Friday 10th September

Dear Parents and Carers,

The Big Assembly – The visit of Pope Benedict XVI
On Friday 17th September – the day after the Holy Father arrives in Scotland – he will take part in an Education event – ‘The Big Assembly’ - at St Mary’s University College in Twickenham. We will join this special event by webcast, as part of a special assembly starting at 9.45am. You are all welcome to join us.

Information About Learning
A priority still remains sharing quality information about your child’s learning. This year topic plans and weekly overviews will again be displayed in each class’s window (or an alternative location if more appropriate): the topic webs at the start of each new topic and the weekly overviews at the start of each week. These are ‘plans’ and the learning may change as the week progresses – so don’t panic if all areas of learning are not covered in a specific week. The hope is that this information will enable parents to talk to their children about their learning at home. Yearly overviews and topic webs will also be available on the website, under the curriculum link.

Reception 2011
The Admissions booklet and ‘Faith Form’ for reception 2010 will be available from the office next Friday. The closing date for applications has changed from October to January 15th 2011. It is very important that if you apply on-line that you wait for online confirmation of your application. (You also need to fill out a Faith Form for St Joseph’s which is available from the office).2011 New Parents TourThe dates for the new parents tour for children starting in September 2010 is Friday 1st October at 10.00am, or Monday 4th October at 2.00pm. Please contact the school office if you have a child stating school next year, and you would like to have a look around.

Donation of Good Quality Books
We are currently organising our new school library. If any families have any high quality children’s book, which are no longer needed, we would be happy to accept any donations to improve the choice of books available to our children.

Parent Governor
A vacancy for a parent governor has arisen due to end of 4 year term of office for the present post holder, Helen Stepaniuk, who has carried out her role with commitment and dedication.

An informal meeting with some experienced governors will take place at 3.00pm Thursday September 16th in the school library for any parent/carer who would like to express an interest in this role.

Anyone unable to attend at this time is invited to contact the school office for an alternative arrangement.Pupil/Parent ConcernsIf you have any concerns regarding your child/children’s welfare at school, or their learning please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with their class teacher. As Headteacher, I am always available to discuss concerns if they of a very serious nature, or if you feel your concerns have not been addressed by the class teacher. Please contact Mrs. Slade if you would like to make an appointment to see me.

After School Clubs
Film Club begins on Tuesday 21st September (current members do not need to reapply. See Mrs Martin if you want to join)
Choir begins on Wednesday 15th September (3.45-4.45pm)
Cookery being next Thursday (3.45-4.45pm)
Fencing begins next Thursday (3.45-4.45pm)
Gardening Club is every Tuesday lunchtime

We will soon be offering the following after school activities to children – Multi Sports, and African DrummingALSO, 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.


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.

School Uniform
There is in place a school uniform comprising white polo shirt, navy blue sweatshirt, cardigan, fleece, grey trousers/skirts, (tailored shorts in warmer weather) or blue/white gingham dress. We do not stock school uniform anymore, it has to be ordered on line and the website is:

www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/StJosephsRCPrimaryBS163QR. The order will normally take about two weeks to deliver.

Children must wear clothing and footwear (black shoes or black trainers) appropriate to the school environment and activity whilst avoiding extremes of fashion.

School staff and governors retain the right to request children not to attend school in clothing or footwear deemed to be unsuitable, inappropriate or likely to compromise health and safety.

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 reasons, wear studs - plain silver or gold, 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.

Dogs in Playground
Can I remind you all that for Health and Safety reasons dogs are not allowed in the school playground.

Dates for Diaries
Tuesday 14th September - Year 6 Mass in Church
Friday 17th September - The Big Assembly (Papal visit)
Tuesday 21st September - Y5P and Y3M Mass in Church
Friday 1st October (pm) - New parents visit
Monday 4th October (am) - New parents visit
Monday 4th October - Start of Work to School Month
Thursday 14th October - Parents evening
Tuesday 19th October - Parents evening
Friday 22nd October - End of Term 1
Monday 1st November - Staff training day (school closed)
Tuesday 2nd November - Start of Term 2
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th December - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher