need adult help. Can you spare*perhaps an hour*each month to help out with fun games and activities? Or if you would like to get more involved, we could use regular weekly help too. And if you are really keen, why not train to be an assistant leader? No scouting experience necessary, just a sense of fun.

For more details contact: Paula Mainprise on 07766494086 or email pbarwood@yahoo.co.uk

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday morning. The following children will receive awards:-

Kameron Bains-Doyle, David Sebastian, Morgan Quirke, David Sebastian, Mikenagh Quirke, Kaycie Bryce, Nikola Tolman

Lateness

There seems to be an increasing number of pupils who are coming to school late. If lateness becomes persistent your child will miss a significant amount of teaching time. Continued lateness causes disruption to the class teacher and the other pupils who are already engaged in the first lesson of the day. Also pupils are late being picked up at the end of the day.

After School Clubs
We hope to give you an update about the status of the Drama and Multi-Sport next week. We are currently seeking alternative providers for these activities.

Yours Sincerely




Matt Condon
Headteacher


Dates for Diaries

Friday 24th October End of Term 1
Wednesday 5th November INSET - School closed to pupils
Monday 24th November Book Fair Week

10th October, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

After School Clubs

Unfortunately we have had to postpone Drama and Multi-Sport for at least two weeks. The current providers are unable to guarantee a reliable starting time. We are currently seeking alternative arrangements to ensure the children enjoy high quality After-School activities. Children will still received their entitlement or refunds will be given. We are all disappointed that we have had to take this action.

The following After School Clubs at the moment are:-

Wednesday – School Choir
Wednesday – Polish Club
Friday – Cricket for Years 3/4/5/6

We also will be running a Food Club as well as Tag Rugby.

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday morning. The following children will receive awards:-

Maria Bellavia, Jerrin Thomas, Ruby Webber, Aaron Martin, George Hodder, Sydney-Kay Haberfield, Dean Turner, Rhianna Hamilton and Elliot Swan.

School Closed – Staff Training Day

A reminder that the school will be closed on the 5th November (the day after the Autumn break)

Special Visitors – Ofsted!

This morning we received notification that a team of Ofsted inspectors will be joining us on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. We are all looking forward to showing the team what good work we are doing in school and working with them to plan further improvements. Please find attached a letter from the team, a questionnaire and a leaflet telling you about the inspection process.

The lead inspectors name is Judith Goodchild and hopefully you will have a chance to meet the team in the school playground next week.

Yours Sincerely

Matt Condon
Headteacher


Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 14th October Parents Evening
Thursday 16th October Parents Evening
Friday 24th October End of Term 1
Wednesday 5th November INSET - School closed to pupils
Monday 24th November Book Fair Week

3rd October, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

After School Clubs

The following After School Clubs will begin next week –
Tuesday 7th October – Cricket for Year 3 + 4 (also now Y5+6)
Thursday 9th October – Drama for Year 5 + 6 (also now Y4)
Friday 10th October – Multi Sports for Year 1 + 2 (also now Y3)

A charge will be made for each of these activities to cover the costs of instruction and first aid cover. Letters will be sent out this week and activities will be offered on a first come-first served basis.If your child attends any of our after school clubs, please inform the school if your child will not be attending for any reason. This is for the safety of the children and also ensures that clubs can start promptly and all children are accounted for.

Religious Education Topic - Invitations

Next week we begin our new RE topic. In this topic the children explore God’s invitation to belong to God’s special family through Baptism and Confirmation. God invites each of us to share in his life and his work. There are many stories both in the Bible and in the history of the Church of the invitations God has given to his people and their lives of love, obedience and service. All Saints Day on November 1st celebrates the lives of ordinary people who have responded to God’s invitation.

Suggestions for home activities

If your child has been baptised, tell them about that special day. Show them any cards, photographs, dress, candles you still have. If not, ask them to tell you what they know about Baptism /Confirmation.

Read together some children’s stories of saints.

Parents’ Evening

Parents’ Evenings this term will be held on Tuesday 14th October from 4.00-6.00pm and on Thursday 16th October from 4.00-6.30pm. The purpose of the meeting is for teachers to share how your child is progressing in their learning, to look at their completed work, to learn about what they need to do to improve and to share any important information. The meeting lasts for no more than 10 minutes.

Please return the slip, indicating the time you would be able to attend. If you have more than one child in school, please put all the names on the form and the teachers will endeavour to give you times close together.

May I remind you all that it is very important that at least 1 parent/carer attends this meeting.Zoe our Kitchen Supervisor will be serving school dinner taster sessions during these evenings

Cycle Training

We hope to offer cycle training for children in Year 3/4 and Year 5/6. Last year some courses were booked but interest was low. If you are interested in your child receiving cycle training, please contact the school office so we are able to make a suitable booking.

Online Newsletter

Just a reminder that the school Blog (online diary) and the weekly newsletter are available via the school website (the address is on the letterhead). If you no longer want to receive a paper copy, let the school office know. Let’s save paper!

Walk to School

OCTOBER is walk to school month! Families can walk into school any day of the week.

Also a reminder that cars parked on Zig-Zag lines will be reported to the police.

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday morning. The following children will receive awards –
Kamal Smallwood, Bailey Freeth, Andre Chipperfield, Cara Freeth, Jasmine Helm, Charles Johnson, Marissa Peart, Max Poole, Keegan Broad, Shannon Hallard. Olivia Lambe, Alana Kilbane and Callum O’Neill.

Parent’s Information Sessions

A big thank you to parents who attended these sessions and to the teachers who planned and presented the information. We will repeat these sessions next year.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 7th October - Year 6 - Lifeskills Centre
Tuesday 14th October - Parents Evening
Thursday 16th October - Parents Evening
Friday 17th October - Y5/6P Class Assembly
Friday 24th October - End of Term 1
Wednesday 5th November – INSET – School closed to pupils

Yours sincerely,Matt Condon, Headteacher.

26th September, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carers,

After School Clubs

We will soon be offering after school activities to children. Our plan is to use specialist coaches to offer Multi-Sports (football, netball, basketball, hockey etc.), to children in Years 3 and 4 and Drama to children in Years 5 and 6. There will also be a ‘Physical Skills’ session for Year 2 children (places for this are limited and may only be offered to specific children).

We plan to develop the after school menu further and offer activities to all children. There will be a cost to cover instruction and first aid for these activities. Letters will be sent out next week.

ALSO, if your child attends one of our after school clubs, please could you inform the school if your child will not be attending for any reason. This is for the safety of the children and also ensures that clubs can start promptly and all children are accounted for.

Religious Education Overviews

These are being sent home today. Please use them as a family to support your child’s learning and help them on their spiritual journey.

Walk to School

Get your walking shoes on as OCTOBER is walk to school month. Families can walk into school any day of the week.

Harvest Celebration

Next Friday Y5/6C will be celebrating Harvest in their class assembly. Also as part of this celebration, we will be collecting groceries to support local good causes. Please can all contributions come into school by Thursday, 2nd October.

Celebration of Assembly

There will be no Celebration Assembly next week.

Parent Information Sessions – Year 3/4

This session will allow teachers to meet parents together (without the children) and explain issues that are relevant to their year group, such as homework and the curriculum. The session will take place on Tuesday 30th September at 3pm.

Absence PolicyAnother reminder if your child is unwell and unable to attend school, we ask you to please inform us by telephone or by letter by 9.30am. If a message has not been received we will need to contact the home address to confirm the whereabouts of your child. We cannot take a message from a child (It has to be from the parent/carer).

Dean Field Study Centre Trip

The next instalment of £30 is due on the 1st October. Please could you ensure that payment is sent to the school office promptly. Cheques to be made payable to Bristol City Council.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 30th September - Y3/4 Parent Information Session
Friday 3rd October, 9.30am - Y5/6C Class Assembly
Tuesday 7th October - Year 6 - Lifeskills Centre
Tuesday 14th October - Parents Evening
Thursday 16th October - Parents Evening
Friday 17th October - Y5/6P Class Assembly
Friday 24th October - End of Term 1

Yours sincerely,



Matt Condon,
Headteacher.

Also - Out of School Clubs

Over the next couple of weeks the club links board in the playground will be updated. The board is designed to make children aware of some of the opportunities available to them in their local area. In turn this will hopefully encourage more of our children to be involved with clubs and groups outside of school.

Could you please return the attached slip with any clubs that your children presently attend outside of school so that a new list can be produced.

19th September, 2008

Dear Parent/Carer,

Y6 - Information Sessions about Secondary Transfer

An information session for parents of Year 6 children will be held this Monday - 22nd October at 3.30pm in the school hall. This session will be provided by the local authority and will last approximately 40mins. Supervision for siblings will be provided in the computer room.

Updated Contacts/Medical

If your child’s contact details or any new medical conditions have changed since the end of last term, could you please let the office know as soon as possible.

Religious Education Overviews

These will be sent home next week. Please use them as a family to support your child’s learning and help them on their spiritual journey.

Celebration of Achievements

Well done to the following children who will receive Headteacher’s Award in Monday’s Celebration Assembly.

William Brain, Charlotte Petrie, Ruby Walsh, Rochelle Christian, Keegan Broad and Rebecca Dagnall

Parent Information SessionsThese sessions will begin next week and will allow teachers to meet parents together (without the children) and explain issues that are relevant to their year group, such as homework and the curriculum. The dates are at the end of this letter.

The Y3/4 session has been postponed. A new date will be in next week’s newsletter.
Lost PropertyMr. Pitt will place all lost property on a table in the playground every Thursday. All labelled property will be returned to owners (PLEASE LABEL CLOTHING). Any remaining clothing will be sold at the end of the term to raise money for educational visits.

Help Needed!

Would you like to come into school to support children with their reading or other area of learning? Do you have skills which could benefit the children and the school community? If you have a bit of time to come into school and help please see myself, the school office or another member of staff.

Together we will continue to build a better school!

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 24th September - Y5/6 visit to WW2 Experience, Swindon
Wednesday 24th September - Y2 Healthy Picnic at Forest Road
Thursday 25th September, 3pm - Y5/6 Parents Information Session
Friday 26th September, 3pm - Y1/2 Parents Information Session
Friday 3rd October, 9.30am - Y5/6C Class Assembly
Tuesday 7th October - Year 6 visit Lifeskills Centre
Tuesday 14th October - Parents Evening
Thursday 16th October - Parents Evening
Friday 17th October - Y5/6P Class Assembly
Friday 24th October - End of Term 1

Guidance on Labelling of Medicines – September 2008

The Medicines Act 1968 states that 'the prescriber's directions must be followed'. So staff are only legally allowed to give meds as detailed on the label printed by the dispensing pharmacy, as these constitute the prescriber's directions. If parents think their child needs medication more often, they must go back to the GP.

If medication is prescribed as '3 times a day', then they should be given the 3 times, not more or less. The medication should be regularly spaced out during waking hours [unless otherwise instructed]. Unless a child is staying after hours for clubs etc, then best given before school, on return, and at bed time, so no need to bring to school at all.

If medication is labelled 'when required' or 'as required' the school will use the details as given by the family in the care plan to, determine if medication should be given, ie details of what symptoms the child will show when having a problem and how often medication should be given before further action is taken.

Prescriptions can state '3 times a day when required' meaning that when the person has symptoms they should use the medicine up to 3 doses a day, could use less number of doses but not more.

Please contact Mr. Condon if you require clarification of these points

12th September, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Curriculum Overviews

Today you will be sent home a ‘Curriculum Topic Web’ for your child’s class. These map out what your child will be learning during their current topic. These will be sent home when every new topic begins.
Miss O’Toole’s will be sent out next week as she is unwell.

Ex-Pupil Achievement

We love celebrating the success of ex-pupils. This summer Sarah Gossan got 4 A's and a B at A level and is off to Cardiff University to do Astrophysics. Well done Sarah! Please let us know about other success stories – there are many out there!

Parent Information Sessions

These sessions will be held at the start of each year and will allow teachers to meet parents together (without the children) and explain issues that are relevant to their year group, such as homework and the curriculum. The dates are at the end of this letter.

Administration of Medicines

Several parents have requested additional clarification about the labelling of medication. We have taken advice from the local health authority and created a guidance letter. This is available from the school office and will be published on the school newsletter blog (accessed through the website).

Lost Property

Mr. Pitt will place all lost property on a table in the playground every Thursday. All labelled property will be returned to owners (PLEASE LABEL CLOTHING). Any remaining clothing will be sold at the end of the term to raise money for educational visits.

Y6 - Information Sessions about Secondary Transfer

An information session for parents of Year 6 children will be held on Monday 22nd September at 3.30pm in the school hall. This session will be provided by the local authority and will last approximately 40mins. Supervision for children will be provided in the computer room. Secondary transfer packs are being sent out today.

Morrison’s Let’s Grow Vouchers

We have now registered with Morrison’s, so if you do receive any ‘Let’s Grow’ vouchers, could you please send them into school. The purpose is to inspire pupils to follow a healthier diet and lifestyle through the practical experience of growing fruit and vegetable in the school grounds. By collecting the vouchers the school will benefit by receiving free gardening equipment.

High School Musical Competition

From Monday 15th September, the kitchen are running a competition to win 4 tickets to the London Premiere of High School Musical 3, on the 7th October (travel paid). From the 15th September for 2 weeks, you can download a voucher from www.myhighschool musical3.com/sft. Children take this voucher (1 per day) to the canteen at lunchtime, to have their voucher stamped when they have their school meal. Vouchers can then be posted (up to 10 vouchers per child) to:

Magic Meal Ticket Promotion,
School Food Trust
N9,
Moorfoot,
Sheffield,
S1 4PQ.

On 30th September, the first 100 vouchers drawn will win an I pod shuffle and 5 vouchers will win the premiere tickets.

Celebration of Achievements

Well done to the following children who will receive Headteacher’s Award in Mondays Celebration Assembly.

King Wilson, Thomas Coombs, Airam Pamintuan, Micah Gayle, Elijah Hayden, Isaac Allen, Ty Mitchell and Matthew Bristow.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 19th September, 9.30am - Y6J Peace Day Class Assembly
Monday 22nd September, 3.30pm -Y6 Secondary Transfer Parents Meeting
Wednesday 24th September - Y5/6 visit to WW2 Experience, Swindon
Wednesday 24th September, 3pm - Y3/4 Parents Information Session
Thursday 25th September, 3pm - Y5/6 Parents Information Session
Friday 26th September, 3pm - Y1/2 Parents Information Session
Friday 3rd October, 9.30am - Y5/6C Class Assembly
Tuesday 7th October - Year 6 visit Lifeskills Centre
Tuesday 14th October - Parents Evening
Thursday 16th October - Parents Evening
Friday 17th October - Y5/6P Class Assembly
Friday 24th October - End of Term 1

Best wishes

Matt Condon, Headteacher

Polish Club

12.8.08

Szanowni Rodzice/Opiekunowie,

Oferujemy polskim dzieciom okazję dołączenia się do polskiego klubu jako zajęcie poza lekcyjne. W tym klubie dzieci będą mogli używać swój polski język ucząc się jednocześnie języka angielskiego i o kulturze Brytyjskiej.

Zajęcia będą prowadzone przez Panią Smaka, jedna z naszych rodziców, którą niektórzy znają, i która pracuje jako asystent nauczyciela klasy w innej szkole. Pani Smaka będzie zatrudnione przez szkołę St Joseph's aby prowadzić te sesje.

Zajęcia w tym klubie odbywać się będą w środy od godz. 15.30 do 16.45.
Pierwsza sesja odbędzie się 17-go września 2008.

Jeżeli państwo życzy aby dziecko brało udział w klubie, proszę wypełnić poniższy druk.

Z poważaniem,



Matt Condon
Headteacher

5th September, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer.

Welcome back to the start of the new school year, hopefully you all had a good summer break. The Reception Year will join us next week on a part-time basis, building up to full-time.

We will be sharing dates and other ‘new term’ information in the next newsletter. All newsletters can be found on the school website (see above address).

School Meals

School meals have increased from £1.95 to £2.00 as from the 3rd September.

Morrison’s

If you shop at Morrison’s could you please send the vouchers into school.

PTFA

The next PTFA Meeting is on Tuesday 16th September in the Vandyke Forum on Fishponds Road. The PTFA (who are doing a great job!) would love new volunteers to support their exciting new plans for 2008/2009.

PE Kits

Can I take this opportunity to remind all parents and carers about the school PE Kit:

· PE kit should be in school all week.
· PE kit should be complete and labelled – White T. shirt, Navy Shorts, Daps and/or Trainers for outdoor PE.
· If the incorrect PE kit is taken home accidentally – please send it back immediately. We have too many kits that are going missing!
· If due to medical reasons, your child is unable to do PE, you need to send a note into your class teacher. Please ensure the letter includes details of how long your child is unable to do PE for.

After School Activities

As you know last year we were able to offer a wide range of after school. We hope to do the same this year and details of activities will be in the newsletter soon.

Guitar Lessons

Guitar lessons will resume on Monday 8th September.

As-New Uniform Sale

Year 5 and 6 will be running As-New uniform sale on Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th September. The proceeds will support the funding of a planned educational visit learning about the Second World War in Swindon.

Assemblies

Dates for class assemblies will be published shortly in the newsletter. Celebration assemblies will begin on Monday 15th September at 9.15am.

Lateness

A reminder that pupils should be in school between 8.45am and 8.55am. If you child arrives after 8.55am they will be classed as late, and after this time all pupils must come through the ‘Main Entrance’ and report to the office, this is for the safety of your child

This week we have been reflecting on how God loves each of us for being special in many different ways. We all look forward to a very special year of learning in St. Joseph’s.

We all thank you for your continuing support


Matt Condon
Headteacher

18th July, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Jump Rope For Heart

Well done to all the children who did so well in the sponsored Skipathon earlier this week. Can children bring sponsorship money in before the end of next week.

Vassals Park

This is a reminder that Reception, Y1 and Y2 will be going to Vassals Park on Tuesday 22nd July, from 11.30-2.30pm. The children will need a packed lunch, own clothes and appropriate footwear. Also parent helpers are welcomed.

School Reports

Thank you to parents for the feedback you have given us about your child’s achievement and the format of the reports. We take all comments and suggestions very seriously and will be trying to improve how we share children’s progress with parents next year.

Cycle Training – Year 3/4

Just a reminder that the last session of cycle training is taking place on Monday 21st July for all children in Year 3/4 who have not yet been trained.
999 Community Fun Day
The 999 Community Fun Day has been organised by the local community police. There will be lots for the children and adults to do, including fun fair rides and refreshments and lots more!!!
Saturday 16th August 2008 , 10am-3pm, Location: Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3LF.
Celebration of Achievements

Ailis Tuohy, Emily Webb, Isaac Allen, Christian Barry, Izzy Poole, Lakshmi Kaur, Anabel Moon, Emman Chaudhry, Elena Bellavia, Isaac Allen, Mia Hood, Joel Vadhyanath, Luke Staddon, Mia Hood Lucia Mercato, Aliyah Latif

There will be a Celebration Assembly on Monday at 3pm. All parents and friends are welcome

Sports Day

Thank you to all parents and friends who joined us for a very successful sports day. Well done to St. John’s Team for winning the most points on the day.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 22nd July KS1 Picnic at Vassals Park
Wednesday 23rd July Year 6 Performance to Parents (7.00pm)
Thursday 24th July Year 6 Performance to Parents (2.00pm)
Friday 25th July Leavers Mass
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays (Hooray!!)
Wednesday 3rd September Start of Term 1
Friday 5th September Start of Term Mass (9.30am in Parish Church)

Best wishes



Matt Condon
Headteacher

11th July, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Vassalls Park

Reception,Y1 and Y2 will be going to Vassals Park on Tuesday 22nd July from 11.30-2.30pm. The children will need a packed lunch, own clothes and appropriate footwear. We also need parent helpers.

Jump Rope For Heart

As you know, this Monday we will be holding a ‘skipathon’ for the British Heart Foundation. Each class will be going out into the playground for 10 minutes of continuous skipping. 75% of the money that we raise goes to the BHF to help in the fight against heart disease. The remaining 25% that we raise goes to the school to buy sports equipment. For these reasons please could you and your child find as many sponsors as possible.

School Reports

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances End of Year Reports will be sent home on Tuesday, not today as we had hoped. As some children have been told they would find out about their new classes today, teachers will be sharing this information with their classes at the end of the day. Next year’s class organisation is as follows –

Reception – Mrs. Rollings (Assistant Headteacher)
Year 1 = Miss O’Toole
Year 2= Mrs. Ford
Year 2 = Mr. Sherwin
Year 3/4 = Mr. Tilmouth
Year 3/4 = Mrs. Bell
Year 3/4 – Mrs. Mantle
Year 5/6 – Mrs. Joseph (Assistant Headteacher)
Year 5/6 – Mr. Conlon
Year 5/6 – Mr. Patton

Mrs Marsh – Music and teaching in various classes
Mrs. Workman – Teaching in various classes

Sports Day

Weather permitting, this will take place next Thursday (17th July) at the school field off Forest Road. It will begin at 9.30pm but we would appreciate if some parents are able to help the teachers walk the children to the field. Please contact your child’s class teacher if you are able to help.

Internet Safety

We have now sent out third copies of letters to parents in Key Stage 2 who have not returned the original letters. If we do not receive permission slips by the end of next week, those children will be unable to use any internet learning materials in class in the new school year (many of which are excellent).

Job - SCHOOL MEALS SUPERVISORY ASSISTANT

Bristol Grade 2 £2066 - £2096 (Actual) 7.5 hours per week Term Time OnlyThe Governors of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School are looking to employ a School Meals Supervisory Assistant to work 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) 1 hour 30 hours minutes per day (12.00 – 1.30pm) to cover both KS1 and KS2 lunchtime.You will ideally be enthusiastic, energetic, flexible and be able to work as part of a team.Application form and job details are from the school office.

Netball

Netball will have to cancelled this coming Monday, 14th July.

Celebration of Achievements

Jakub Spoinski, Johann Manosh, Jeleil Manmohan, Jaylene Manmohan, Klaudia Swiader, Yan Stepanuik, Michael Apperley, Eleanor Stepanuik, Molly McBride, Oskar Musial, Emediong Jumbo, Sophie Sawers, Hamze Ibrahim-Mahamoud, Sebastian Smaka, Samara Ayton-Lambourne, Agnel Aliyath, Sam O’Brien and Aryl Gudaca.

All are welcome to Monday’s celebration assembly.

Past Pupils Achievement

Stacey Keary, who left St. Joseph’s in 2000, has fulfilled her life ambition and has become a professional dancer. She will be joining the ‘Lord of the Dance’ production and will be touring all around Europe, starting in Russia. Good luck Stacy.

School Meals – Unison Strike

Due to the two day strike of some support staff next Wednesday and Thursday (16th and 17th), the school kitchen will be unable to provide hot school dinners. If your child usually receives free school meals and you would like the school to provide a packed lunch, please contact the school office.

ALL OTHER CHILDREN NEED TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH INTO SCHOOL ON THESE DAYS.

Camp DVD’s

School camp DVD’s will be available next week for £5.00. All profits will go toward materials to enhance the school curriculum.

Best wishes



Matt Condon
Headtecher

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 17th July Sports Day for KS1 and KS2
Tuesday 22nd July KS1 Picnic at Vassals Park
Wednesday 23rd July Year 6 Performance to Parents (7.00pm)
Thursday 24th July Year 6 Performance to Parents (2.00pm)
Friday 25th July Leavers Mass (9.30am in Parish Church)
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays (Hooray!!)

4th July, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Staffing

We will be saying good-bye to Mrs Hazel Nicholson, who is retiring, Miss Claire Wright and Mrs Angela Graham, who will all be leaving us at the end of this term. We wish them all well for the future. Miss Jane O’Toole will be returning from maternity leave in September to teach Year 1.

Celebration of Achievements

Rebecca Dagnall, Leanne Hunt, Lauryn Duffy, Cameron Bembridge, Mikenagh Quirke, Vivian Johnson, Connor Crudge, Lara Brown, Aengus Mooney, Julia Lewkowicz, William Brain and Anthony Dimuna, Georgia Brain and Callum Robbins.
All are welcome to Monday morning’s Celebration Assembly.

Absence Policy

Another reminder if your child is unwell and unable to attend school, we ask you to please inform us by telephone or by letter by 9.30am. If a message has not been received we will need to contact the home address to confirm the whereabouts of your child. We cannot take a message from a child (It has to be from the parent/carer).

Jump Rope For Heart

This year our school has registered with the British Heart Foundation’s Jump for Heart programme. This programme recognises the important role regular physical activity plays in maintaining and improving health and aims to introduce pupils to the massive potential of skipping.
An important part of Jump Rope for Heart is the organisation of a Jump Off. This is a sponsored event which will take place at the end of the progressive series of skipping lessons and will enable the children to demonstrate, through a number of activities, how they have developed their skipping ability. Our Jump Off will be held on Monday 14th July, and we would greatly appreciate any sponsors or donations that you can collect to help contribute towards achieving a big overall total.
We hope you will support your child and the British Heart Foundation in this very worthwhile programme.
Deanfield Study Centre
Payment of £30.00 is now due for Deanfield. Cheques to be made payable to Bristol City Council.
Sports Day

Sports Day is on Thursday 17th July, at Forest Road for KS1 and KS2. We aim to start approximately 9.30am depending on the weather.

Dates for Diaries

Saturday 5th July PTFA Summer Social Thursday 17th July Sports Day for KS1 and KS2
Wednesday 23rd July Year 6 Performance to Parents (7.00pm)
Thursday 24th July Year 6 Performance to Parents (2.00pm)
Friday 25
th July Leavers Mass (9.30am in Parish Church)Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays (Hooray!!)

Yours sincerely,
Matt Condon,
Headteacher.

27th June, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer.

Parish Fayre

The Parish Fayre takes place tomorrow at 2pm and the school will be running a Grocery Stall. There are lots of other exciting activities planned, so please come and support the parish!

Y6 Performance

The date for the afternoon performance has been changed to Thursday 24th July at 2.00pm.

Fruit in School

A reminder that pupils are allowed fresh fruit at playtime - not fruit bars or other alternatives.

Personal Property

This week, we have unfortunately had a child’s bicycle damaged in the cycle shelter. All children are banned from this area during the school day and we are looking at other ways to make this area more secure.

Whilst we do everything to secure personal property brought into the school, can I remind parents that we can accept no financial responsibility for property lost or damaged whilst in school.


Year 5 Cycle Training

We still have some places available for cycle training later this term. Please see the school office if your child is interested – we will not be offering cycle training to Year 6 next year!

Deanfield Studies Centre

The next instalment for the Year 5/6 residential trip to Deanfield Studies Centre is due next week.

Responsible Internet Use

We have sent out second copies of letters to parents in Key Stage 2. There are still some outstanding - please return as soon as possible. KS1 and Foundation Stage internet letters will be sent home on Monday.

School Crossing Patrol

We are pleased to announce we have a new crossing patrol person who will be starting next Tuesday. Her name is Pauline Sheere. We would like to welcome Pauline to our school community.

Celebration of Achievements

Sydney-Kay Haberfield, Stephanie Williams, Jordan Toy, Hannah Richards, Ellie Ayton, Edward Dimuna, Theo Allen, Ellie Scammell, Amelianya Cachia, William Munro, Lauren Woodruff and Samantha Masenyama

All are welcome to Monday morning’s Celebration Assembly.


Best wishes



Matt Condon
Headteacher




Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 2nd July Cake and School Uniform Sale
Thursday 3rd July Junior’s Prize Bingo Night
Saturday 5th July PTFA Summer Social
Thursday 17th July Sports Day
Wednesday 23rd July Year 6 Performance to Parents (7.00pm)
Thursday 24th July Year 6 Performance to Parents (2.00pm)
Friday 24th July Leavers Mass (9.30am in Parish Church)
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays (Hooray!!)


Term and Holiday Dates 2008/2009

· Term 1 Wednesday 3 September to Friday 24 October 2008

· Term 2 Wednesday 5 November to Friday 19 December 2008

· Term 3 Monday 5 January to Friday 13 February 2009

· Term 4 Monday 23 February to Friday 3 April 2009

· Term 5 Monday 20 April to Friday 22 May 2009

· Term 6 Monday 1 June to Friday 24 July 2009

The school year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that schools will be open to receive pupils for the legal minimum of 190 days (380 sessions).

20th June, 2008

20th June, 2008.
Dear Parent/Carer,

School Attendance

APOLOGIES!!!

The following children all achieved 95% attendance this year or more (but unfortunately were missed off yesterdays newsletter) –

Jordan Ford, Patrice Etienne, Georgia Brain, Priya Kaur, Lauren Leaworthy, Shania Lindsay-Powell, Kevin Snaden, Omar Ziek, Jasdeep Wynter, Charles Johnson, Kielan Lee, Marissa Peart, Olivia Lambe, Liam Maslowski, Lauren Woodruff, Shaun Dagnall, Yan Stepanuik, Ann James, Aengus Mooney, Kavita Sahota, Tibin Thampy, Yasmin Wakeling. Agnel Aliyath, Kelsey Ford, Jaya Kaur, Cory Leaworthy, Sebastian Smaka, Laura Smith, Shaun Snaden, Joseph Lambe, Leyahn Adlard, Evie Attwood

Again, sorry and WELL DONE!!

Matt Condon
Headteacher

19th June 2008

19th June, 2008.
Dear Parent/Carer,

TOMORROW’S AFTER SCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLUB

Unfortunately this has been cancelled. We will be arranging an additional session for July.

First Holy Communion

Well done to all the children who received their First Holy Communion last Sunday. A big thank you to Mrs. Bell and Miss Geach, for supporting the children in their preparation.

Responsible Internet Use

We have now sent out second copies of letters to parents in Key Stage 2 who have not returned the original letters. If we do not receive these shortly we will have to stop children accessing any internet learning materials in class (many of which are excellent).

Responsible Internet Use letters will be sent out to the Foundation Stage and Key Stage One very shortly. Please return the permission slips as soon as possible.

Team Point Winners – St. JohnWell done to St. John for winning last terms team points competition. They will have a non-uniform day to celebrate, tomorrow (20th June).Parish FayreThis will be taking place on Saturday 28th June. The school will run a Grocery Stall and will be collecting grocery items on Friday 27th June. Each child who brings a grocery item into school can wear non-uniform on that day.

Parish Raffle Tickets

Can all money, ticket stubs and unsold tickets be returned to the school office, as soon as possible. Thank you for your support.

School Choir

The school choir will be joining forces on Friday with two choirs from Bristol Grammar School, for an afternoon of singing workshops. Both schools are hoping to take photographs to display (BGS) and put on the blog (St Joseph’s). If there are any parents who do not wish their child to be in any photographs, please contact the school office before Friday lunchtime. Meanwhile we look forward to an enriching and memorable afternoon.

School Attendance

Well done to the following children, who have all achieved 95% attendance or more –

Lucia Mercato, Eoan Tuohy, Madeleine Khan-Slade, Hannah Maslowski, Laura Apperley, Dean Turner, Miron Bury, Gabriel Matorres, Cameron Bembridge, Pola Wilk, George Hickey, Elijah Hayden, Jeleil Manmohan, Alfrie Ferris, Jordan Toy, Cara Freeth, Joseph Calloway, Charlotte Petrie,James Ayton-Lambourne, Isabella Woodruff, Oliver Louch, Nadia Naibet, Joel Vadhyanath, Alexander Dimuna, Rebecca Davies, Nula Wallace Luke Staddon, Christian Rochelle, Mia Hood, Rachel Butcher, Hamze Ibrahim-MahamoudAmelianya Cachia, Isaac Staples, Ruby Walsh, Oliver Wiecioch-Giles, Benjamin Underhill, Jerrin Thomas, Ruby Webber, Lauren Helm, Iwan Calloway, Ruan Lee, Emily Cunningham, Layla Dockerty, Edward Brain, Stan Smith, Niamh Tuohy-Tillson, Megan Harries, Joseph Cachia, Anna Galvin, Samantha Masenyama, Bailey Freeth, Hamda Ibrahim-Mahamoud, Leon Avery, Keven John, Kieron Lindsay-Powell, Corada Wilson, Rebecca Dagnall, Orian Jamieson, Aaron Tarr, Samara Ayton-Lambourne, Thomas Connors,James Grimes, Favour Ray-Nwosu, Emediong Jumbo, Ailis Tuohy, King Wilson, Sophie Sawers, Chloe Bowden, Da vina Masemo, Alan George, Bridget Connors, Christian Tshimanga, Maria Bellivia, William Brain, Lakshmi Kaur, Jaylene Manmohan, Jeffery Grimesm, Sarah Moylan, Anthony Diminua, Isabella Poole, Daniel Apperley, Julia Lewkowicz, Loredana Parrinello, Joseph Staddon, Lorenzo Mercato, Mason Schwarz, Eleanor Stepaniuk, William Munro, Rajan Sahota, Francine Matorres, Callum Slade, Chloe Staples, Hannah Bevan, Liam Smith, Sam Davis, Michael Apperley, Elena Bellavia, Connor Boydell, Rhianna Hamilton, Samantha McGuinne ss, Kaycie Bryce, Charlotte Cunningham,Itohowo Jumbo, Thalia Carr, Bradley Yates, Dorian Bury, Milo Mooney, George Hodder, Peter Suerte Felipe, Ashley Morgan, Keegan Broad, Max Poole, Estella Maloney-Danvers,Jasmine Helm, Callum O’Neill, Rebecca Dudley, Joshua Keary, Edward Dimuna, Zoe Boniface, Brijil Joseph, Ellie Scammell, Callum, Robbins

We will be celebrating their achievement in assembly tomorrow.

Job - SCHOOL MEALS SUPERVISORY ASSISTANT

Bristol Grade 2 £2066 - £2096 (Actual) 7.5 hours per week Term Time Only
The Governors of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School are looking to employ a School Meals Supervisory Assistant to work 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) 1 hour 30 hours minutes per day (12.00 – 1.30pm) to cover both KS1 and KS2 lunchtime.
You will ideally be enthusiastic, energetic, flexible and be able to work as part of a team.
Application form and job details are from the school office.

Celebration of Achievements

Courtney Hollis, Daniel Apperley, Patryk Drozdz, Ceris Lee, Oliver Kelliher-Swash, Rajan Sahota, Bradley Yates, Nuala Wallace, William Scammell and Jakub Wawrowski and Samantha Masenyama

All are welcome to Monday’s Celebration Assembly.

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 25th June -KS1 to Vassals Park
Saturday 28th June - Parish Summer Fayre
Friday 11th July - Reports to parents
Thursday 17th July - Sports Day (morning)
Tuesday 22nd July - Year 6 Performance to Parents (2.00pm)
Wednesday 23rd July - Year 6 Performance to Parents (7.00pm)
Friday 25th July - End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

Best wishes



Matt Condon
Headteacher

13th June, 2008

13th June, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Team Point Winners – St. John

Well done to St. John for winning last terms team points competition. They will have a non-uniform day to celebrate, next Friday (20th June).

Parish Fayre

This will be taking place on Saturday 28th June. The school will run a Grocery Stall and will be collecting grocery items on Friday 27th June. Each child who brings a grocery item into school, can wear non-uniform on that day.

Sweets and Nuts

Can I remind parents that children should not bring in sweets as part of a packed lunch.

Also, because some children have allergies, can children not bring items into school that contain nuts. Thank you for your cooperation.

Colston Hall

Parents are welcome to come to the Colston Hall on Monday 16th June, by 1.45pm to take part in WEPO Concert. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Celebration of Achievements

Maci Quirke, Kavita Sahota, David Sebastian, Cara Freeth, Alfie Ferris, Madeleine Khan-Slade

School Website and Blog

There are lots of new posts on the blog – in particular from Foundation/Infant classes, from Year 6’s trip to the Cathedral and a short recount from some Year 5 singers.

Modern Dance Lessons (Ages 5-13)

Dance sessions will be held on a Thursday 6.00 – 7.00 in the Dance Studio at Bristol Brunel Academy (formerly Speedwell Technology College.

Learn routines to all the modern dance tunes. Call Sam on 07725996214 for information and places.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 16th June Year 3/4 Colston Hall (in the afternoon)
Monday 16th June Year 3/4 Vassals Park (morning)
Tuesday 17th June PTFA Meeting (
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Thursday 19th June Fire Brigade for Year 5
Friday 20th June Road Safety Roadshow for KS1
Wednesday 25th June KS1 to Vassals Park
Saturday 28th June Parish Summer Fayre
Friday 11th July Reports to parents
Thursday 17th July Sports Day (morning)
Tuesday 22nd July Year 6 Performance to Parents (2.00pm)
Wednesday 23rd July Year 6 Performance to Parents (7.00pm)
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

Term and Holiday Dates 2008/2009

The following dates have been agreed for the 2008/2009 school year:

• Term 1 Wednesday 3 September to Friday 24 October 2008
• Term 2 Wednesday 5 November to Friday 19 December 2008
• Term 3 Monday 5 January to Friday 13 February 2009
• Term 4 Monday 23 February to Friday 3 April 2009
• Term 5 Monday 20 April to Friday 22 May 2009
• Term 6 Monday 1 June to Friday 24 July 2009

Best wishes


Matt Condon
Heateacher

6th June, 2008

Dear Parent/Carer,

NetballApologies but netball will have to be cancelled this coming Monday, 9th June.

PTFA

The PTFA will be meeting in soon to discuss future plans. The meeting will take place in the Cross Hands Pub in Fishponds on Tuesday 17th June at 730pm. Please come along and find out what’s going on.The PTFA also regrettably announce that due to practical problems, this year’s Summer Fayre has been cancelled!

Parish Summer Fayre

The good news is the Parish Summer Fayre will take place on the 28th June.

School WebsiteA big thank you to parent Mr. Petrie, who has desgned a new website frontpage for the school. The school also has a new website address (although the old address still works) - www.st-josephs-pri.bristol.sch.uk

Celebration of Achievements

Chelsea Dwyer, Tejal Sebastian, James Ayton-Lambourne, Cassie Poole, Max Poole, Daniel Dwyer-Gaston, Clement Harvey, Damian Zdak, Alana Grant, Liam Maslowski

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 11th June Y6 – Bristol Cathedral
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Saturday 21st June Summer Fayre – CANCELLED!!!!!
Saturday 28th June Parish Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

23rd May, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Multi-Sports Y1/Y2

We will not be able to run multi-sports for year 4 pupils after half term, as there was not enough interest. Year 1 and 2 have the opportunity to take part after half term. Consent forms need to be back by Tuesday 3rd June. If there is not enough interest, we will have no choice but to cancel this activity.

Responsible Internet Use

We still have outstanding internet consent forms for KS2 pupils. If you have not sent your child’s back, could you please do so after half-term.

INSET DAY

Just a reminder that school is closed to pupils on Monday 2nd June (the first day of Term 6).

Dates for Diaries

Monday 2nd June INSERVICE DAY
Monday 2nd June Start of Term 6
Wednesday 11th June Y6 – Bristol Cathedral
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Saturday 21st June Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

We hope you all have a great holiday!

Yours sincerely



Matt Condon, Ps – Check out the school Blog for
Headteacher. lots of stuff from Bristol Week!

16th May, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Cake Sale

Thank you so much to everyone who made cakes and supported our cake sale last Friday. A big thank you too, to Staple Hill Bakery who kindly donated bread and cakes.

We raised the magnificent sum of £78.00 which will go towards the cost of the coach for ‘Joseph’. Thank you to year 6 for helping to organise, serve and sell the cakes.

Multi-Sports – Y4

Multi Sports which runs on a Thursday evening – 3.45-4.45pm will be open to year 4 pupils after half-term. If you would like your child to take part £16.00 is required and you will have to complete a consent form available from the office.

All Parents – KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS COURSEWe are now able to open up this opportunity to all parents in the school. The course has been designed to enable parents to develop their own Maths and Computer skills whilst working with their children, who are improving their own skills. It is a 6 week course that will take place every Tuesday afternoon in school. Half of the session will be adults only and the second half will be with the children.

Please contact the school office by Wednesday 21st May if you would like to be involved.
Healthy Foods

We want to enrol on a scheme that will enable the pupils of St Joseph’s to have a better understanding of the food they eat and where it comes from. We would like some parent volunteers to help by giving their news, opinions and support. Please see Mrs Rollings if you are interested.

Responsible Internet Use

If you have not sent back your internet consent form for KS2 pupils, could you please do so by Monday 19th May. If you have not received a letter, they are available in the school office.

Celebration of Achievements

Stan Doling, Dean Turner, Laura Apperley

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 20th May Mrs Rollings/Miss Wright’s – Bristol Zoo
Tuesday 20th May Mrs Ford/Mr Sherwin’s – SS Great Britain.
Tuesday 20th May Mrs Bell, Mrs Mantle and Mr Tilmouth –
Queen’s Square via Temple Meads
Friday 23rd May End of Term 5 – School closes
Monday 2nd June INSERVICE DAY
Monday 2nd June Start of Term 6
Wednesday 11th June Y6 – Bristol Cathedral
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Saturday 21st June Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

Best wishes



Matt CondonHeadteacher

9th May, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Ethiopian Water Crisis

In recent weeks the people of Ethiopia have suffered a severe water shortage. The water wells, built with money raised by the children of St. Joseph's, proved to be a valuable lifeline for the people of Addis Alem, when all other water dried up. This is an incredible example of how this school community, has not only contributed improving the lives of others – but also saving the lives of others! We should be proud of what we have achieved and look forward to making more of a difference in the future.

Reception

The reception class will be buying fruit from Tesco next week to make a fruit salad. Please let Mrs. Rollings know if your child can’t take part or has any allergies.

Holiday Request Form

When you request a holiday form for your child/ren to take a holiday during term-time, parents also need to attach a letter explaining the reason for the holiday. We have several forms in the office, without letters explaining the reason for requested leave. Please can any parents who have submitted a form only, send a letter in to the office as soon as possible.

Absence

If your child/ren are absent from school, could you please telephone the school office or inform the school in writing. If we do not receive a message, the school will telephone to confirm your child is at home for a valid reason.

Celebration of Achievements

Luke Staddon, Estella Maloney-Danvers, Marissa Peart, David Koleczko, Harry Barton,
Matthew Klamanski.
Monday's Celebration Assembly will be held in the school hall at 3pm. All parents are welcome.

Year 3-4 Parents – KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS COURSE

Flyers will be sent out today to parents of children in Year 3 and 4 about this exciting course. The couse has been designed to enable parents to develop their own Maths and Computer skills whilst working with their children, who are improving their own skills. It is a 6 week course that will take place every Tuesday afternoon in school. Half of the session will be adults only and the second half will be with the children.
If successful we hope to plan similar sessions and open them to other groups of parents. Please see the flyers for futher details.

After School Activities

Recently we received a couple of comments (thank you!) in the suggestion boxes regarding after school activities. The parent asked whether more activivities could be arrange for different age groups of children and whether parents can be more involved?
It is the schools aim to provide a wide range of activities for all ages of children and we have managed to provide something for all ages this year. We hope to develop this in school more next year, but we are finding managing this additional provision quite a challenge (managing finance, managing staff from outside school, ensuring health and safety requirements are met – that your children are looked after and are safe).
We are very plaesed with how this side of school life has improved this year and more will be on offer next year. This will include more activities shared with other local schools and sometimes offered in different locations.
As far a parental contributions are concerned, we all know that parents have much to contribute and I welcome any suggestions. However we need to ensure that children are always safe and that we follow all proper procedures. This can make it difficult to invite parents in to work with children without CRB checks (which we can do easily) and a school member of staff (who is a First Aider) to help supervise the activity (this is sometimes more difficult to arrage). We have also had to ensure that adults volunteering to coach PE activities are fully qualified and we are trying to get a parent onto a Food Hygeine Certifivcate, so they can take small groups for cookery. So it can be done, it just takes a bit more organisation!
If there is something that as a parent you could contribute for an after school activity, please let me know and we can start organising things now.
A big thank you to the parent who made these useful comments.

Clifton Cathedral

Year 6 leavers will be going to the Clifton Cathedral on Wednesday, 18thh June, at 1.00pm.
All parents are welcome to join us at the Cathedral.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 12th May Start of KS2 SATS week
Tuesday 20th May Mrs Rollings/Miss Wright’s – Bristol Zoo
Tuesday 20th May Mrs Ford/Mr Sherwin’s – SS Great Britian
Friday 23rd May End of Term 5 – School closes
Monday 2nd June INSERVICE DAY
Monday 2nd June Start of Term 6 Wednesday 11th June Y6 – Bristol Cathedral
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Saturday 21st June Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

7th May, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carers,

PTFA Meeting

Just a reminder that the PTFA meeting is tonight at the Cross Hands Pub, Fishponds – 7.00pm.

School Celebration Assembly

There will be a school celebration assembly on Monday 12th May at 3.00pm; this is because of SATS week. Children’s names for the achievement awards will be in Friday’s newsletter.

Non-Uniform

St Mark’s Team the points competition last term, so it will be a non-uniform day for them. Well done.

Tesco/Sainsburys Vouchers

We are going to start a competition between the four school teams to see who can
Collect the most supermarket sports vouchers for the rest of the school year. Each voucher point will equal one point to the total. A chart will go up in the hall to show how many vouchers each team has collected so far. The team who has collected the most vouchers by the end of term 6 will get to have a non-uniform day as a reward! All you have to do is bring in all the vouchers you can from home and put them in your teams coloured voucher box in the foyer.

Year 6 SATs

Year 6 have worked tremendously hard and have been very focused on their learning. I have been genuinely impressed by how well they have worked as a team. We all know that they will do their best. Good luck for next week!

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine!

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2nd May 2008

2nd May, 2008.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Behaviour

Occasionally during discussions with parents, we are told that advice has been given to children to ‘hit back’ if they have been hurt. This advice does not support our behaviour policy and makes it very difficult to resolve situations fairly. The best advice parents can give, is to make sure their child tells an adult immediately if they have been hurt. Any problems can be then dealt with swiftly.

Collecting children from school

To ensure the safety of all children we must insist of the following:

· Children can only be collected by legal parent/carers if the school is informed by telephone or letter – no verbal messages to staff other than office staff
· If you wish another adult (even Grandparents) to collect your child on regular basis, we need written permission

Thank you for you co-operation.

School Uniform

It has come to me attention that girls have started wearing leggings as wear as their dresses/skirts. Leggings are not part of school uniform. Tights are a perfectly acceptable alternative.

My First Poem

Some of the children’s work for ‘My First Poem’ series has been selected for publication in
one of the books representing the best of the children’s work. The children were helped to
write their first poem and dedicate it to someone special, and here are the names:

Lara Brown, Jeleil Manmohan, Jordan Toy, Emily Webb, James Ayton-Lambourne, Alfie Ferris, Harry Barton, Charlotte Petrie, Andre Chipperfield, Luke Briones, Johann Manosh
Jakub Spocinski, Hannah Richards, Tejal Sebastian, Izza Chaudhry, Bethany Prasad, Samuel Toye, Geore Hickey and Joseph Calloway.

Postponed School Trips

The postponed educational school trips will now take place:-

Bristol Zoo – Mrs Rollings and Miss Wrigth’s Class – Tuesday 20th May
SS Great Britian – Mrs Ford and Mr Sherwin’s Class – Tuesday 20th May


School Activemark 2007
We are proud to announce the school has been awarded this prestigious mark.
This mark was awarded due to the high quality PE and school sport enjoyed by children in school and in after school activities. Well done to all the children and staff and Mr. Tilmouth who has led the improvement in PE this year.

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 7th May Joseph Performance at St Joseph’s Old People’s Home
Monday 12th May Start of KS2 SATS week
Tuesday 20th May Mrs Rollings/Miss Wright’s – Bristol Zoo
Tuesday 20th May Mrs Ford/Mr Sherwin’s – SS Great Britian
Friday 23rd May End of Term 5 – School closes
Monday 2nd June INSERVICE DAY
Monday 2nd June Start of Term 6 Wednesday 11th June Y6 – Bristol Cathedral
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Saturday 21st June Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

25th April

Dear Parent/Carer,

Welcome back to you all. We look forward to an exciting spring of learning in St. Joseph’s.

Attendance – A Reminder

As you know good attendance is the key to successful learning.

If your child needs to see the Doctor, Dentist or other for a medical reason, and an appointment outside school hours is not possible, it is far less disruptive to learning if these appointments are made for the end of the school day.

We would like to thank parents for your support in this important area.

Jewellery

Children should not wear jewellery to school. The school will not be responsible
for any loss or damage to property or person resulting from the bringing of
jewellery into school. Please note: children with pierced ears whose parents
wish them to wear earrings must, for safety wear studs rather than other types
of earrings. Children who wear earrings must remove (or tape) them for all PE and sporting activities on Health and Safety grounds.

Netball

Netball resumes next Monday, 28th April.

Postponed School Trips

The final closing date for these educational visits is today. Hopefully we will have
secured the majority of funding so that the visits can go ahead as planned.

Parents to support children reading for KS2 SATs

We are in need of readers to support some of our Y6 pupils when taking their SATs
on the following dates; Monday 12th May, Thursday 15th May, Friday 16th May.

This support would be incredibly helpful. Please contact the school office or see Mrs. Joseph or Mr. Conlon if you can help (by early next week if possible).

Celebration of Achievements

Dates for Diaries

Friday 25th April Infant Party
Wednesday 7th May Joseph Performance at St Joseph’s Old People’s Home
Monday 12th May Start of KS2 SATS week
Friday 23rd May End of Term 5 – School closes
Monday 2nd June INSERVICE DAY
Monday 2nd June Start of Term 6 Wednesday 11th June Y6 – Bristol Cathedral
Wednesday 18th June Y6 – Leavers Mass (Clifton Cathedral)
Saturday 21st June School Summer Fayre
Saturday 28th June Parish Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

4th April

Dear Parent/Carer,

PTFA Infant Party

There are only limited spaces left for the infant party, so as not to be disappointed
hurry up and buy yours.

Postponed School Trips

Can I again confirm that the planned trips to the SS Great Britain and Bristol Zoo are
now postponed until May. This is dependent on us receiving funds to cover costs (currently we have not received a sufficient amount).

Some parents have requested a breakdown of costs for the planned school trips (all
costs per child):

SS Great Britain – Coach = £6.66, Entry = £3.95, requested contributions = £10

Bristol Zoo – Coach = £5.35, Entry = £6.47, requested contributions = £10

As you can see we are already making a loss on these educational visits, even with 100% of contributions received.

The final closing date for these visits (money and permission slip) is now Friday 25th April.

Spring Holiday

The school closes for the Spring Hoilday today Friday 4th April, and re-opens
on Tuesday 22nd April. Monday 21st April is an In-service Day.

Holidays during Term Time

If you request a holiday form, you also need to enclose an explanatory letter.

Absence Policy

A reminder if your child is unwell and unable to attend school we ask you to please
inform us by telephone or by letter by 9.30am. If a message has not been received
we will need to contact the home address to confirm the whereabouts of your child.
We cannot take a message from a child it has to be from the parent/carer.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 4th April End of Term 4 – School closes for holiday
Monday 21st April INSERVICE DAY
Tuesday 22nd April Start of Term 5 – School re-opens
Friday 25th April Start of Term Mass in the School Hall
Friday 25th April Infant Party
Monday 12th May Start of KS2 SATS week
Friday 23rd May End of Term 5 – School closes
Monday 2nd June INSERVICE DAY
Tuesday 3rd June Start of Term 6
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

School Website and Blog

The Blog (www.stjoesblog.blogspot.com) is being updated daily, with lots of work, comments, photos, video and audio clips. We think it is amazing and really shows what a great time we have learning in St. Joseph’s. Please have a look with your families and make a comment!

We all hope you all have a happy and peaceful Spring Holiday.

Yours Sincerely

Matt Condon



Headteacher

Dear Parent/Carer,

Student Support Centre

Packs will be sent home early next week from the ‘Student Support Service’. This is a private company who provide home learning support at a financial cost. Whilst we are happy to send this information home we are not recommending any particular product.

However, for every reply slip that is returned into school the ‘Student Support Service’ will make a contribution into school funds. They will make a contribution even if the reply slip says you are not interested! So please return the slips so we can raise some additional funds.

Postponed School Trips



KS1 Multi Skills Club

After an initial funded period we are now able to offer this club to children already involved, for a small fee. The cost will be £15 for 15 sessions between now and the end of the summer term. If you would like your child to continue in these sessions, please send a cheque for the amount into the school office, payable to ‘St. Joseph’s School’.

PTFA Events

The PTFA held a very successful meeting this week. They are now able to announce the dates of several events:-

Infant Party Friday 25th April – 7.00-9.00pm
Tickets £3.00 each – Family Ticket £10.00

Friday 4th April – Cake Sale

Summer Fayre - Saturday June 21st.

More information will be coming from the PTFA next week.

Spring Holiday

The school will close for the Spring Hoilday on Friday 4th April. School re-opens
On Tuesday 22nd April, as Monday 21st April is an Inservice Day

St George’s Day

Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides can were their uniform to
school on Wednesday, 23rd April, to celebrate St George’s Day.

Celebration of Achievements

Owen Ridler, Sandra Paslawska,

All parents are welcome to Monday’s Celebration Assembl

Assistant Headteachers

Last week the school Governors appointed two permanent Assistant Headteachers: Mrs. Rollings was appointed to lead the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (Infants) and Mrs. Joseph was appointed to lead Key Stage 2 (Juniors). These permanent posts will begin this September.

Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Joseph are currently acting Assistant Headteachers and will
be able to assist you if I am unavailable.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 4th April PTFA Cake Sale
Friday 4th April End of Term 4 – School closes for holiday
Monday 21st April INSERVICE DAY
Tuesday 22nd April Start of Term 5 – School re-opens
Friday 25th April Infant Party
Monday 12th May Start of KS2 SATS week
Friday 23rd May End of Term 5 – School closes
Monday 2nd June Start of Term 6 – School re-opens
Saturday 21st June Summer Fayre
Friday 25th July End of Term 6 – Summer Holidays.

13th March, 2008

Dear Parents/Carers,

Mrs. Rollings Class Assembly

As many of you are aware, Mrs Rollings has not been into school the last couple of
days due to ill health. This means her class’s assembly will now take place next Wednesday at 9.15am. All parents, carers and friends are welcome.

St. Joseph’s Day Celebrations - Tomorrow

Due to the cancelation of Receptions assembly we have organised a special St. Joseph’s Day Liturgical service in school. This service will begin at 9.15am. All parents, carers and friends
are welcome.

Also as part of St. Joseph’s Day celebrations we will be having a special non-uniform day tomorrow. Each child needs to contribute 50p which will be donated to Cafod to help others around the world.

Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat performance – Video

We are recording these performances on video. The PTFA plan to edit and sell the performances on DVD to raise funds. If however, your child is in the performance, but you would not like them to be included in the video, please put your request in writing and pass it
to the school office.

Holy Week Celebration

We would like to invite all parents, carers and friends to a special Holy week celebration on Maundy Thursday (20th March). This service will take place in the school hall and will begin at 9.15am

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher