Dear Parents and Carers,

Well done to the School Choir for an amazing performance at the Colston hall as part of the Diosecean Big Assembly.

Attendance

Well done to Miss Holman and Mrs Bell’s classes with 100% attendance last week and who will have special non-uniform days (dates will be published in a future newsletter). Also well done for Mrs Patton’s class who have 98% attendance.

Non uniform days

There will be non-uniform day on Friday 5^th October, for every child who brings in an item for our Autumn Fete Tombola.  The theme this year is, “Jubilympics” so please bring in a red, white or blue item that can be used as a small prize on the tombola.

On the day of the Fete (12^th October) there will be another non uniform day where children bring in 50p. All proceeds go to the PTFA who support the school by funding activities and buying special resources.

Dealing with Disagreements

If any parent has a significant concern which relates to children or the parents/carers of children attending the school, then the school must be informed so that appropriate action can be taken.
If parents/carers decide to take action without the school’s support (on or off the school premises) then a great deal of unnecessary upset can be caused to adults and especially children. These situations are obviously very difficult to deal with, but in extreme cases the school can take preventative action by restricting adults’ access to the school and its grounds. Obviously we hope that if we all treat each other with respect and consideration, the school does not have to take such action.

Individual Photographs

These will take place on Tuesday 2nd October starting at 8.45am for families with younger siblings.

Guidance on Labelling of Medicines – September 2012

The Medicines Act 1968 states that, 'the prescriber's directions must be followed', so staff are only legally allowed to give medicine 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.

Internet safety

Can I remind all parents that it is important that children’s use of the internet is monitored at home. In particular, children’s use of social networking sites. We will be having another e-safety week later in the school year.

After School Clubs

A reminder that payment for all after school clubs has to be paid for in advance.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 24th September, at 9.15am where the following children will receive their headteachers award:  Meigan Westlake, Dean Turner, Robyn Halliday, Jerin Mathew, Dominic Sebastian, Jake Turner, Tejal Sebastian and Muskan Rehan

Dates for Diaries

Monday 1^st October                       -                       Full Governing Body meeting

Wednesday 3^rd October                -                       Prospective parents tour

Wednesday 3^rd October                -                       Years 3 and 4 Colston Hall visit     

Friday 5^th October                           -                       Jubilympics non-uniform day

Wednesday 17^th October              -                       Year 5 visit to Bristol Council House (changed date)

Friday 12^th October                         -                       Y1 and Y2 Playspace

Friday 12^th October                                     -                       Autumn Fete and non-uniform day

Friday 19^th October                                     -                       Harvest Mass

Wednesday 24^th October              -                       End of Term 1

Monday 19^th November                -                       INSET Day (school closed)

Monday 4^th-8^th February                -                       Deanfield Studies Centre visit for Year 5/6 
Monday 10th December             -                       INSET Day (school closed)

Best wishes,

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parent Governor Vacancy

The governors are seeking applications from parent/carers for the above role.  A vacancy has arisen due to the resignation of Mrs Karon Attwood who has been a very valuable member of the governing body and will be missed.  We wish her well as she takes on further professional development.

What is the role of Governors? -What are they for?

Governors are a group of twelve people with a keen interest and commitment to support the education and spiritual development of all pupils.

Responsibilities Include:

• Development strategic plan for school.
• Determining aims, policies and priorities of the school.
• Setting targets.
• Monitoring and evaluating the work of the school.
• Appointment of staff and involvement with budget monitoring.
• Ensuring health, safety and well being of school community.

Governors are not responsible for the day to day management.  This role remains with the staff and senior management.

For further information please contact the school office with your name and contact number and a governor will be able, and willing, to answer any questions.

Thank you - Mrs Shelagh Williams (Chair of Governors)

Dinner Money

Please could you ensure that all dinner monies are paid on a Monday either to your child’s class teacher or the school office. I would grateful for your help in this matter, as we collect the money on behalf of Bristol City Council and they collect the dinner money on Tuesday morning.

Dean Field Study Centre

The next instalment of £30 is due on Monday 1^st October.  Could you please remember to bring you payment card when paying.  We still have a few places available for Year 5 and Year 6.  Please let us know if your child is interested before Friday 28^th September, as we will be giving up the spare places to another school.

School  Uniform

A reminder that school uniform is ordered through ‘Initially Yours’, and their email address is .  Their telephone number is 0117 9673847.

Autumn Fete - As you will all know, we have decided to hold an Autumn Fete on Friday, October 12th from 3.30 - 5.30pm.

We will, however, need a bit of help to support the children on the stalls and help in the book shop. If you have an hour to spare on Friday 12th can you please let us know either via the office, on our Facebook page (search for St Joseph’s school PTFA) or email at stjoesptfa@hotmail.co.uk.

Tombola

There will be non-uniform day on Friday 5^th October, for every child who brings in an item for our tombola on Friday 12^th October.  The theme this year is, “Jubilympics”.  Please bring in a red, white or blue item that can be used as a small prize on the tombola.

After School Clubs

Payment for all after school clubs has to be paid for in advance.

Term Dates - Term and holiday dates for the 2012-13 school year.

Term 1 Monday 3 September to Wednesday 24 October 2012

Term 2 Monday 5 November to Friday 21 December 2012

Term 3 Monday 7 January to Friday 8 February 2013

Term 4 Monday 18 February to Friday 22 March 2013

Term 5 Monday 8 April to Friday 24 May 2013

Term 6 Monday 3 June to Wednesday 24 July 2013

Prospective Parents Tour

We have arranged tours for prospective parents for September 2013 on Friday 28^th September at 10.00am and Wednesday 3rd October at 2.00pm.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 24th September, at 9.15am where the following children will receive their headteachers award: Samuel Toye, Olivia Jim. Kai Drysdale, Areeba Rasul, Mia Hood and David Wabissa.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards:  Ollie Louch, Marco La Porta, Ty Mitchell, Ben Underhill, Nuala Wallace, Daniel George and Melvin Mathew.

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 27^th September                -                       ‘The Big Assembly’ – Choir at the Colston Hall

Friday 28^th September                     -                       Prospective parents tour

Monday 1^st October                       -                       Full Governing Body meeting

Wednesday 3^rd October                -                       Prospective parents tour

Wednesday 17^th October             -                       Year 5 visit to Bristol Council House (changed date)

Friday 12^th October                         -                       Y1 and Y2 Playspace

Friday 12^th October                         -                       Jubilympics non uniform day

Friday 19^th October                         -                       Harvest Mass

Wednesday 24^th October              -                       End of Term 1

Monday 19^th November                -                       INSET Day (school closed)

Monday 4^th-8^th February                -                       Deanfield Studies Centre visit for Year 5 and 6

Best wishes,

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

Mac Jeffery 

As announced last week, Mac, ex-Headteacher of St Joseph’s, passed away recently:

On Friday August 31^st, Mac died at the age of 61 in Bath Royal United Hospital.  He had been living with ocular melanorma cancer for 11 years.

Mac was one of five brothers of the Jeffery family from Keynsham for whom his passing is a sad loss.  This is especially the case as it follows so soon after the death of his parents Sybil and Des.

Mac was educated at St Brendan’s College in Bristol.  He took a degree in Economics at Birmingham and went on to become a teacher.  In l981 he returned to Bristol where he became Head Teacher of Mangotsfield Primary and then St Joseph’s Primary School (where he had taught as Deputy Head Teacher before).  He was much respected by all those involved in education in the Bristol area.  Following his early retirement, Mac continued his positive involvement in education.  He joined ‘Health Creation’ and specialised in promoting the wellbeing of Teachers and Head Teachers by the establishment of supportive programmes for schools.  He also became actively involved with ’Penny Brohn Cancer Care’ and was well known for his presentations and support on behalf of that organisation.

Throughout his life Mac had a great interest in competitive sport.  He played rugby for Bromsgrove RUFC and was a member of Lansdowne Tennis Club in Bath.  He was a keen cyclist and a surfer with a love for the Cornish waves.

Mac and his wife Pam moved to Clutton from Bitton several years ago.  Mac leaves Pam, his two children Duncan ad Anna and three lovely grandchildren with whom he played for many hours. 

The funeral service will be held at Priston Mill on September 18^th at 11.00am.

Mary’s Meals 

Mary's Meals Charity is a global movement that sets up school feeding projects in some of the world's poorest communities where hunger and poverty stop children from going to school and gaining an education.

On Monday 24 September Eden Foodservice will donate 10p to Mary's Meals for every school meal served on this day. If you would like to find out more information on Mary's Meals please visit the website www.marysmeals.org.

Topic Overviews 

Attached to this newsletter is your child’s topic overview for their current topic.

After School Clubs 

Apologies that no age group was specified in last week’s newsletter.  The year groups are three to six for the school choir.

Here are the clubs starting this term:

Drama -  Monday 17^th  September - For Y3-6
Film Club and Choir - Tuesday 11th September - For Y3-6
Gymnastics and Dance – Wednesday 19th September - For Y1-6
Football  - Thursday 20th September - For Y3-6

Autumn Fete 

As we had to cancel the summer fair this year, we have decided to hold an Autumn Fete on Friday, October 12th from 3.30 - 5.30pm. The plans are still at an early stage, but the emphasis will be on children's games and stalls. It also means that instead of holding Book Fair week that week, we will open a 'Book Shop' on the Friday only as part of the fete.

We will, however, need a bit of help to support the children on the stalls and help in the book shop. If you have an hour to spare on Friday 12th can you please let us know either via the office, on our Facebook page (search for St Joseph’s school PTFA) or email at stjoesptfa@hotmail.co.uk.

Prospective Parents Tour 

There will be a tour for prospective parents for September 2013.  The dates are Friday 28^th September, at 10.00am and Wednesday 3rd October at 2.00pm.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 17^th September, at 9.15am where the following children will receive their headteachers award: Reuben Reji, Mya Sarkozi, Laura Apperley, Jeswin Mathew, Lorenzo Hancock, Izza Chaudhry and Josh Davies.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards: Sophie Bristow, Isabella Woodruff, Stephanie Williams, Helene Jim, Kai Drysdale and Abbey George

Dates for Diaries

Sunday 16^th September                  -                       Parish celebration for Father Joy

Friday 28^th September                     -                       Prospective parents tour

Monday 1^st October                       -                       Full Governing Body meeting

Wednesday 3^rd October                -                       Prospective parents tour

Wednesday 10^th October              -                       Year 5 visit to Bristol Council House

Friday 12^th October                         -                       Y1 and Y2 Playspace

Friday 19^th October                         -                       Harvest Mass

Wednesday 24^th October              -                       End of Term 1

Monday 19^th November                -                       INSET Day (school closed)

Wednesday 28^th November          -                       Y1 and Y2 Westonbirt

Monday 4^th-8^th February                -                       Deanfield Studies Centre visit for Year 5 and 6

Best wishes,

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the start of the new school year and I hope you all had a good summer break.

I would like to welcome our new Reception children who have started this week on a part-time basis. We know that they will really enjoy growing as part of our school community.

Mr Mac Jeffrey

I am very sad to announce that Mac Jeffrey, ex-Headteacher of St Joseph’s, passed away last week.  Mac was known to many of us as a teacher and to many of us as a colleague; I was lucky enough to know Mac as my teacher in 1982/83 and as my boss when I returned to St Joseph’s as a teacher years later. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mac’s family at this time.

Mac’s funeral will be held on the 18^th September at Priston Mill near Bath at 11am.

St Joe’s in the Evening Post

St Joseph’s success last year was celebrated in The Evening Post at the end on July under the heading, ‘Hard work by whole school earns reward’. You can find the article on the school blog. A great way to end a great year!

New Staff

I would like to welcome the following people into our school:

• Miss Hannah Phillips as our new Reception teacher
• Miss Kellie Holman as our new Year 3 teacher
• Miss Olivia Thomas will be our PE Specialist on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Olivia will also be running two after school clubs which will begin soon.
• Mr Nick Buck as our new caretaker

Goodbye Fr Joy

We will be having a special assembly next Friday 14^th September at 9.15am to say goodbye to Fr Joy who is leaving the parish soon. Also the parish will be saying their goodbyes on Sunday 16^th September with a 6.00pm Mass and celebrations afterwards in the school hall.

These occasions are also opportunities to welcome Father Paul, St Joseph’s new priest.

Past Pupil Success

Liam Smith has achieved brilliantly in his GCSEs, which he took one whole year early, getting good results in 11 subjects!

Naomi Petela is starting a DPhil in Bio-chemistry at Corpus Christi College in Oxford this October.

Rachel Gossan has achieved amazingly at A level and has secured a place at the Yorkshire Coast College in Scarborough where she will be starting a BA degree in Costume.

Please let us know about other St. Joseph’s ex pupil success stories – there are lots out there and we would love to publish them in the newsletter.

Missing reading books

Can I please ask that all families check if you have any school reading books at home. We are missing lots of books from the library and classes would appreciate any that are returned to school.

Curriculum

Topic overviews for new topics will be sent home next week and will be displayed in the school playground.

Book bags and PE bags

Lots of children are bringing PE kits and books into school in large backpacks. Because we have limited storage space in class, can children bring PE kits in lightweight drawstring PE bags and books in book bags. Both of these are available from the school office or can be purchased elsewhere.

School Uniform

Can I remind all parents and carers that children should be wearing plain black shoes or trainers. Children should not come into school with any extreme hair styles.  

Good attendance

Our attendance was much improved last year and we hope to continue this improvement in 2012-13.

May I remind parents that if their child is absent, they must telephone the school (where there is a 24 hour answer service) or report the absence to the school office.

Can I remind all parents and carers that if the school is not contacted by 10am on the morning of any absence it will be recorded as unauthorised. 

Morrison’s ‘Let’s Grow Gardening Vouchers

Morrison’s are again giving away vouchers for schools to exchange for gardening equipment.  The School Gardening Club depends on the items we receive from this scheme to ensure the successful running of our gardening activities.  We grow fruit, vegetables and flowers and have turned a fairly dull area of the school grounds into a colourful and welcoming part of our school as well as providing the flower displays by the main school entrance.  Please send your vouchers into school so that we can have another successful year in St Joseph’s gardening Club.  Thank you.

Choir

This year choir will take place on Tuesdays after school from 3.35-4.30, starting on 11/09/2012.  We are planning two events before half-term, both in the Colston Hall. If your child is keen to sing with the choir, please can they come the first session so that we get enough rehearsal time.  When your child comes they may bring a drink and a small snack.  They will need to be collect promptly at 4.30pm from the front entrance.

Looking forward to great music making with your children – Mrs Marsh

Autumn Fete

As we had to cancel the summer fair this year, we have decided to hold an Autumn Fete on Friday, October 12th from 3.30 - 5.30pm. The plans are still at an early stage, but the emphasis will be on children's games and stalls. It also means that instead of holding Book Fair week that week, we will open a 'Book Shop' on the Friday only as part of the fete.

We will, however, need a bit of help to support the children on the stalls and help in the book shop. If you have an hour to spare on Friday 12th can you please let us know either via the office, on our Facebook page (search for St Joseph’s school PTFA) or email at stjoesptfa@hotmail.co.uk.

Contact Details

If any of your details have changed could you please let the school know as soon as possible, in order for records to be up-dated.

Security – IMPORTANT REMINDERS

For security reasons, when children arrive late, we are unable to allow parents to escort their children to their classrooms. Children are perfectly capable of walking to classrooms by themselves.

All adults who enter the school building (even just to go into the front office), must be signed in and given an identification badge by a member of staff. Any adult without authorised identification will be politely challenged.

Prospective Parents Tour

There will be a tour for prospective parents for September 2013.  The dates are Friday 28^th September, at 10.00am and Wednesday 3rd October at 2.00pm.

Lost Property

We have lots of unclaimed lost property in the blue box in the entrance foyer. Can I ask parents, carers and children to check the box, if they have lost anything, as all contents will be recycled at the end of next week.

Extended School Club

This has started this week and is proving a great success.

The club is now open for all pupils, both before and after school.  The Club will start at 8.00am to the start of Registration, and then from 3.30pm to 5.00pm.  The costs are £2.00 for a morning session and £2.50 for the afternoon session.  For further details, please contact the School Business Manager via the school office or email debrah.davies@bristol.gov.uk.

Team Points

St Matthew Team were the winner of Term 6. They will have a special non uniform day on Friday 14^th September.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 10^th September, at 9.15am where the following children will receive their headteachers award:

Alvin George, Maddy Khan-Slade, Mackenzie Sawers, Charley Russell and Ruby Dudley.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards:

Conor Crudge, Joel ShelviRuby Dudley, David Wabissa, Vivian Johnson,  Aaron Johnson and Jaimie Vadhyanath.

Dates for diaries

Monday 10^th September                -                       Y3 Swimming

Friday 14^th September                     -                       Goodbye Father Joy assembly

Friday 14^th September                     -                       St Matthew Team non uniform day

Sunday 16^th September                  -                       Parish celebration for Father Joy

Friday 28^th September                     -                       Prospective parents tour

Monday 1^st October                       -                       Full Governing Body meeting

Wednesday 3^rd October                -                       Prospective parents tour

Wednesday 10^th October              -                       Year 5 visit to Bristol Council House

Friday 19^th October                         -                       Harvest Mass

Wednesday 24^th October              -                       End of Term 1

Monday 19^th November                -                       INSET Day (school closed)

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please talk to the class teacher or a member of staff in the front office.

We hope all our children have a great year of learning ahead of them!

Best wishes,

Matt Condon

Headteacher