Dear
Parents/Carers,
Christmas
Celebrations
We have just had a wonderful period of Christmas
celebrations. Can I say a big thank you
to everybody in the school community for making these events so special and
remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas
Mqss Times
•
Wednesday
24th December – 6.00pm Children’s Mass
•
Wednesday
24th December – 9.00pm Carols and Readings
•
Wednesday
24th December – 9.45pm Christmas Mass
•
Wednesday
24th December – 11.35pm Syro-Malabar Mass
•
Thursday 25th December – 9.30am Christmas Mass
Children’s Christmas Mass 6pm Christmas Eve
Library Books
Recently we have bought lots of new books for
the library however many seem to have gone home without being booked out. I’m
sure they are just being borrowed are read at home, which is why they were
bought! Over the holiday, could you please check at home if you have any school
reading books, or library books that can be returned and shared with other
children too.
On Monday 5th January, children with
100% attendance will be given 2 tickets; one to take home so that parents know
they have a non-uniform day and one
to be kept in school for the draw during Wednesday’s Assembly. All parents and
carers are invited to this assembly.
Visitor Feedback
Recently
we had a ’School Improvement Advisor’ visit.
Our visitor has worked in education across England for over 30 years and
has worked as a Lead Ofsted Inspector as well as heading the education
department of a major city council. He spent a day with us and I thought I
would share some of his feedback:
‘It
was my first visit to the school and the headteacher arranged for two Y6 pupils
to give a guided tour. The pupils were extremely confident and articulate and
acted as superb ambassadors for the school. The learning environment both in
corridors and classrooms is bright, engaging and stimulating. It is clear that
teachers and leaders give a rightfully high emphasis to this aspect of the
school. The school is very well ordered and presented a purposeful, friendly
and welcoming image.’
He
recognised that standards were, ‘above national for all subjects and there has
been a trend of continuous improvement’.
And
when considering standards and achievement across the school he fedback that,
‘there is cause to consider whether the judgement should be outstanding’.
Well
done to the whole school community.
After School
Clubs – some changes for January
To
increase the opportunities for younger children, we have decided to change the
days for afterschool clubs. From next
term there will be NO indoor games and apologies to those children who enjoyed
the club. Now on a Tuesday we will have football outside either using the
school field facilities or playground. On a Wednesdays we are
introducing KS1 multi-skills, this is available to all children
in Reception, Yr1 and Yr2 and finally on a Thursday we will have gymnastics.
The finishing time will stay at 16.45.
As
football will now be an outdoor afterschool club, we recommend the children are
dressed appropriately. Clothing items to consider would be: long sleeved tops,
jogging bottoms or a warm base layer, warm suitable hats and gloves. Footwear
will also need consideration as trainers are suitable if using the playground
however children can wear football boots when using the field.
Please contact the school office to see if any places are
available. All clubs will start on the
first week of term and will take place every week unless parents are otherwise
notified in the newsletter or by text.
Places are limited and offered on a
first come-first served basis.
|
Club
|
Finish Time
|
Year Groups
|
Start date/day of club
|
|
Kodu Computing Club
|
4.30pm
|
5 and 6
|
Monday
|
|
Choir
|
4.30pm
|
3-6
|
Tuesday
|
|
Football
|
4.45pm
|
3-6
|
Tuesday
|
|
Multi-skills
|
4.45pm
|
R-2
|
Wednesday
|
|
Gymnastics
|
4.45pm
|
1-6
|
Thursday
|
Good news for St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School
Having achieved its best ever an examination result in the
summer, St. Bernadette Catholic Secondary School in Bristol is celebrating the
outcome of its recent Ofsted inspection. The inspection team visited the
Whitchurch school on 13th and 14th November and found
much to praise.
Inspectors spoke favourably about all areas of the school,
identifying good and outstanding practice. They highlighted the high
expectations which exist at all levels and which are underpinned by strong
leadership within a supportive and safe culture. The report states,
“Relationships are respectful and productive and learning is greatly valued.”
The strong sense of community and positive ethos at the school
were also praised. The inspection team said that students behave well and feel
safe at the school. They “are polite and personable in and out of lessons”,
appreciating the opportunities that are provided by the school.
Inspectors spoke positively about students’ good academic
achievement at the school. Exam results and the progress of current pupils are
strong and above national averages. Last summer 68% of pupils gained 5A*-C
passes with English and Maths. This far exceeded the national average of 53%.
The percentage of pupils achieving top A*/A grades, which also exceeds the
national average, was commented upon.
The quality of teaching at the school was highlighted in the
report. “Most teaching is good and some is outstanding. Relationships between
students and teachers are very positive and this helps to establish a purposeful
and respectful learning environment that encourages learners to participate in
lessons.” Teachers’ knowledge of students, planning and teaching skills all
received praise.
Headteacher, Mrs Basia McLaughlin, said, “I am so proud of our
whole school community. There is a real sense of belonging and a commitment to
excellence at St Bernadette’s. We are delighted that Ofsted recognised this and
the progress we have made as well as our passion, commitment and capacity to
becoming outstanding.”
Admissions
for Reception 2015
If your child is due to start school in September 2015, you will need to apply online as well as collecting an ‘Additional Information Form’ from the school office. The closing date for applications is on the 15th January 2015.
If your child is due to start school in September 2015, you will need to apply online as well as collecting an ‘Additional Information Form’ from the school office. The closing date for applications is on the 15th January 2015.
Dates for Diaries
Monday 5th
January
-
Start of Term 3
Wednesday 7th January
-
Year 5 topic presentation and attendance assembly
Monday 2nd
February -
Staff training day (school closed)
Sunday 28th June -
First Holy Communion in Church
Friday 17th
July
-
End of school year
Can I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help
and support this year. We wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and we will see
you all on Monday 5th January.
Yours sincerely,
Matt Condon,
Headteacher
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