Dear Parents/Carers,

Past Pupil Success

Well done to Becky Dudley who achieved outstanding results in her GCSE’s.  9A*, 2A’s and a Distinction in Music. 

Also a big congratulations to Hazel Apperley who achieved  A in Higher Maths, A in  French and  A in Spanish A Levels!

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.

Mr Condon’s Charity Bike Ride for Ataxia UK

A big thank to those of you who have donated to Ataxia UK. We are still gratefully receiving donations through the school office or through the Just Giving website:

www.justgiving.com/matthew-condon1

School Attendance – New Law

As you all now know, headteachers may no longer grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. THIS MEANS THAT WE CAN NO LONGER AUTHORISE ANY ABSENCES FOR HOLIDAYS. Absences can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

If you wish to make such a request for absence, a form must be obtained from the school office and must be submitted at least ten days before the commencement of the requested period. Only written requests will be considered. Each case will be considered by the School Attendance Team, and if agreed, written confirmation will be given to the parent or carer within 1 week.

IMPORTANT – Reporting Absence

Can I remind parents that if their child is absent, they must telephone the school so we can ensure all children are in school or safely at home. If we have not received contact regarding an absence by 9.30am, we have no alternative but to record the pupil’s absence as unauthorised, which could result in further action being taken.

100% Attendance Rewards

A reminder that at the end of each term, every child who has 100% attendance will be entered into a draw.  There will be one prize of a £10.00 Mall shopping voucher for the lucky winner.  The first draw will take place during Assembly on Friday 25^th October, 2013.

Prospective Parents Tour

There will be tours for prospective parents for September 2014. The dates are Thursday 26th September at 2pm and Tuesday 1st October at 10am.

After School Clubs

A reminder that all after school clubs have to be paid for in advance. An Art Club will be starting soon running after school on Thursdays. Mandarin Club will also now begin at the later date of Friday 4^th October and will end at the earlier than previously published time of 4.15pm.

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.

Morrisons Let’s Grow Vouchers

Once again, Morrisons are giving ‘Let’s Grow’ vouchers.  St Joseph’s Gardening  Club are dependent on these vouchers to provide equipment, seeds and compost.  Please send your vouchers into school with your child.  There is a collection box by the school office.  Thank you for your continuing support of this scheme.

Celebration of Achievements

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 16^th September, at 9.10am, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:   Melanie Lyon, Luke Briones, Taychon Graham and Paige Halliday.

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 26th September, at 2pm             -           Tour for prospective parents

Friday 27th September                               -           INSET – school closed

Tuesday 1st October at 10am                    -           Tour for prospective parents

Friday 4^th October                                       -           Start of Mandarin Club (ending at 4.15pm)

Wednesday 9^th October                            -           Parents evening

Monday 14^th October                                -           Parents evening

Friday 25^th October                                     -           End of term and 100& attendance presentation

Best wishes

Matt Condon

Headteacher