24th July 2009

Dear Parents/Carers

As the year comes to an end…

Welcome to the last newsletter of this academic year. It has been a year of challenge and success. All children have worked hard and are becoming even more successful in their learning. As our present year 6 cohort leave St. Joseph’s, I am very proud to share with you the standards they have achieved in English, Maths and Science –

English level 4+ = 90% (2007 = 77%, 2008 = 80%)
Maths level 4+ = 83% (2007 = 71%, 2008 = 79%)
Science level 4+ = 90% (2007 = 84%, 2008 = 80%)

Well done Year 6!

Also recently, the school received the silver SingUp award, being the first school in Bristol to do so. Congratulations to all children, staff members, and in particular Mrs. Marsh, for achieving this prestigious award.

Please check out the school blog for details of this and lots of other exciting examples of learning this year.

Looking towards the future…

Some of the key areas for school improvement next year, will be –

• Use knowledge of children’s needs more effectively to plan high quality learning experiences, which enable children to make good progress.
• Give children more responsibility for learning, supporting each other and making good progress.
• Sharing children’s learning journey with parents and carers so that they can support their children in making good progress.
• Improve attendance and punctuality.



Of course it’s the time of the year when we not only say goodbye to Year 6, but also some members of staff. Mr Tilmouth took over my class 2 ½ years ago when I suddenly became acting headteacher. He quickly settled into his first teaching post, built good relationships with colleagues, children and parents and demonstrated himself to be a good, focussed teacher, contributing much to the school community. We will all miss him, and wish him luck in his new life in Edinburgh.

I would like to thank you all for your all your hard work and support. We look forward to making 2009-2010 even better year of learning.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Best wishes



Matt Condon
Headteacher and all the staff of St. Joseph’s.