Friday 28 June 2013

Dear Parents/Carers,

First Holy Communion

Can the governors, staff and pupils of St Joseph’s wish all the children receiving their First Holy Communion on Sunday 30th June,  a happy and holy day. The First Holy Communion Mass is at 10am.

Nick Buck – runner up for Bristol Caretaker of the Year 2013

Well done to Nick who was a runner up in this citywide competition. Nick wishes to thank all those who nominated him and for your on-going support.

Recent Blog Highlights

There are lots of pictures, from each class, of our recent whole school Art Day where all classes focused on creating self-portraits.  All children sketched their own portrait and then created a new portrait in the style of a famous artist. I have included some pictures in this newsletter.

Topic Presentations

As you all know, these are short presentations where the children tell the story of their learning in their most recent topic. In the summer we also invite parents into class for 20 minutes, following the presentation, to look at their child’s work from the whole school year. These presentations are in dates for diaries.

Non-Uniform – Message from Y6B

We realise that we are having a non-uniform day the week before, but we would like to hold another one on the 5th July. This is a part of our fundraising day for St Joseph’s Home in Cotham. St. Joseph’s Home is run by the Little Sisters of the Poor and does an amazing job caring for older people in our community. All support is very much appreciated.

St Brendan’s - The Big Arts Picnic

St Brendan’s Catholic Sixth Form College in Brislington is holding the Big Arts Picnic on Wednesday 3rdJuly 5.30-8.30pm, where there will be dance, drama, live music, musical theatre, film screenings, face painting, games, BBQ, cakes and much more.

Attendance

Well done to Miss Phillips, Mrs Ford and Mrs Joseph’s classes with 98% attendance and to Mrs Rollings and Mrs Bell’s classes with 97% attendance. All classes that get 99% or 100% attendance get a special non-uniform day.

Charity Fundraising

This has been a priority for the school this year and we all greatly appreciate your on-going support. These projects have enriched the educational experience of our children, but most importantly our community is demonstrating its care for others in need. As I said last week, all classes will be sharing stories about their charitable work in this newsletter. Here is our contribution from Year 4:

This year Y4J has been raising money for Asthma UK. Our target is £600 by the end of the year and so far we have raised £501.  This has been from a sponsored activity day where we’ve sponsored ourselves for silence, skipping, hopping, times tables, bouncing a ball and lots more.

We held a charity fundraising fair where we had a cafe, treasure hunt, games and stalls.

Now we are going to have a stall at the Summer Fair where we are going to sell books, games and DVDs plus a few surprises up our sleeves.

Help us reach our target!

By Jake and Allena.

And here is our contribution from Year 6P:

Throughout this year of fundraising we’ve managed to accomplish many amazing things which in the future will change lives hugely.

In our class we were trying to raise money for the fantastic ‘Comic Relief’ – a life changing charity that specialises in helping children and families who are poor, seriously ill or live in harsh environments.
Mrs Patton suggested that we do a tricycle marathon and we all willingly agreed, along with suggesting that people could pay to guess how many laps we would complete and that they could sponsor us if they wanted to.  We also had a secondary activity ‘Sweet Guessing’ where you could guess how many sweets were in a tub for 20p a go.  Every morning we were randomly selected to go around with a sandwich board advertising our activities.  Soon enough the day came when we had to ride our tricycles through rain and heat.  We were split into five groups to work in shifts throughout the day and by 3.30pm we had cycled over 1000 laps, where we raised over £330.00!  As well as that, we raised well over £100 in the ‘Sweets’ activity.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable activity, despite the horrible weather, and everyone was proud of what we did.
By Ben, Evie and Dean.

School Uniform
The summer holiday is a good time to stock up on school uniform, so can I remind parents and carers that it consists of a white polo shirt, navy blue sweatshirt, cardigan, fleece, grey trousers/skirts or blue/white gingham dress.  

Also, children must wear footwear (black shoes or black trainers) appropriate to the school environment and activity.

The school uniform is ordered through Initially Yours, and their email address is enquiries@initiallyyours.co.uk.  Their telephone number is 0117 9673847.

St Joseph’s Summer Fair – July 6th –12.00-3.00pm

Before we know it, the Summer Fair will be upon us. If you wish to have a stall or put an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please contact Andrea on 07711 574722. We would also welcome anyone who would like to help out on the day. If you can spare an hour or two to help on a stall, please leave your details in the office.

Medical Appointments

A reminder that if your child has a dentist’s or doctor’s appointment during school hours, could you please put a request in writing in advance for the attention of the class teacher. If we are not notified in advance any time missed will need to be recorded as unauthorised.

Year 6 leaver's Lunch

The year 6 leaver’s lunch will take place on Friday 19th July. The cost is £2.20 and the menu the children have chosen as their favourite is jerk chicken and chips or pizza and chips.  For pudding they have chosen brownies.

Sports Day

This is planned for Wednesday morning, 10th July. If Sports Day needs to be cancelled, we will inform parents on the school blog and by text. More details about Sports Day will be in next week’s newsletter.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 1st July, at 3pm, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award:  Sydney-Kay Haberfield, Issy Woodruff, Taychon Graham, Tasha Wines, Michal Oledski, Robyn Westlake, Lorenzo Hancock, Melita Teny, Ruby Dudley, Zahra Smallwood and Nathan Adamski.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards:

Dates for Diaries

Monday 1st July (9.10am)                                    Year 1 Topic Presentation
Tuesday 2nd July (9.10am)                                   Year 2 Topic Presentation
Friday 5th July (9.10am)                                        Year 3 Topic Presentation
Saturday 6th July                                                   Summer Fair
Monday 8th July                                          -           Year 4 Topic Presentation
Wednesday 10th July at 9.30am                        Sports Day
Thursday 11th July                                         -           Y3 Caerphilly Castle            
Friday 12th July                                                      Year 5 Topic Presentation
Thursday 11th July                                                 Reports to parents
Wednesday 17th July                                           Y6 Performance (evening)
Thursday 18th July -                                     -           Mass for Catholic Education at Clifton Cathedral
Thursday 18th July                                                 Y6 Performance (afternoon)    
Thursday 18th July                                                 Meeting with parents to discuss reports
Wednesday 24th July                                  -           Leavers Mass and end of term
Monday 2nd September and
Tuesday 3rd September                                       INSETs (school closed)
Wednesday 4th September                                Start of Term 1


Best wishes

 
Matt Condon
Headteacher

 

 

Friday 21 June 2013

Dear Parents/Carers,

Dates for Diaries

Please note that any changes or additions are now always in bold.

Charity Fundraising

This has been a priority for the school this year and we all greatly appreciate your on-going support. These projects have enriched the educational experience of our children, but most importantly our community is demonstrating its care for others in need. Over the coming weeks all classes will be sharing stories about their charitable work in this newsletter.

New staging provided by the PTFA

This week, new portable staging was delivered to the school. The staging comprises of 4 mobile and adjustable units as well as steps. The staging has been provided by the PTFA, at a cost of over £3000 and this new resource will make a massive difference to assemblies and performances for many years to come. The stage’s first real use will be for the Year 6 Performances in July. Please note that the timings of these performances have now slightly changed.

I would like to say a huge thanks to the PTFA for this fantastic resource which all children will enjoy. We have placed some photographs on the School Blog.

Recent Blog Highlights

Recent highlights are:

  • Amazing new staging - provided by the PTFA!
  • Chicks in Year 2
  • Year 6 talking at the New Parents Evening
  • Year 6 Leavers' Mass
S+J - Non-Uniform Day

There will be non-uniform day on Friday 28th June (not the previously advertised 21st June), for every child who brings in an item for our Summer Fair Tombola. The theme this year is the S+J from St Joseph, so please bring in an item which begins with S or J and can be used as a small prize on the tombola.

Non-Uniform – Message from Y6B

We realise that we are having a non-uniform day the week before, but we would like to hold another one on the 5th July. This is a part of our fundraising day for St Joseph’s Home in Cotham.  St. Joseph’s Home is run by the Little Sisters of the Poor and does an amazing job caring for older people in our community. All support is very much appreciated.

The Big Arts Picnic

St Brendan’s Catholic Sixth Form College in Brislington are holding the Big Arts Picnic on Wednesday 3rd July 5.30-8.30pm, where there will be dance, drama, live music, musical theatre, film screenings, face painting, games, BBQ, cakes and much more.

Charity Challenge

Ruby Dudley (Y1) is taking part in a Charity Challenge to raise money for the rebuilding of Croft End Church and Community Centre.

Her challenge is to invest £10.00 into a project and see how much money she can return. To do this she will be selling girl’s gingham hair ties for 50p each.  She would be so grateful if you could support her by buying one. Ruby will be selling these in the school playground.

St Joseph’s Summer Fair – July 6th – 12.00-3.00pm

Before we know it, the Summer Fair will be upon us. If you wish to have a stall or put an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please contact Andrea on 07711 574722. We would also welcome anyone who would like to help out on the day. If you can spare an hour or two to help on a stall, please leave your details in the office.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 24th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award: Olly Louch, Nadia Naibet, Cerys Brooks, Ollie Wiercioch-Giles, Molly McBride, Lewis Hodder, Macoej Oledzki. Joel Shelkvi, Allen Vincent and Helene Jim.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards: Libby Rice. Nile Thomas, Christian Suerte Felipe, Alana Cowell, Sophie Bristow and Izza Chaudhry

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 26th June                                         Whole school Art Day
Friday 28th June                                           -           S+J Non-Uniform Day
Friday 28th June                                            -           Y1 Class Assembly
Monday 1st July                                                    Year 1 Topic Presentation
Tuesday 2nd July                                                   Year 2 Topic Presentation
Friday 5th July                                                        Year 3 Topic Presentation
Saturday 6th July                                                   Summer Fair
Monday 8th July                                           -           Year 4 Topic Presentation
Wednesday 10th July                                           Sports Day
Friday 12th July                                                      Year 5 Topic Presentation
Thursday 11th July                                                 Reports to parents
Thursday 18th July -                                     -           Mass for Catholic Education at Clifton Cathedral
Wednesday 17th July                                          Y6 Performance (evening)
Thursday 18th July                                                Y6 Performance (afternoon)    
Thursday 18th July                                                 Meeting with parents to discuss reports
Wednesday 24th July                                  -           Leavers Mass and end of term
Monday 2nd September and
Tuesday 3rd September                                      INSETs (school closed)
Wednesday 4th September                               Start of Term 1

 
Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

 

Friday 14 June 2013

Dear Parents/Carers,

A reminder that the school is closed this Monday for a Staff Training Day (child protection focus).

Topic Presentations

As you all know, these are short presentations where the children tell the story of their learning in their most recent topic. In the summer we also invite parents into class for 20 minutes, following the presentation, to look at their child’s work from the whole school year. These presentations are in dates for diaries.

S+J - Non-Uniform Day

There will be non-uniform day on Friday 21st June, for every child who brings in an item for our Summer Fair Tombola. The theme this year is the S+J from St Joseph, so please bring in an item which begins with S or J and can be used as a small prize on the tombola.

Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride

Sunday 16th June is Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride.  There are five routes from easy to challenging to choose from.  For more information and to register FREE online go to WWW.BETTERBYBIKE.INFO/BIKERIDE.

St Joseph’s Summer Fair – July 6th – 12.00-3.00pm

Before we know it, the Summer Fair will be upon us. If you wish to have a stall or put an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please contact Andrea on 07711 574722. We would also welcome anyone who would like to help out on the day. If you can spare an hour or two to help on a stall, please leave your details in the office.

Dean Field Study Centre

Letters have gone out to year 4s and 5s for the residential trip which takes place in February of next year. If you would like your child to attend, please could you ensure you return the completed form together with £40.00 to the school office by Friday 14th June.

Staffing and Class Organisation 2012-2013

Firstly can I announce that Mrs Patton and Mrs Mantle will be retiring from teaching at the end of this academic year. Both teachers have taught at St Joseph’s for many years and their contribution to the school and children’s learning and wellbeing has been immense. They will be missed by all in the school community.

I would like to welcome a new teacher to the St. Joseph’s team - Miss Helen Perry, who will be our new teacher in Year 4.

Here is the class structure for next year:

Reception                          Miss Phillips
Year 1                         -           Mrs Rollings
Year 2                         -           Mrs Ford
Year 3                                  Miss Holman
Year 4                                  Miss Perry
Year 5                         -           Mr Conlon
Year 6                         -           Mrs Bell and Mrs Joseph
Music specialist        -           Mrs Marsh

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Wednesday  19th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award. Isabel Mathew, Vanessa Johnson, Ashley James, Nile Thomas, Alfie Haberfield, Beatrice Dumbuya, Ceris Lee, Muhammad Baig, Darrell, Janice Asemota and Aaron Johnson.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards Edwin Sebastian, Catalina Badnarescu, Allen Vincent, Harrison Hershbein, Samantha Buyoya, Melvin Mathew, Muskan Rehan, Ashley James, Benjamin Aliyath, Shaan Singh Milly Wierciooch-Giles, Oscar Johannson, Oliver Mooney, Harrison Bains-Doyle, Maya Buckler and Harry Barton.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 17th June                                        -           INSET DAY (child protection focus)
Tuesday 18th June                                        -           Leavers Mass at Clifton Cathedral at 1.30pm
Friday 21st June                                             -           S+J Non-Uniform Day
Wednesday 26th June                                         Whole school Art Day
Friday 28th June                                            -           Y1 Class Assembly
Monday 1st July                                                    Year 1 Topic Presentation
Tuesday 2nd July                                                   Year 2 Topic Presentation
Friday 5th July                                                        Year 3 Topic Presentation
Saturday 6th July                                                   Summer Fair
Monday 8th July                                           -           Year 4 Topic Presentation
Wednesday 10th July                                           Sports Day
Friday 12th July                                                      Year 5 Topic Presentation
Thursday 11th July                                                 Reports to parents
Wednesday 17th July                                           Y6 Performance (afternoon)
Thursday 18th July                                                 Y6 Performance (evening)    
Thursday 18th July                                                 Meeting with parents to discuss reports
Wednesday 24th July                                  -           Leavers Mass and end of term
Monday 2nd September and
Tuesday 3rd September                                      INSETs (school closed)
Wednesday 4th September                               Start of Term 1

Friday 7 June 2013

Dear Parents/Carers,

 
 
Book Fair

The PTFA will be having their spring book fair from this Monday. Please support them, as the money raised provides extra books for each class.

Whole School Science Day

Today the whole school have been focussing on developing their practical and investigative science skills. There will be lots of photos on the school blog. Please ask your children what they have been learning today.

 DINOTOUR – Family Cycle and Treasure Hunt - Sunday 9 June between 10am and 3pm

Using the map shown on the scorecard, the challenge is to find the dinosaur clues along the route and mark them on your score card. You can start at any of the stalls along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. How far you cycle is up to you.

Turn up on the day and collect your free scorecard at any of the 7 stalls. This event is open to the general public and is organised by Sustrans.

Stall locations: Fishponds, Morrisons, Staple Hill, Old Station, Mangotsfield, Old Railway Station, Warmley, Old Station Platform, Bitton, Station, Saltford, Avon Lane, Bath, Brassmill Lane
St Joseph’s Summer Fair – July 6th

Before we know it the Summer Fair will be upon us. If you wish to have a stall or put an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please contact Andrea on 07711 574722. We would also welcome anyone who would like to help out on the day. If you can spare an hour or two to help on a stall, please leave your details in the office.

School Dinners (Fun Week Competition)

Your child has a chance to win the Bug Crucial Scooter in Eden’s Fun Week Competition.

You will need to fill out the leaflet, sent out today, for your child to have a meal each day to be entered into the Prize Draw.

Dean Field Study Centre

Letters have gone out to year 4s and 5s for the residential trip which takes place in February of next year. If you would like your child to attend, please could you ensure you return the completed form together with £40.00 to the school office by Friday 14th June.

Community Fun Day

Community Fun Day at Duncombe Lane, Speedwell is this Saturday between 12.00-4.00pm. There will be lots of activities such as a bird of prey display, tug of war, inflatables, a circus workshop, stalls, fun dog show, food and drink and much more.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 10th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award. Emily Webb, Cole Marr, Erikan Udoh, Alvin George, Summer Allen, Meigan Westlake, Chloe Webb and Ollie Dunne.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 10th June                                       -           Book Week
Tuesday 11th June                                        -           Class photographs
Thursday 13th June                                       -           Y1 and Y2 trip to Avon Valley
Thursday 13th June                                       -           Y6 Bristol Cathedral – Moving On Day
Monday 17th June                                        -           INSET DAY (child protection focus)
Tuesday 18th June                                        -           Leavers Mass at Clifton Cathedral at 1.30pm start
Wednesday 26th June                                         Whole school Art Day
Friday 28th June                                            -           Y1 Class Assembly
Monday 1st July                                                    Year 1 Topic Presentation
Tuesday 2nd July                                                   Year 2 Topic Presentation
Friday 5th July                                                        Year 3 Topic Presentation
Saturday 6th July                                                   Summer Fair
Monday 8th July                                          -           Year 4 Topic Presentation
Wednesday 10th July                                           Sports Day
Friday 12th July                                                      Year 5 Topic Presentation
Thursday 11th July                                                 Reports to parents
Wednesday 17th July                                           Y6 Performance (afternoon)
Thursday 18th July                                                 Y6 Performance (evening)    
Thursday 18th July                                                 Meeting with parents to discuss reports
Wednesday 24th July                                  -           Leavers Mass and end of term
Monday 2nd September and
Tuesday 3rd September                                      INSETs (school closed)
Wednesday 4th September                                Start of Term 1

 
Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher