St. Joseph's Newsletters

2012-01-27T16:00:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carer,

Admissions Policy

The Admissions Policy for September 2013-2014 is available in the school office for any parent/carer to see and to make any comment.

Parent Governor

A vacancy has arisen for a parent governor. If you would like to express an interest or find out more about the role, please contact the school office.

After School Club – Netball

There are still places available for netball on Tuesday after school for years 3/4/5 and 6. Miss Hollman,who runs the club, would like to form a netball team to play against other primary schools.

Deanfield Study Centre

There is still outstanding money owed for the Deanfield trip. Could you please send it in by Monday 30th January. Cheques to be made payable to Bristol City Council

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Rollings’ class with 97% and Mrs Mantle’s and Mr Conlon’s class with 98% attendance.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 30th January at 9.15am, where the following children will receive a headteacher’s award:
Jordan Toy, Vincent Allen, Rachel Butcher, Olly Kelliher-Swash, Jake Turner, Anique Sergeant and Ruby Webber.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards:
Harry Barton, Ruan Lee, Dominic Sebastian

Dates for Diaries

Monday 6th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Friday 10th February - PTFA Cake Sale
Friday 10th February - End of Term 3
Monday 20th February - INSET

Tuesday 21st February - Term 4
Friday 24th February - Y6 Life Skills visit
Wednesday 29th February - Y4J Bristol Cathederal
Thursday 8th March - Parents Evening
Tuesday 13th March - Parents Evening

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2012-01-20T17:30:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carer,

Clothes for a Cause

‘Clothes for a Cause’ is running again this year. The collection day is on Friday 27th January, before school starts. Bring clothing, paired shoes, handbags and belts. This year they are also collecting books.

Children’s Liturgy

The children’s Liturgy Mass is now on a Sunday morning for families attending the 10.00am Mass. If anyone is interested in helping out on a rota basis, please contact Michelle Nurse on 07944719042.

School Transport Support Group – St Bernadette’s and St Bede’s

There will be a meeting after the 10.00am mass on Sunday 22nd January in the parish hall. Coffee will be provided.

Team Points

The winner of Term 2’s Team Points competition was St Mark’s Team. They will have a special non uniform day on Friday 27th January.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Patton’s and Mr Conlon’s class with 97%, and Mrs Ford’s class with 96%. So far this is our best year of attendance ever at 96% overall! Also a massive well done to the 71 children who have attended 100% so far this year!

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 23rd January, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive a headteacher’s award: Aisling Brown, Adedire Odumboni, Eddie Brain, Kwame Hartley and Emily Webb.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards:
Mia Hood, Stan Doling, Mathews Manue, Dominic Sebastian, Michal Oledzki, Martyna Oszwaldowska, Charlie Russell and Stan Doling.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 27th January - St. Mark’s non uniform day
Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Thursday 10th February - End of Term 3
Monday 20th February - INSET
Tuesday 21st February - Term 4
Friday 24th February - Y6 Life Skills visit

Best wishes
Matt Condon, Headteacher

2012-01-13T16:41:00.000Z

Dear Parent/Carer,

Happy New Year!

School Dinners and Allergies

As in every school, we have many children who have allergies. For some children nuts can be very dangerous, so can we ask that no child bring nuts into school as part of a packed lunch.

Ziz-Zag Lines

Parking on these Zig Zag lines puts lives at risks. It may save a couple of minutes of time, but it endangers children. Please don’t do it!

PTFA AGM

The PTFA will be holding their AGM in school on Tuesday 17th January at 3.30pm - child care will be provided. We will be re-allocating the roles of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, as some key members of the PTFA will be standing down next year. If you are interested in joining the committee, or just helping out, please come along, it would be great to see you.

Lost Property

Our lost property box which is situated in the porch at the front entrance is beginning to overflow. It is full of jumpers, coats, fleeces etc. If you are missing any of these items please come and check the box, as it will be emptied by the end of next week. All items will be sent to a charity shop or recycled.

Pupil Premium - Free School Meals

The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.

For every child registered at St Joseph’s, the school gets £488 per year.

With this money we could organise more individual tuition, increase learning support and improve learning opportunities in lots of other ways. If you are registered for Free School Meals you could also get support for school trips and have help with after school clubs.

Please ask at the school office if you think you might be eligible as soon as possible.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 16th January, at 9.15am where the following children will receive a headteachers award:
Harry Mooney, Talia Scott, Jennifer Eubebeagu, Stephanie Williams, Hannah Long, Benjamin Aliyath Izzy Woodruff and Jessica Vadhyanath.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards: Ruby Webber, Charlotte Kelly, Harry Barton, Sylvia Buyoya, Joel Vadhyanath, Mathews Manuel, Amber Walton, Chinnu James, Josmi Saji, Issy Woodruff, Muhammad Baig, Daniel George, Aisling Brown, Thomas Jaworski, Rahim Rehan, and Lara Brown

Dates for Diaries

Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Thursday 10th February - End of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-12-16T11:50:00.001Z

16th December, 2011

Dear Parents/Carers,

Good news!

The Government published results for all schools in the country yesterday. We are very pleased with how our children are doing in all parts of the school. It was especially pleasing to see that for progress we are rated as being in the top 21% in the country for Maths and English and in the top 15% for progress in English (Reading and Writing)!

Can I say a massive thank you for the hard work from parents, school governors, all staff and of course to the children for doing so brilliantly.

Deanfield Study Centre

The next instalment of £20.00 for Deanfield is now due and the remainder (£30.00) is due in the middle of January.

Dinner Money, Music Tuition, After School Clubs

May I remind you that dinner money must be paid in on a Monday in a named envelope and given to your child’s class teacher. This also applies to music tuition, after school clubs and trips etc.

Christmas Mass Times

Here are the times for masses over Christmas period:

Saturday 24th December – Family Mass 6.00pm
Saturday 24th December – 9.30pm Carols
Sunday 25th December – 9.30am

Children’s Christmas Mass - 6.00 pm on Christmas Eve

This will include the usual dramatized Gospel and children reading. If your children would like to take part then there will be a practice on Tuesday 20th Dec at 10 am in the Church. Please contact Cathy Williamson if you would like to take part and for further information. There will also be an offering of gifts for the homeless at this Mass where the children are invited to bring up small gifts such as tins of food, gloves, socks etc at the Offertory procession to be distributed later to the homeless.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

It is hoped to start up a Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 10 am Mass on a Sunday Morning. This is where the children are taken out of the church for a short time to share the liturgy of the word at a level they are better able to understand. In order to do this, we need a few more volunteers to help support it on a rota basis. If you think you might be able to help then please see Michelle Nurse after Mass on a Sunday morning or contact Cathy Williamson on 9401782. Full training will be given!

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Bell and Mr Conlon’s class with 97%, and Mrs Ford and Mrs Joseph with 96% attendance.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 3rd January - INSET (School closed)
Wednesday 4th January - Start of Term 4
Friday 6th January at 9.30am - Feast of Epiphany Mass in Church
Monday 20th February - INSET (School closed)

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 Wednesday 4th January.

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-12-09T13:30:00.001Z

Dear Parents/Carers,

New Office Organisation

Some of you may have noticed that we have changed the organisation of our offices this week. All of the Admin Team now work in the offices on the right hand side of the main entrance door. Please go to the right hand hatch now for all enquires. The Headteacher’s office is now on the left hand side. I apologise for any confusion this change might cause. We will not be changing again!

Pupil Premium - Free School Meals

The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.

For every child registered at St Joseph’s, the school gets £488 this year.

With this money we could organise more individual tuition, increase Teaching Assistant support and improve learning opportunities in lots of other ways. If you are registered for Free School Meals you could also get support for school trips and have help with after school clubs.

Please register before Christmas to make sure your child and others in their class don’t miss out.
INSET Days

The next 2 INSET days (where the school is closed to children) will be on Tuesday 3rd January and Monday 20th February. We will let you know the date of our final INSET day as soon as we can.

Deanfield Study Centre

The next instalment of £20.00 for Deanfield is now due, and the remainder which is £30.00 is due in the middle of January.

School Crossing Patrol

Mrs Pauline Sheere, our school crossing patrol officer, is still unwell. A pelican crossing is available at the junction with Lodge Causeway.

Nativity Play

Foundation and KS1 will be performing their Nativity Play on Monday 12th December, at 2.30pm and Tuesday 13th December, at 9.30am.

Community Carols Around the Tree

You are all invited to our ‘Community Carols Around the Tree’ on Tuesday 13th December, 3.40-4.40pm. This event will be followed by mince pies and it was a great Christmas celebration last year.

We will also be selling our Singing Together CD after Tuesday’s performance and after the carol service on Thursday. The price of the CD is £6.00 and there are only 35 left - so hurry so as not to be disappointed!

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Bell’s class with 100% again!!!, Mrs Joseph’s with 98%, and Mr Sherwin’s and Mr Conlon’s class with 97% attendance. A big thank you to all for helping us improve overall attendance this year.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a Celebration Assembly next Monday 12th December, where the following children will receive their Headteachers award: Joseph Nurse, Stan Smith, Stan Doling, Amy Harris, Alfie Harris, Helene Jim, Ty Mitchell and Jakub Wawrowski

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards:
Rahim Rehan, Liam Rice, Anique Sergeant and Lara Brown.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 12th December - Foundation and KS1 Nativity Play 2.30pm
Tuesday 13th December - Foundation and KS1 Nativity Play 9.30am
Tuesday 13th December - Infant Party in school
Tuesday 13th December - Carols around the tree after school
Thursday 15th December - Carol Service at 2pm in Church
Friday 16th December - End of Term Mass in School Hall at 9.30am
Friday 16th December - End of term 2
Tuesday 3rd January - INSET (School closed)
Wednesday 4th December - Start of Term 4
Monday 20th February - INSET (School closed)

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-12-01T19:15:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

School Security

Unfortunately we still have parents trying to access the school from entrances other that the main school entrance. Can I please remind you that PARENTS MUST ONLY ENTER THE SCHOOL THROUGH THE MAIN ENTRANCE! Children or staff must not open any outside doors for anyone. Children must also exit the school via allocated doors – not the main school entrance.

These rules are in place so we can avoid unauthorised adults entering the school who may put children at risk. Please help the school and all our children by respecting these rules.

Pupil Premium - Free School Meals

The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.

For every child registered at St Joseph’s, the school gets £488 this year.

With this money we could organise more individual tuition, increase Teaching Assistant support and improve learning opportunities in lots of other ways. If you are registered for Free School Meals you could also get support for school trips and have help with after school clubs.

Please register before Christmas to make sure your child and others in their class don’t miss out.
Please see the attached letter for more details.

School Crossing Patrol

Mrs Pauline Sheere, our school crossing patrol officer, is still unwell. A pelican crossing is available at the junction with Lodge Causeway.

Nativity Play

Foundation and KS1 will be performing their Nativity Play on Monday 12th December, at 1.45pm and Tuesday 13th December, at 9.30am.

Community Carols Around the Tree

You are all invited to our ‘Community Carols Around the Tree’ on Tuesday 13th December 3.40-4.40pm. This event will followed by mince pies and was a great Christmas celebration last year.

Choir Performing at Cabot Circus

The choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Wednesday 7th December for Ronald Macdonald House. This is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation for critically ill children.

Attendance

Well done to Mr Sherwin and Mrs Joseph’s class with 98%, Mr Conlon’s class with 97% and Mrs Bell’s with 96% attendance.

Celebration Assembly

There will no Celebration Assembly next week. There will be a Celebration Assembly the following week.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 6th December - Y5/6 trip to St Fagan’s
Wednesday 7th December - Choir to Cabot Circus
Thursday 8th December - Christmas Lunch
Thursday 8th December - Y2F visit to Fishponds Library
Friday 9th December - PTFA Christmas Party
Monday 12th December - Foundation and KS1 Nativity Play 1.45pm
Tuesday 13th December - Foundation and KS1 Nativity Play 9.30am
Tuesday 13th December - Infant Party
Tuesday 13th December - Carols around the tree
Thursday 15th December - Carol Service at 2pm in Church
Friday 16th December - End of Term Mass in School Hall
Friday 16th December - End of term 2
Tuesday 3rd January - INSET (School closed)
Wednesday 4th December - Start of Term 4

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

School closed due to industrial action

2011-11-30T07:58:00.001Z

2011-11-25T11:32:00.001Z

Due to technical reasons our main telephone line in not working. If you need to contact the school please phone us on 0117 3772163. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

2011-11-25T11:29:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

PTFA Christmas party

There are about 35 tickets left for the Christmas party on the 9th December, 3.30-5pm. If you would like to go, please get your form in ASAP. There are spare forms in the school porch if you need one. Thanks to those parents who have offered to help, we'll be in touch next week.

If your child is not going, but would like to wear non-uniform, can your child bring a donation of 50p for the PTFA. This will be our last whole school non uniform day for a good while!

Beginning of Advent

We will be celebrating the beginning of Advent with Father Joy in Mass on Friday 2nd December. The Mass will begin at 9.30am in Church.

New Appointment

We are happy to announce that Debrah Davis was appointed as School Business Manager this week. Debrah has worked in education for many years including five years as the School Business Manager at Bromley Heath Junior School. Mrs Lorraine Chicken will support Debrah in her new role until Christmas. We welcome Debrah to the St. Joseph’s family.

Nativity Play

Foundation and KS1 will be performing their Nativity Play on Monday 12th December, at 2.30pm and Tuesday 13th December, at 9.30am.

SATS 2012

SATS Week next year for Year 6 is week beginning the 14th of May.

Community Carols Around the Tree

On Tuesday 13th December 3.40-4.40pm is our ‘Community Carols Around the Tree’ followed by mince pies. This was a great Christmas celebration last year and everybody is welcome.

Choir Performing at Cabot Circus

The choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Wednesday 7th December for Ronald Macdonald House. This is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation for critically ill children.

Rock Band Performance

Mrs Bell’s class will be giving a Rock Band performance on Friday 2nd December, at 3.00pm. All parents are welcome.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Rollings and Mrs Patton’s class with 98%, Mrs Ford’s with 97% and Mrs Mantle’s with 96% attendance.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 28th November at 9.15am where the following children will receive their Headteachers Award: Alana Cowell, Laura Smith, Eve Boniface, Maici Quirke, Wiktoria Surel, Stella Harvey.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards: Salvatore La Porta, Jennifer Eubebeagu, Maciej Oledzki and Emily Webb.

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 30th November - Expected closure due to industrial action
Friday 2nd December - Advent Mass in Church – 9.30am
Friday 2nd December - Rock Band Y6B performance
Tuesday 6th December - Y5/6 trip to St Fagan’s
Wednesday 7th December - Choir to Cabot Circus
Thursday 8th December - Christmas Lunch
Friday 9th December - PTFA Christmas Party
Monday 12th December - Foundation and KS1 Nativity Play 2.30pm
Tuesday 13th December - Foundation and KS1 Nativity Play 9.30am
Tuesday 13th December - Infant Party
Tuesday 13th December - Carols around the tree
Thursday 15th December - Carol Service
Friday 16th December - End of term 2
Tuesday 3rd January 2012 - INSET (School closed)
Wednesday 4th January 2012 - Start of Term 4

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-11-25T10:20:00.001Z

Due to technical reasons our main telephone line in not working. If you need to contact the school please phone us on 0117 3772163. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

2011-11-25T10:19:00.001Z

Due to technical reasons our main telephone line in not working. If you need to contact the school please phone us on 0117 3772163. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

2011-11-24T17:40:00.000Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

You may be aware that a number of public sector trades unions have balloted for industrial action in connection with the government’s proposals to introduce fundamental changes to the relevant pension schemes. Members of the unions involved are being called upon to take strike action on Wednesday 30 November 2011.

This is proposed as a national day of action and the dispute is not with the school or local authority. The majority of teaching staff and a significant number of support staff in schools are members of unions proposing strike action.

In consultation with the Chair of Governors, I have made the decision that due to the number of staff taking industrial action on 30th November; regrettably it will not be possible to open the school to the children on that day.

If the planned action is called off, this situation will obviously change. We will keep you updated with any developments in the situation and inform you immediately, if it is possible to open the school on that day.

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-11-18T14:16:00.003Z

18th November, 2011.

Dear Parent/Carers,

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT INDUSTRIAL ACTION WILL AFFECT THE SCHOOL ON THE 30th NOVEMBER. WE WILL UPDATE YOU AS SOON AS WE HAVE ANY INFORMATION.

St Joseph’s CD

‘Sing Together’ - At last our school singing CD has been completed! The winners of the cover design were announced; the CDs have been manufactured and finally put together. I am sure that you can’t wait to hear it! They will make perfect Christmas presents for the family.

CDs cost £6.00 (which works out at 60p per track, comparable to iTunes). There are only 100 cds so do buy quickly to avoid disappointment.

They will be on sale in the playground before school starts from Tuesday 22nd November to Friday 25th November from members of the choir, or you can enclose a cheque made payable to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

Lost Property

A reminder that this is now situated in a large blue box in the main school entrance.

Mrs Wendy Petela

Mrs. Petela (also known to many as Akela), is formally being received into the Catholic Church at St Joseph's Church on Sunday 20th November during the 10.00am Mass. Mrs. Petela is also being confirmed. Everybody is welcome to attend the Mass which will be followed by refreshments in the parish hall.

Teacher Assessment Time

We are really pleased that Miss Wright has returned to school recently teaching different classes. This is because each teacher has been spending a day working with small groups of children assessing their skills, knowledge and understanding. This has been a really valuable use of time and will help teachers plan for children even more effectively.

Community Carols Around the Tree

On Tuesday 13th December from 3.40-4.40pm, there will be Community Carols Around the Tree followed by mince pies. This was a great Christmas celebration last year and everybody is welcome.

Choir Performing at Cabot Circus

The choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Thursday 9th December for Ronald Macdonald House. This is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation for critically ill children.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Bell’s class for 100% attendance last week! They will get a special non-uniform day. Mr Sherwin’s class also had great attendance with 99%. Mrs Rollings, Mrs Mantle, Mrs Patton and Mr Conlon’s classes did really well with 97% attendance.

Attendance so far this year has improved significantly on the same period last year. A big thank you all for your support – every day in school counts!

Medical Appointments

Please can we ask parents to avoid booking any medical or dental appointments in school time. If these appointments are unavoidable then please inform the school in writing in advance.

Morrisons Vouchers

If you or family and friends have any Morrisons Lets Grow Vouchers that you are able to donate to the school, please could you send them in by Friday 25th November at the latest.

St Joseph’s Parish Christmas Fair

The Parish Fair is taking place on Saturday 26th November and begins at 2.00pm. Please support the Parish by coming along and having some Christmas fun. If you have not returned your raffle tickets could you please do so before the end of next week. The school will be running a sweet stall as part of the Fair. To support this we are planning a non uniform day for Friday 26th November with children donating a packet or box of sweets.

PE Kit: Footwear

Increasingly we have lots of children coming into school without the correct footwear for PE. All children should have PE daps or trainers specifically for PE. We will be writing to parents individually if children do not have the correct kit in school.

Christmas Lunch

Our school Christmas lunch will be on Thursday 8th December. The kitchen will need to know how many to cater for and whether any children want the vegetarians option. Could you please let the office know by Monday 21st November if you would like to order a Christmas lunch for your child.

Christmas Party

On Friday 9th December, the PTFA will be holding a Children's Christmas Party from 3.30-5pm. There will be a disco, games and refreshments. Numbers are strictly limited, so keep your eye out for the leaflet that will be going out in book bags next week.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 14th November at 9.15am where the following children will receive their Headteachers Award: Alexander Ailyath, Bartosz Spocinski, Wiktoria Pawlaszczyk, Joel Vadhyanath, Muskan Rehan, Nuala Wallace, Charlotte Kelly and Emmanuel Benny.

These children will receive Superstars Sports Awards: Nadia Naibet, Emily Cunningham, Jeleil Manmohan, Rochelle Christian, Catalina Bodnarescu and Mya Sarkozi.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 6th December - Y5/6 trip to St Fagan’s
Wednesday 7th December - Choir to Cabot Circus
Thursday 8th December - Christmas Lunch
Friday 9th December - Christmas Party
Monday 12th December - YR Nativity Play – 2.30pm
Tuesday 13th December - YR Nativity Play – 9.30am
Tuesday 13th December - Infant Party
Tuesday 13th December - Carols around the tree
Thursday 15th December - Carol Service
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-11-18T08:43:00.000Z

2011-11-11T14:32:00.000Z

11th November, 2011.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Children In Need

Mrs Patton’s class assembly will be on Friday 18th November. The theme will be ‘spots’ and it will also be a non-uniform day. Wear spots on Friday and bring in a £1 donation.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Rollings’ and Mrs Ford’s classes with 99% attendance last week. Also congratulation to Mr Conlon’s class with 98% and Mrs Joseph’s class with 97% attendance.

Team Points

St Matthew’s Team won last term’s Team Points competition. This means St Matthew will have a non-uniform day on Wednesday 16th November.

St Joseph’s Parish Christmas Fair

The Parish Fair is taking place on Saturday 26th November and begins at 2.00pm. Please support the Parish by coming along and having some Christmas fun.

Christmas Party

On Friday, 9th December, the PTFA will be holding a children's Christmas party from 3.30-5pm. There will be a disco, games and refreshments. Numbers are strictly limited, so keep your eye out for the leaflet that will be going out in book bags next week.

Past Pupil Success

Well done to Jamie Prideaux, a past pupil, who has just become the youngest Dragon Tang Soo Do Master in the world (aged 22). after being invited to grade by the Grand Master of the Korean Martial Art, which was a great honour. He is now a fifth Dan Master and runs his own club with his fiancé Kristie at Kingswood Foundation on Monday Evenings.

St Bernadette’s Catholic Secondary School

If your child is transferring to St Bernadette’s school next year or in the future, there will be a meeting on Thursday 17th November at 9.00am to discuss transport problems with other parents.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 14th November at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteachers Award –
Joseph Nurse, Sydney-Kay Haberfield, Rebecca Davies, Jade Johnson, Emily Nurse, Kameron Bains-Doyle and Kamal Smallwood.

These children will receive our new Superstars Sports Awards:
Helene Jim, Milly Wiercioch-Giles, Talia Scott and Vanessa Wabissa

Dates for Diaries

Friday 18th November - Y5P assembly for Children in Need
Tuesday 6th December - Choir to Cabot Circus
Tuesday 6th December - Y5/6 St Fagan’s
Thursday 8th December - Christmas Lunch
Monday 12th December - YR Nativity Play – 2.30pm
Tuesday 13th December - YR Nativity Play – 9.30am
Tuesday 13th December - Infant Party
Tuesday 13th December - Carols around the tree
Wednesday 14th December - Carol Service
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-11-09T14:40:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carer,

‘Be Bright High Visibility Day’

To mark the clocks going back and the evenings getting darker, pupils are encouraged to dress up in their brightest clothing for a special BIKE IT dress up day tomorrow. There will be prizes for the best dressed pupils and best blinged bikes! Pupils need to be in the playground by 8.50am to parade. Walkers and cyclists can dress up in bright clothing.

Bikes should decorated or blinged to make them look at wacky and bright as possible. You can use cardboard, paper, tinsel, glitter, material, fake fur, lights, or yoghurt pots.

Your bike must be decorated at home
Make sure there is nothing interfering with your chain, wheels or other moving parts
Your bike must still be safe to ride

Also don’t forget the Bike Gear Sale which takes place at 3.00pm onwards in the playground.

Friday will also be a non-uniform day for the whole school to raise money for the ‘Jessie May Trust’ which is a charity which helps sick children. This has been organised by Ollie, Olly, Joel and Micah who are all in Y5. Bring in a donation of £1 to wear your own clothes.

Next Friday will also be a non-uniform day with a ‘spots’ theme in support of Children in Need. Wear spots on that day and bring in a £1 donation.

Many thanks for supporting these important causes,

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon,
Headteacher.

2011-11-04T14:34:00.004Z

Dear Parent/Carer,

Non-Uniform Day

On Friday 11th November there will be a non-uniform day for the whole school to raise money for the ‘Jessie May Trust’ which is a charity which helps sick children. This has been organised by Ollie, Olly, Joel and Micah who are all in Y5. Bring in a donation of £1 to wear your own clothes.

Class Assembly

Mrs Bell’s class assembly will be next Friday - 11th November at 9.15am, the theme is Remembrance. All parents and carers are welcome.

Children in Need

Mrs Patton’s class assembly will be on Friday 18th November, the theme will be ‘spots’ and it will also be a non-uniform day. Wear spots on that day and bring in a £1 donation.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Patton and Mr Conlon’s class with 97% and Mrs Joseph’s with 96% attendance.
Sustrans Bike It Event

We now have a new Bike It Officer for St Joseph’s whose name is Ian. Ian will be working with the school and encouraging sustainable school travel. Next Thursday 10th November there will be a Bike Gear Sale from 3.00pm. Sustrans is a charity and can offer bike gear at non-profit prices, so come along and buy High Viz Vests, Gloves and Hats, Bike Lights, Locks plus lots of other goodies, so please come along.

Up-Dated E.Mail Addresses

If your email address has changed could you please let the office know. Also if your address or telephone or mobile number has changed, could you please let the office know in case of emergencies.

St Bernadette’s Secondary School

If you have applied for your child to attend St Bernadette’s Secondary School in September 2012, and might find difficulty in paying for transport, please phone Mrs Harvey on 9653914. Mrs Harvey is also a parent of a child in Year 6 who is going to St Bernadette.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 7th November at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteachers Award –
Isabel Mathew, Cole Edwards, Laura Apperley, Jerrin Thomas, Libby Rice, Owen Webb, Ashley James, Oliver Dunne, Eoan Tuohy and Eve Boniface

These children will receive our new Superstars Sports Awards:
Ollie Louch, Eoan Tuohy, Vivian Johnson, Charlotte Petrie, Ruby Walsh and Jordan Toy

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 6th December - Choir to Cabot Circus
Tuesday 6th December - Y5/6 St Fagan’s
Thursday 8th December - Christmas Lunch
Thursday 10th November - Bike Gear Sale
Friday 11th November - Non uniform day for Jessie May Trust
Friday 11th November - Y6B Class Assembly
Friday 18th November - Y5P assembly for Children in Needs
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes and I hope you all have a happy and safe Bonfire Night

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-10-21T14:14:00.000+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

Secondary Transfer

A reminder from Bristol City Council, that the closing date for secondary applications is the 31st October.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Joseph’s Class with 99% again (as a reward they will have a non uniform day one day at the start of Term 2), Mrs Ford with 98% and Mrs Bell’s class with 97% attendance.

Overall attendance for September was a brilliant 97%! A big thank you for your continued support in raising attendance.

Up-Dated E-Mail Addresses

If your email address has changed could you please let the office know. Also if your address or telephone or mobile number has changed, could you please let the office know in case of emergencies.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 31st October at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteachers Award -
Stan Smith, Mikenagh Quirke, Alfie Ferris, Catalina Bodnarescu, Abigayle Williams, Niamh Tuohy-Tillson and Dean Turner and Lena Smith

These children will receive our new Superstars Sports Awards:
Oliver Dunne, Kiara Savage, Mikenagh Quirke, Mia Hood, Amy Harris, Belinda Joseph, Wiktoria Surel, Sydney-Kay Haberfield, Tejal Sebastian, Stan Doling, Alfie Ferris, and Jakub Wawrowski.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 31st October - Start of term 2
Wednesday 2nd November - Reception Y1S & Y2F – Westonbirt
Tuesday 6th December - Choir to Cabot Circus
Tuesday 6th December - Y5/6 St Fagan’s
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Have a great holiday

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2011-10-17T09:20:00.000+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

CD Recording Cover Competition

Please find attached a competition for your children to enter. They are to design a picture to be printed onto the CD which we are recording on Monday next. Details are explained on the attached sheet. Please use the sheet as the entry has to be a particular size. All entries are to be handed into class teachers or the office before the end of term. The School Council and Mrs Marsh will be judging the winner.

Cake Sale

We will be holding an end of term cake sale next Friday, 21st October. It will take place either in the courtyard (weather permitting) or the hall at 3.30pm. Any donations of cakes will be most welcome.

Film Club

Film Club is cancelled next Tuesday, 18th October, due to Parents Evening.

Attendance

Attendance last week! Well done to Mrs Joseph’s Class with 99%, Mrs Bell’s class with 98%,
And Mrs Ford’s class with 96%!

Celebration Assembly

There will be no celebration assembly this coming Monday.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 18th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.00pm
Friday 14th October - SING UP Platinum Celebration
Wednesday 19th October - Y4J Red Lodge
Friday 21st October - End of term 1
Monday 31st October - Start of term 2
Wednesday 2nd November - Reception Y1S & Y2F – Westonbirt
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes

Matt Condon (Headteacher)

2011-10-07T12:07:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

School Uniform Policy – a reminder again!!!

There is still a sizable minority of children who are not wearing the correct uniform or footwear. Letters will be going out to the parents/carers of all children who are not wearing correct school uniform next week.

We really appreciate the support of the vast majority of parents who support the school’s uniform policy.

Book Fair Week

Book Fair week begins on Monday 10th October. This is an opportunity to buy your Christmas presents early. It will take place at the top of the reception classroom, or in the school hall on Friday. Thanks in advance of your support, the commission we receive from sales goes straight back into the school in the form of books for the school library.

Platinum Award Party

As you know, St Joseph’s achieved the Platinum SingUp Award right at the end of the last academic year. We are only the second school in the city of Bristol to get this award and the only one in the area to have completed the entire journey from no award through silver, gold and now platinum.

We will be celebrating this amazing success on Friday 14 October with a series of exciting singing led activities within the school day and a great Singing Assembly at 2:30pm. Parents and friends of the school are more then welcome to join us for the assembly, when we will be presented with our certificate and plaque by the High Sheriff of the City of Bristol.
We are also asking children to dress up as a song or bring in a prop inspired by a song, to share with their class e.g. dress up as a star for Twinkle Twinkle or bring to school some pretend sausages for 10 fat Sausages!

CD Recording

We have decided to make a CD of the children’s wonderful singing. This will take place on Monday 17 October and all the children will be involved at one point of the day or another. The CD will hopefully be made in time for selling at Christmas, so that will sort out Grandma’s Christmas present for this year! We will be running a CD Cover Design competition and we will be telling the children about this very soon in an assembly. Meanwhile perhaps your children could be thinking about what is needed on a CD cover and what pictures sum up our school and its singing.

Admissions for Reception 2012

The Admissions booklet and ‘Additional Information Form’ which you will need to apply for a school place for Reception 2012 are now available from the office. The closing date for applications is January 15th 2011. It is very important that if you apply on-line, you wait for online confirmation of your application.

Updated Contacts/Medical

If your child’s contact details or any new medical conditions have changed since the end of last term, could you please let the office know as soon as possible.

Attendance _ GOOD NEWS!!!

A good week of attendance last week! Well done to Mrs Bell’s Class with 99% again!! Mrs Mantle’s class attended well with 98%, Mr Conlon’s class with 97% and Mrs Rollings’, Mrs Joseph’s and Mr Conlon’s classes with 96%. Because Mrs Bell’s class have had 2 weeks of attendance at 99%, they will have a special non-uniform day next Friday (14th October).

Celebration Assembly

There will be a Celebration Assembly on Monday 3rd October at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award:
Izza Chaudhry, Harry Barton, Ceris Lee, Ruan Lee, Amber Walton, Mhal Oledzki, Hamze Ibrahim, Lea Scott, Maddy Khan-Slade, Lucia Mercato and Stan Smith.

These children will receive our new Superstars Sports Awards:
Lamoiya Comrie, Oliver Mooney, Ruby Dudley, Iwan Calloway, Micah Gayle, Ridah Chaudhry, Darshan Sebastian, Rebecca Davies and Johann Manosh

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 13th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.30pm
Tuesday 18th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.00pm
Friday 14th October - SING UP Platinum Celebration
Wednesday 19th October - Y4J visit to the Red Lodge
Friday 21st October - End of term 1
Monday 31st October - Start of term 2
Wednesday 2nd November - Reception Y1S & Y2F – visit to Westonbirt
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes
Matt Condon, Headteacher

2011-10-02T13:47:00.000+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

Individual photographs will be taken next Tuesday.

Platinum Award Party

As you know, St Joseph’s achieved the Platinum SingUp Award right at the end of the last academic year. We are only the second school in the city of Bristol to get this award and the only one in the area to have completed the entire journey from no award through silver, gold and now platinum.

We will be celebrating this amazing success on Friday 14 October with a series of exciting singing led activities within the school day and a great Singing Assembly at 2:30pm. Parents and friends of the school are more then welcome to join us for the assembly, when we will be presented with our certificate and plaque by the High Sheriff of the City of Bristol.
We are also asking children to dress up as a song or bring in a prop inspired by a song, to share with their class e.g. dress up as a star for Twinkle Twinkle or bring to school some pretend sausages for 10 fat Sausages!

CD Recording

We have decided to make a CD of the children’s wonderful singing. This will take place on Monday 17 October and all the children will be involved at one point of the day or another. The CD will hopefully be made in time for selling at Christmas, so that will sort out Grandma’s Christmas present for this year! We will be running a CD Cover Design competition and we will be telling the children about this very soon in an assembly. Meanwhile perhaps your children could be thinking about what is needed on a CD cover and what pictures sum up our school and its singing.

Harvest Festival Shopping List

We will be having our Harvest Festival Celebration next Friday 7th October, where we are asking parents if they could choose an item from our harvest list to bring into school next Thursday - instant mashed potato, tinned lentils/chickpeas, vegetables (tinned), breakfast cereal, tomatoes (tinned), fruit juice, tea bags, fish (tinned) or rice pudding (tinned).

Your gifts make a difference in the community and will be distributed through the Crisis Centre which is run by the Trussell Trust.

School Uniform Policy – a reminder

Although most children come to school wearing the correct school uniform, there is a sizable minority of children who are not. Can I remind you that our policy is -

Earrings – these can be worn but must be small studs only.
Footwear – these should be black shoes or trainers. Logos on trainers should be minimal, avoiding bright colours.
Children should not wear jewellery to school.
Hair extensions or extreme ornamentations are not allowed.
Leggings are NOT part of school uniform.

We will be writing to the parents/carers of all children who are not wearing correct school uniform.

Dean Field Study Centre

If you have not paid your July instalment of £30, could you please do so as the next instalment of £30 is due on the 3rd October. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

Reception 2012

The Admissions booklet and ‘Additional Form’ which you will need to get from the office for Reception 2012 will be available from the office on Monday 26th September. The closing date for applications is January 15th 2011. It is very important that if you apply on-line, you wait for online confirmation of your application.

Attendance

Attendance last week – well done to Mrs Bell’s Class with 99%, Mrs Ford with 97%, and Mrs Rollings, Mrs Joseph and Mr Conlon with 96%.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a Celebration Assembly on Monday 3rd October at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award:
Nathan Long, Angus Wallace, Maici Quirke, Lucia Mercato, Ceris Lee, Laura Apperley and Liam Rice.

These children will receive our new Superstars Sports Awards:
Evie Attwood, Iwan Calloway, Bethany Prasad, David Wabissa, Izzy Wodruff, David Sebastian and Godwin Sebastian.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 4th October - Individual Photographs
Wednesday 5th October - Y6 visit to the Synagogue
Thursday 13th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.30pm
Tuesday 18th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.00pm
Friday 14th October - SING UP Platinum Celebration
Wednesday 19th October - Y4J Red Lodge
Friday 21st October - End of term 1
Monday 31st October - Start of term 2
Wednesday 2nd November - Reception Y1S & Y2F – Westonbirt
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes
Matt Condon, Headteacher

2011-09-23T15:26:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

Curriculum

Autumn Terms 2011 - Overviews of the schools curriculum are being sent home today. Hopefully they will highlight some areas where you can support your child with their learning.

Friendship Month

Dealing with Problems - The School Council have met recently and written some great guidance for other children, if they have a problem in school –

We expect every pupil to take responsibility for looking after each other and being there for everyone!

Someone on their own –

We expect everyone in the school to ask them if they are OK. Perhaps ask them to join in and play. If that does not help ask Buddies for advice.

Children who argue -

Get Buddies to help as they have been trained to help with children who do not get on with each other.

Children hurting each other –

Tell a member of staff immediately.

If you think someone is being bullied –

If you feel able to, point out to the bully what they are doing – they might not have realised they were bullying. Always tell a member of staff who will tell the Headteacher. Befriend the child who is being bullied.

The Dahlicious Dress Up Day

On Friday 30th September it will be a ‘Dress Up Day’ in aid of seriously ill children. You pay £1.00 to dress up as one of Roald Dahl’s favourite characters – Witch will you choose?

Dean Field Study Centre

If you have not paid your July instalment of £30, could you please do so as the next instalment of £30 is due on the 3rd October. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

Reception 2012

The Admissions booklet and ‘Additional Form’ which you will need to get from the office for reception 2012 will be available from the office on Monday 26th September. The closing date for applications is January 15th 2011. It is very important that if you apply on-line, you wait for online confirmation of your application. Also, the New Parents’ Tours for children starting in September 2012 are Friday 30th September at 10am or Monday 3rd October at 2pm. Please contact the school office if you have a child starting school next year and you would like to have a look around.

Attendance

May I remind parents that if their child is absent, they telephone the school so a message can be given to the class teacher. If we are continually contacting parents with regard to their child’s absence, I have no alternative but to mark the pupil’s absence as unauthorised which could result in the Education Welfare Officer being informed who will take further action. Also, could you please make sure your child is in school by the time the bell goes at 8.55am, as we currently have too many children arriving late for school.

Attendance last week

Well done to Mrs Mantle’s class with 97% and Mr. Conlon’s Class with 99%! All other classes had attendance less than 96%.

Out attendance last year was 94.7% which was still not good enough. Improving attendance is a key priority for us this year and our target is at least 96%!!!

Celebration Assembly

There will be a Celebration Assembly on Monday 23rd September at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Award:
Aleena Vincent, Eddy Brain, Irene Raju, Lauren Helm and Ben Underhill.

These children will receive our new Superstars Sports Awards:
Charlie Russell, Reuben Reji, Joseph Nurse, James Ayton-Lambourne and Alvin George.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 30th September - PTFA Meeting (9.30am in school library)
Friday 30th September - Dahlicious Dress Up Day
Tuesday 4th October - Individual Photographs
Wednesday 5th October - Y6 visit to the Synagogue
Thursday 13th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.30pm
Tuesday 18th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.00pm
Friday 14th October - SING UP Platinum Celebration
Wednesday 19th October - Y4J Red Lodge
Friday 21st October - End of term 1
Monday 31st October - Start of term 2
Wednesday 2nd November - Reception Y1S & Y2F – Westonbirt
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

!6th September 2011

2011-09-16T15:52:00.002+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Mass for Catholic Education

This special Mass is at 7pm on Wednesday the 21st September 2011 at Clifton Cathedral. The Mass is being led by Bishop Declan and you are all invited to join us for this special celebration.

Friendship Month

This month we are focussing on exploring with the children what makes good friendship. In assembly children have been using our ‘Tree of Friendship’ to record how they have been friends in school with all children. The School Council will be working with me next week to write clear guidance for any child who has a problem, so they know how to get help.

Religious Education

Our current topic in RE is Creation. In this topic children throughout the school will be learning from the Old Testament about God as creator and how God protects and cares for His universe. Children will also be reflecting on the talents they have been given by God and how they can use them to celebrate his creation.

Curriculum

Topic overviews for the whole school autumn term will be sent home early next week.

The Dahlicious Dress Up Day

On Friday 30th September it will be a ‘Dress Up Day’ in aid of seriously ill children. You pay £1.00 to dress up as one of Roald Dahl’s favourite characters – Witch will you choose?

Dean Field Study Centre

If you have not paid your July instalment of £30, could you please do so by before the end of next week. The next instalment of £30 is due on the 3rd October. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

British Food Fortnight

Enjoy a school dinner from the 19th September until the 30th September and you could find the special sticker to win a perfect pencil case.

2012 New Parents Tour

Dates for the new parent’s tour for children starting in September 2012 are Friday 30th September, at 10.00am, or Monday 3rd October at 2.00pm. Please contact the school office if you have a child starting school next year, and you would like to have a look around.

Security – A reminder

For security reasons, when children arrive late we are unable to allow parents to escort their children to their classrooms. Children will be quite safe 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. We still want to be friendly and welcoming but we have to ensure unauthorised adults do not enter the school.

Pupil/Parent Concerns

If 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.

Jewellery

Children should not wear jewellery to school. This is increasingly becoming a problem when getting ready for PE lessons. Teachers have been spending a lot of PE time removing jewellery from children, so they do not injure themselves or others.

Please note: Children with pierced ears whose parents wish them to wear earrings must, for safety reasons, wear studs 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.

After School Clubs

Unfortunately fencing has been cancelled this term, but we hope to resume next term.ALSO, 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.

Attendance

May I remind parents that if their child is absent they telephone the school so a message can be given to the class teacher. If we are continually contacting parents with regard to their child’s absence, I have no alternative but to mark the pupil’s absence as unauthorised which could result in the Education Welfare Officer being informed who will take further action. Also could you please make sure your child is in school by the time the bell goes at 8.55am as we currently have too many children arriving late for school.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 19th September at 9.10am where the following children will receive their Headteachers award:
Mackenzie Sawers, Thomas Jaworski, Micah Gayle, Charlotte Petrie, Grace Stepaniuk, and Erin Brooks.

Please look at the school BLOG as there is lots of new photos of learning from the first couple of weeks of school.

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 21st September - Mass for Catholic Education at Clifton Cathedral
Thursday 22nd September - Mrs Ford & Mr Sherwin’s Class visit Playspace
Friday 23rd September - Special Ethiopian Assembly
Friday 30th September - Dahlicious Dress Up Day
Tuesday 4th October - Individual Photographs
Wednesday 5th October - Y6 visit to the Synagogue
Thursday 13th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.30pm
Tuesday 18th October - Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.00pm
Friday 14th October - SING UP Platinum Celebration
Friday 21st October - End of term 1
Monday 31st October - Start of term 2
Friday 16th December - End of term 2

Thursday 8th September 2011

2011-09-08T18:00:00.003+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the start of the new school year, hopefully you all had a good summer break.

Welcome to 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.

We would like to invite you all to our start of the school year Mass tomorrow, at 9.30am in the School hall.

Mass for Catholic Education

This special Mass is at 7pm on Wednesday the 21st September 2011 at Clifton Cathedral. The Mass is being led by Bishop Declan and you are all invited to join us for this special celebration.

Friendship Month

This month we will be focussing on exploring with the children what makes good friendship. In assembly and in class we will be discussing with children how to behave as good friends but also how to deal with friendship problems. I hope this to be a really positive experience and I will be working with the newly elected school council to write some new guidance for children, so they all know what to do when they are unhappy in school. We will be sharing this information with you all over the next couple of weeks.

Past Pupil Success

A big well done to Tom Gossan who achieved 4 A's and a B at A level and is off to Bristol University to do a masters in Physics in October.

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.

New Staff and New Roles

Can I please welcome the following people into our school –

Mrs Lorraine Chicken is taking on the role of part time and temporary Bursar. Lorraine is the full time Bursar at Summerhill Juniors and I am really pleased that she is joining the team. Lorraine will be in school every Wednesday and will be responsible for financial management, health and safety and safeguarding, amongst other things.

Miss Kellie Holman will be our PE Specialist for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Kellie is a Primary PGCE graduate with a strong track record in different schools teaching PE and leading after school clubs. Kellie will also be running two after school clubs which will begin soon.

And can I welcome following people into their new roles –

Mrs Jess Lee now has a much more significant role as Financial Assistant. She will be dealing with all enquires which involve dinner, trip and after school club monies. Jess will work 8.30am – 1pm daily.

Mrs Shelagh Mizen will be beginning her role as Higher Level Teaching Assistant for 3 ½ days per week and will be teaching various classes under the guidance of the class teacher.

Mrs Shelagh Mizen also begins her role as Family Support Worker for 1 ½ days per week. In this role she will be supporting families in different ways and working with me to continue to improve attendance and punctuality.

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.

Morrison’s Gardening Vouchers

We are collecting Morrison’s Gardening Vouchers again. If you give them to your children they can then bring them to the school office.

PE KIT

This is what your child should be wearing for PE: A white T-shirt, navy blue or black shorts, plimsolls/daps, a suitable bag for the above with a string loop for hanging

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.

Dean Field Study Centre

If you have not paid your July instalment of £30.00, could you please do so by the end of next week. The next instalment o f £30.00 is due on the 3red October. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

After School Clubs

Here is a list of starting dates we currently have for after school clubs:

Cookery - Thursday 22nd September - For Y3-4
Film Club - Tuesday 13th September - For Y3-6
Fencing - Thursday 22nd September - For Y3-6
Choir - Thursday 15th September - For Y3-6

Please see the school office if you would like details of these clubs. We will be introducing clubs soon for younger children!!

Dates for Diaries

Friday 9th September - Start of Term Mass in school hall
Wednesday 21st September - Mass for Catholic Education at Clifton Cathedral
Friday 23rd September - Special Ethiopian Assembly
Wednesday 5th October - Y6 visit Synagogue
Friday 14th October - SING UP Platinum Celebration
Friday 21st October - End of term 1

Term Dates 2011-12

Term 1 Thursday 1st September to Friday 21st October 2011
Term 2 Monday 31st October to Friday 16th December 2011
Term 3 Tuesday 3rd January to Friday 10th February 2012
Term 4 Monday 20th February to Friday 30th March 2012
Term 5 Monday 16th April to Friday 1st June 2012
Term 6 Monday 11th June to Thursday 19th July 2012

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 the children have a great year of learning!Best wishes

Matt Condon

Headteacher.

Wednesday 20th July, 2011

2011-07-20T14:49:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

An Amazing Year!

Welcome to the last newsletter of this school year. A paper copy is being sent home to all families this week. The children have had a great year of learning and are making better progress than ever before.

Many of our key stage results this year are well above national averages in almost all areas and are improving in all subjects. We are doing especially well in reading and writing, although maths is improving too across the school!

Here are some highlights -

Foundation Stage Outcomes

The children have done brilliantly this year in reading and writing, with our children doing better than ever! The children have a great foundation for learning in Year 1. Children have made good progress in all areas of the curriculum and are happy and confident individuals.

End of Key Stage Results – Key Stage 1 (level 2b is national expectation)

An amazing 47% of children attained well above average at Level 3 in reading compared to 26% nationally.
80% of children attained L2b+ in writing, compared with 60% nationally.
80% of children attained L2b+ in Maths, compared to 72% nationally.

End of Key Stage Test Results – Key Stage 2 (Level 4 is national expectation)

94% of children attained Level 4 in English overall. This compares to 84% nationally.
An amazing 97% of children attained Level 4 in writing. This compares to 70% nationally.

Attendance

This has continued to improve over the last 3 years and is now almost 95% overall.

Well done to the following children who have achieved 100% attendance this year - Evie Attwood, Jane Campos, Thomas Coombs, Rungkan Downes, Kelsey Ford, Ceris Lee, Samuel Masenyama, Ty Mitchell, Lea Scott, George Stenner, Aaron Tarr, Jerrin Thomas, Jordan Toy, Eoan Tuohy, Benjamin Underhill, David Wabissa and Vanessa Wabissa

Sing Up – Platinum Award

I am sure that you will be delighted to know that we have achieved the SingUp Platinum Award. We are only the second school in Bristol to have achieved this, and the only school in both Bristol and the wider area to have achieved the entire Awards journey from having no awards, through to achieving Silver, Gold and now Platinum! As a Platinum school we will now be working towards having an outwards focus to our singing, and will be helping other schools along their singing journey.

This is a huge achievement for our school and really emphasises the quality of the education that pupils receive at St Joseph’s. Well done to Mrs Marsh for leading us to this success and the whole school community for their enthusiasm and commitment.

A message from Maureen Tuohy (Foundation Governor)

As we come to the end of another school year I would like to say once again how proud I am to be a part of the St Joseph’s school community. I have attended lots of meetings, masses and assemblies this year, not to mention the sports day, summer fair and the fabulous year 6 leavers production of Oliver! I have also had the great privilege of visiting St Joseph’s during the school day, talking to children, looking at their work and being shown around by learning detectives. What I have found, as a result of all my contacts with St Joseph’s this year, is a lively, caring and happy community in which children are progressing in their learning.

This is reflected in the results of the questionnaire which was sent out last term. I plan to give detailed results in September but would like to share with you that the vast majority of parents (91%) who returned their questionnaire placed their responses in either the agree or strongly agree options. Comments included “A warm, welcoming school…”, “St Joseph’s is a very encouraging school.” and my personal favourite “ A good start in life to children to show that we can all live and work together even though we are different, because we respect one another’s differences.” Thank you to all of you who responded!

I look forward to working with the school again in September and can’t wait to see what the children will achieve next year! Have a great summer break!

Maureen Tuohy (Foundation Governor)

School Dinners

I am pleased to be able to inform you that the price of school meals will remain at £2.20 for the next academic year.

With the success of school dinner packed lunch, this will be continued until the end of term 1 when the menu will change.

After School Activities

After school activities will commence the week beginning 19th September. Letters will be distributed in the first week of term.

Goodbyes

We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Eva Gossan, who has been appointed business manager at Abbeywood Community School. We wish Eva all the best in her new role.

Also Miss Wright will be leaving the school this week. She has been a great Year 1 teacher and will be missed by us all. We wish her all the best in her future career.

Thank You

I would like to thank all children, parents, staff and governors for all your hard work and support. We look forward to making 2011-2012 an even better year of learning.

Leaver’s Mass is tomorrow at 2pm in the Church. The first two days of term (September 1st and 2nd) are staff training days. School will reopen on Monday 5th September.

Have a safe and happy holiday

Matt Condon
Headteacher.

Thursday 14th July 2011

2011-07-14T15:04:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

A REMINDER THAT WE ARE CLOSED TOMORROW, FOR A STAFF TRAINING DAY

Year 6 leavers Lunch
The year 6 leaver’s lunch will take place on Thursday 21st July. The cost is £2.20 and the menu the children have chosen is hot dog and chips and chocolate crunch and ice cream.

Year 6 Leaver’s Mass

Year 6 Leaver’s Mass is now on Thursday 21st July at 2.00pm in the Church.

Camp Video

If you would like a camp video, could you please send £5.00 into the school office with your child’s name. Mr Conlon will then provide you with a copy. All proceeds will go to the PTFA.

Briarwood Special School

After some deliberations, the school choir WILL be going to Briarwood Special School to sing at their music festival on Wednesday 20th July. They need to be in school uniform and will need to bring a packed lunch. We will leave St Joseph’s at 12.00 and return before the school day ends.

Keyboard Reminder

Keyboard lessons will be on Tuesday 19th July and Friday 22nd July, for the children who play keyboard. Also there are more timetable alterations and children have been give a second slip with revised times. Sorry about the inconvenience. (Mrs Marsh)

PTFA Cake Sale

The PTFA are organising a cake sale on Wednesday 20th July, at 3.30pm and would greatly appreciate any donations. Please bring any cakes to the school office on Tuesday 19th July.

Parent Visits

We would like to invite all parents into their child’s class, so that children can share their learning and work. Dates for these will be Tuesday 19th July at 2.45pm for Mrs Joseph’s class and Wednesday 20th July at 9.10am for Mr Conlon’s Class.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 11th July, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:
Jerrin Thomas, Josh Bristow, Shaan Singh, Airam Pamintuan, Izzy Poole, Matthew Bristow, Loredana Parrinello, Clement Harvey, Anique Sergeant, Alvin George, Muhammad Baig, Sam Iles, Samuel Toye and Anisa Rasul.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 19th July - Parents meetings (by request – see reports)
Tuesday 19th July - Year 4/5J topic presentation (parents invited)
Wednesday 20th July - Year 4C Topic presentation (parents invited)
Wednesday 20th July - PTFA cake sale
Thursday 21st July - Y6 Leaver’s Lunch
Thursday 21st July - Leaver’s Mass
Friday 22nd July - End of Year Mass
Friday 22nd July - End of the school year
Thursday 1st September - INSET Day – school closed
Friday 2nd September - INSET Day – school closed

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 8th June 2011

2011-07-10T10:36:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

School Reports

Reports will be sent out to parents next week. Earlier this year the governors consulted with a group of parents on how to give parents better information about learning and progress. The reports have been redesigned and we hope give parents and carers much clearer information about their child. We would appreciate any feedback about the content and format of these new reports.

School Uniform Ordering

There appears to have been a few problems accessing the website for online ordering. Please enter the following link to be taken direct to the schools page
http://www.your-schooluniform.co.uk/schools/StJosephsRCPrimaryBS163QR/
If you ordered by cheque to the previous company on or after the 7th June, we have been told by the administrators that the cheque will not have been cashed.

Dean Field Study Centre

The next instalment of £25 for the Dean Field trip is now due. If you are paying by cheque please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

Gardening Club

The gardening club will now be holding their plant sale and cream teas next Tuesday 12th July at 3pm in the garden area. Please come along and enjoy a relaxing cream tea and purchase some beautiful plants that the children have grown.

The Vassall Centre

The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue Fishponds will be having an Open Day on Thursday 28th July – 10am-3pm, where everyone is welcome. There will be stalls, refreshments, displays, meet a Dalek and children’s activities. This is funded by the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnerships.

Year 6 leaver's Lunch

The year 6 leaver’s lunch will take place on Thursday 21st July. The cost is £2.20 and the menu the children have chosen is hot dog and chips and chocolate crunch and ice cream

Parent Visits

We would like to invite all parents into their child’s class, so that children can share their learning and work. Dates for these will be in dates for diaries below. Dates for Mrs Patton’s and Mrs Mantle’s classes will be shared next week.

Thanks to the many parents who visited the reception class today.

PTFA Cake Sale

The PTFA are organising a cake sale on Wednesday 20th July, at 3.30pm and would greatly appreciate any donations.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 11th July, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:
Maya Buckler, Natalia Warmuz, Jennifer Eubebeagu, Daniel Edwards, Chelcia Velmurgan, Julia Dombek, Samantha Masenyama, Stephanie Williams, Jerrin Thomas, Nadia Naibet, Lewis Hodder, Rebecca Davies, Sandra Paslawska, Issy Woodruff, Micah Gayle and Vanessa Wabissa

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 12th July - Year 6 Performance
Tuesday 12th July - Gardening Club sale
Wednesday 13th July - Year 6 Performance
Thursday 14th July (2.30pm) - Parents invited into Year 6
Thursday 14th July (3pm) - Parents invited into Year 1 and 2
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 19th July - Parents meetings (by request – see reports)
Wednesday 20th July - Year 4C Topic presentation (parents invited)
Wednesday 20th July - PTFA cake sale
Thursday 21st July - Year 6 leaver’s lunch
Friday 22nd July - End of Year Mass
Friday 22nd July - End of the school year
Thursday 1st September - INSET Day – school closed
Friday 2nd September - INSET Day – school closed

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Wednesday 29th June, 2011

2011-06-29T13:48:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

Another early newsletter!

The school will be open as normal tomorrow (no industrial action).

Gardening Club

The gardening club will be holding a plant sale and cream teas on Tuesday 5th July at 3pm in the garden area (weather permitting). Please come along and enjoy a relaxing cream tea and purchase some beautiful plants that the children have grown.

Dean Field Study Centre Trip

The next instalment of £30 is now due for children who have been allocated a place. The current year 4 pupils will be allocated the remaining places next week.

999 Fun Day

The 999 Fun Day is Saturday 9th July 2011, 12.00pm-4pm at the playing fields next to the Harry Crook Youth Activities Centre, Moorlands Road. At the fun day there will be emergency service demonstrations, inflatable fun, a charity football match, face painting, food and drink, stalls and lots more. The event is in partnership with the Harry Crook, Police and Coombe Valley Action group. Also Harry Crook are holding a family disco in the evening from 7.30pm till late.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 27th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:
Barti Spockinski, Joel Shelvi, Summer Allen, Joseph Lambe, Dariusz Franczak, Maria Bellavia, Julia Lewkowicz, Kameron Bains-Doyle, Amelianya Cachia, Evie Atwood, Olly Kelliher-Swash, Luke Briones, Tejal Sebastian and David Sebastian.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Reception & Year 2 – Noah’s Ark
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Friday 8th July - Reception Parents Day in school
Tuesday 12th July - Year 6 Performance
Wednesday 13th July - Year 6 Performance
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed
Thursday 1st September - INSET Day – school closed
Friday 2nd September - INSET Day – school closed
Monday 5th September - Start of Term 1

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Wednesday 22nd June

2011-06-22T14:53:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

A special early newsletter this week.

STRIKE ACTION – The school will be open as normal

As you will be aware from the media, colleagues in NUT and ATL will be taking industrial action on the 30th June. This action will not affect St. Joseph’s.

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul – Mass in Church

There will be a school Mass next Wednesday, 29th June, at 9.30am in church to celebrate St Peter and St Paul. You are all welcome.

Summer Community Fair

A big thank you to all those who made the summer fair a big success, and especially to the PTFA who put a lot of hard work into making the day run smoothly - even with the wet and windy weather!

Bristol Emergencies Year 6 Painting Competition

We are very proud to announce that pupils in Year 6 are winners in the ‘Bristol Emergencies Year 6 Painting Competition’. The overall winner out of over 200 entries across Bristol is Agnel Aliyath who gets a wind up radio and torch, as well as winning an education day trip for the class at Bristol Zoo! Daniel Apperley and Samantha Masenyama are both runners up and win torches. The Lord Mayor of Bristol will be presenting the winning prize in assembly tomorrow morning.

PE Kit

We have noticed that some children do not have the correct PE kit in school. Can I remind you that the PE kit consists of:- White T-shirt, navy blue or black shorts, plimsolls/daps and a suitable bag for the above with a string loop for hanging.

Sports Day Menu

On the 28th June, for sports day lunch the school kitchen will be preparing a special menu of sausage, vegetarian sausage and chips. The cost of the meal is £2.20.

999 Fun Day

The 999 Fun Day is Saturday 9th July 2011, 12.00pm-4pm at the playing fields next to the Harry Crook Youth Activities Centre, Moorlands Road. At the fun day there will be emergency service demonstrations, inflatable fun, a charity football match, face painting, food and drink, stalls and lots more. The event is in partnership with the Harry Crook, Police and Coombe Valley Action group. Also Harry Crook are holding a family disco in the evening from 7.30pm till late.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 27th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:
Harry Mooney, Alya Rasul, Stan Smith, Shaun Snaden, Jake Turner, Iwan Calloway and Kealen Westlake

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Tuesday 28th June - Sports Day (morning only)
Wednesday 29th June - Mass for Saints Peter and Paul
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Reception & Year 2 – Noah’s Ark
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Tuesday 12th July - Year 6 Performance
Wednesday 13th July - Year 6 Performance
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Can I also remind you that the school will be closed next Friday for a staff training day.

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 17th June 2011

2011-06-17T16:38:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

THE SUMMER FESTIVAL IS TOMORROW!!!

Also on Sunday you are all invited to join the Parish as a group of children receive their First Holy Communion.

Class Organisation 2011-2012

All classes will be staying together as they move into the next academic year (e.g. Y4/5 will become Y5/6).

Reception - Mrs. Rollings
Year 1 - Mr. Sherwin
Year 2 - Mrs. Ford
Year3 - Mrs. Mantle
Year4 - Mrs. Joseph
Year 5 - Mrs. Patton
Year 5/6 - Mr. Conlon
Year 6 - Mrs. Bell
Music specialist - Mrs. Marsh

We are sad to announce Miss Wright will be leaving the school in July. She has been a great Year 1 teacher and will be missed by us all. We wish her all the best in her future career.

Family Cycle Treasure Hunt

This takes place on the Bristol to Bath cycle path this Sunday 10am – 3pm. Turn up and collect your free score card from any of the 8 stalls along the path.

999 Fun Day - The 999 Fun Day is Saturday 9th July 2011, 12.00pm-4pm at the playing fields next to the Harry Crook Youth Activities Centre, Moorlands Road. At the fun day there will be emergency service demonstrations, inflatable fun, a charity football match, face painting, food and drink, stalls and lots more. The event is in partnership with the Harry Crook, Police and Coombe Valley Action group. Also Harry Crook are holding a family disco in the evening from 7.30pm till late.

Dean Field Residential Trip for Year 5/6

The deadline for returning slips and deposits has been extended to 24th June. Year 6 get priority on this trip, but after this deadline cannot be guaranteed a place. If your child has mislaid the letter, please contact the office as soon as possible.

School Uniform

School Uniform can be obtained by using the order form in the porch or by buying on line at www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr/ Please ensure that you order before the summer rush to avoid delays for September.

School Payments

Please can you ensure that all monies are paid in the morning to the school office or to the school teacher as monies will no longer be accepted at the end of the school day.

Early Year Practitioner/Nursery Nurse

St Joseph’s Pre-school are seeking to employ an Early Years Practitioner/Nursery Nurse, 32 hours per week from Tuesday to Friday 8.45 am to 4.30 pm plus every other Monday afternoon, commencing September 2011. Current Rate of pay: £7.22 per hour. Level III childcare qualification required and minimum of one years experience in a Pre-school setting preferred. Closing date for applications: 8th July 2011. Please contact Mrs Cathy Williamson or Mrs Sheila Hastings on telephone No. 0117 9147173 or call in for further details.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 13th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:
Fortune Jumbo, Juliana Uvero, Paige Dwyer, Maici Quirke, Rochelle Christian, Mariah Ahmed, Kealen Westlake & Jake Turner.

Dates for Diaries

Sunday 19th June - First Holy Communion in Parish Church
Sunday 19th June - DINOTOUR Family Cycle Treasure Hunt
Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week
Friday 24th June - Level 2 Bike Check
Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Tuesday 28th June - Sports Day (morning only)
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Reception & Year 2 – Noah’s Ark
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Tuesday 12th July - Year 6 Performance
Wednesday 13th July - Year 6 Performance
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Friday 27th May, 2011

2011-06-10T13:27:00.003+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

Festival of Nature

On Friday, Y4/5J and Y5P will be going to taste a few of the activities on offer at the Festival of Nature, Bristol Harbourside.

This begins a FREE fun filled weekend of events and activities that celebrate nature. You can build animal nest boxes, make paper animals, explore the wildlife garden and look out for bugs, bats and other creatures. Other highlights include free IMAX screenings at the Bristol Aquarium. Find more information online at www.festivalofnature.org

Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride

Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 12th June and is suitable for all ages and abilities. To find out more details -www.betterbybike.info/bikeride. Also on Sunday 19th June there is a DINOTOUR family cycle treasure hunt on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. More details next week.

Early Year Practitioner/Nursery Nurse

St Joseph’s Pre-school are seeking to employ an Early Years Practitioner/Nursery Nurse, 32 hours per week from Tuesday to Friday 8.45 am to 4.30 pm plus every other Monday afternoon, commencing September 2011. Current Rate of pay: £7.22 per hour. Level III childcare qualification required and minimum of one years experience in a Pre-school setting preferred. Closing date for applications: 8th July 2011. Please contact Mrs Cathy Williamson or Mrs Sheila Hastings on telephone No. 0117 9147173 or call in for further details.

Pre-School Quiz Night

St Joseph’s Pre-school are holding a QUIZ NIGHT this Saturday, 11th June from 7 pm. You may enter teams of up to 6 people at £2 per person. Also includes Mini Auction Plus other fun and games! Filled rolls plus soft drinks and snacks for sale - BYO alcohol for small corkage donation! Come along and join the fun!

After School Clubs

There are still places available for the following after school clubs

Football Years 3-6- starting on Tuesday 14th June for 6 weeks cost £18
Cookery Years 3-4 - starting on Thursday 16th June for 5 weeks cost £5
Science Year 4 - starting on Tuesday 14th June for 5 weeks - free

Music Tuition

If you would like your child to learn a music instrument in September there are still places available to learn violin, drums and guitar. Further details from Mrs Gossan

Dean Field Residential Trip for Year 5/6

If your child is currently in year 4 or 5 and would like to attend the residential trip in February 2012, please ensure that the deposit of £40 is sent to the school office by Friday 17th June.

School Dinners

If you would like your child to have a school packed lunch, please could you let the office know so that a packed lunch can be reserved for your child.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 13th June, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:
Michal Oledzki, Jeswin Mathew, Ben Underhill, Hannah Maslowski, Antonia Alexander-Walker, Cameron Savage and Sylvia Buyoya

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 15th June - New Parent’s Evening
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Bristol Cathederal
Friday 17th June - Y4/5J and Y5P - Festival of Nature
Saturday 18th June - St Joseph’s Fair
Sunday 19th June - DINOTOUR Family Cycle Treasure Hunt
Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week
Friday 24th June - Level 2 Bike Check
Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Tuesday 28th June - Sports Day (morning only)
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Best wishes

Matt Condon

Headteacher

2011-06-08T18:03:00.001+01:00

Friday 27th May, 2011

2011-05-27T10:38:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride

Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 12th June and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Come on your own or with friends or family and join thousands of other riders. The Family Fiesta route is flat, short and easy to ride and you can do as much or as little of it as you want. Bring your own bike or borrow one of our adapted bikes (advanced booking essential). There will also be a chance to have a go on our adapted bikes in the bike try out area of Millenium Square before or after the ride. To find out more details please log onto www.betterbybike.info/bikeride.

Attendance

Mrs Ford and Mrs Patton had 97%, with Mr Conlon’s class with 96%, and Miss Wright with 95% attendance. Overall attendance this year has been 94.5% which is an improvement on last year but could still be better. Thank you all for your good attendance.

School Meals

After the school holiday packed lunches will be available on the lunch time menu. The packed lunch menu will be attached to this newsletter.

Dean Field Study Centre

Letters went out this week to year 4's and 5's for the residential trip which takes place in February of next year. If you would like your child to attend, please could you ensure the completed form together with a deposit is returned to the school office by Friday 10th June.

Music Tuition

If your child is currently in Year 2-5, letters were sent 2 weeks ago to book a place for your child to learn an instrument from September. There are still places available to learn the guitar, violin and drums. Please ensure that a completed slip is returned to the school office by Friday 10th June. No payment will be required until September.

St Joseph’s Summer Fair - June 18th

Before we know it the Summer Fair will be upon us. If you wish to have a stall, or take an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please leave your details in the school office, or 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.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed
Tuesday 7th June - Start of Term 6
Thursday 9th June - Class Photographs
Friday 10th June - Non-uniform for School Fair
Friday 10th June - Bike It Prize Day KS1 - KS2
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Bristol Cathederal
Friday 17th June - Level 2 Bike Check
Saturday 18th June - School Fair
Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Can I remind you that term 6 begins on Tuesday 7th June.

Have a safe and peaceful holiday.

Matt Condon, Headteacher

2011-05-23T13:24:00.001+01:00

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Dear Parent/Carers,

APOLOGIES – The wrong newsletter was e.mailed on Friday, leaving out the names for the celebration assembly. We will now have the celebration assembly on Friday morning at 9.15am, where the children will receive their headteachers awards. Once again I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

ALSO PLEASE IGNORE THE SECTION ABOUT THE SUMMER FAIR TOMBOLA! New information about this will be sent out soon.

Education in Personal Relationships

‘In the Beginning’ our EPR programme (Education in Personal Relationships), will be started in school during the first week of Term 6.

This year we are working through the booklet purely in school, with the booklet going home on completion.

The parents advice booklet will be sent out next week, for information to what is being taught. On this occasion no homework is necessary, therefore the work pattern summary at the end of the leaflet does not apply.

If you have any questions re: this scheme of work, do not hesitate to speak to Mr Condon or Mrs Bell

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Rollings and Mrs Ford’s classes with an outstanding 100% attendance last week. Their classes will be able to wear non-uniform next Friday 27th May.

Also well done to Miss Wright’s class with 97% attendance, Mrs Mantle’s class with 98% and Mrs Bell’s and Mrs Joseph’s with 99%! Well done to everyone as our attendance is on the up!

CAN I REMIND ALL PARENTS – IF THE SCHOOL IS NOT CONTACTED WHEN A CHILD IS ABSENT, THE ABSENCE WILL BE RECORDED AS UNAUTHORISED.

Team Points Winners - Non-Uniform

St Matthew were the winners for team points last term and will be able to wear non-uniform on Friday 27thh May.

Dinner Money

Please could you ensure that all dinner monies are sent into school in an envelope with your child’s name on it, and given to the class teacher. No loose change please. Envelopes are available from the school office - 50 for £1.50 or 100 for £2.50.

St Joseph’s Summer Fair - June 18th

This year's summer fair will be 'The St. Joseph's Community Summer Fair' and will be the Parish, School and pre-school fair all in one great event. There will still be all the activities you're used to from previous school events, but also lots of activities in the parish hall as well.

If you wish to have a stall, or take an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please leave your details in the school office, or 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.
Also does anyone have a large fish tank that the PTFA could borrow for the summer fair - if so could you let the office know. There will be a competition for design the front cover of the programme for the summer fair, these will go out to children next week

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Friday 27th May, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:-
Liam Kelly, Gabriel Mattores, Aliyah Latif, Lara Brown, James Ayton-Lambourne, Stan Doling, Emily Wiercioch-Giles, Lachontay Barrett and Ellie Bains-Doyle.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed
Thursday 9th June - Class Photographs
Friday 10th June - Non-uniform for School Fair
Friday 10th June - Bike It Prize Day KS1 - KS2
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Bristol Cathederal
Friday 17th June - Level 2 Bike Check
Saturday 18th June - School Fair
Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

APOLOGIES - Friday 20th May

2011-05-22T12:30:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

APOLOGIES - THE NEWSLETTER EMAILED LAST FRIDAY WAS A DRAFT ONLY. A CORRECT NEWSLETTER WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW MORNING(MONDAY).

PLANNED HEADTEACHER'S AWARDS WILL BE POSTPONED IF PARENTS DID NOT RECEIVE THE CORRECT NEWSLETTER.

Again, sorry for any inconvenience

Mr Condon

Friday 13th May 2011

2011-05-15T17:17:00.002+01:00

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Dear Parent/Carers,

Walk to School Week

‘Walk Smart’ week commences from Monday 16th May to Friday 20th May. Next week we are encouraging parents to walk with their children to school and teach them to be smart, be safe and be happy when walking and crossing roads. A leaflet is being sent home today.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Patton’s class with an outstanding 100% attendance last week. The class will be able to wear non-uniform next Friday 20th May.

Also well done to Mrs Rolling’s and Ford’s class with 97%, Mrs Bell’s with 98% and Mrs Mantle and Mrs Joseph with 99%. Thank you all for great week of attendance!

Music Tuition

A letter was sent home last week with regards to music tuition for September. If you wish your child to either continue receiving music tuition or start learning an instrument, please could you ensure that you return the slip to the school office by Thursday 26th May at the latest.

Dinner Money

Please could you ensure that all dinner monies are sent into school in an envelope with your child’s name on it. No loose change please. Envelopes are available from the school office - 50 for £1.50 or 100 for £2.50.

St Joseph’s Summer Fair 2011 - June 18th

This year's summer fair will be 'The St. Joseph's Community Summer Fair' and will be the Parish, School and pre-school fair all in one great event. There will still be all the activities you're used to from previous school events, but also lots of activities in the parish hall as well.

If you wish to have a stall, or take an advert in the programme which, this year, will reach even more people, then please leave your details in the school office, or 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.
Also does anyone have a large fish tank that the PTFA could borrow for the summer fair - if so could you let the office know. There will be a competition for design the front cover of the programme for the summer fair, these will go out to children next week

Gardening Club Vegetable Plant Sale - Gardening club will be hold a vegetable plant sale on Thursday 19th May at 3.15 in the garden area/infant courtyard. Please come along.

School Uniform – to buy

School uniform is available to order by post (order forms are in the porch) or online at www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr. Please ensure that you order early to avoid any delays over the summer holidays. Uniform is available to try on if you are unsure of the size your child requires.

School Uniform Policy

Some children are wearing large studs or dangling earrings – only small studs are allowed. Also can I remind children that school uniform is black shoes or trainers, not white or trainers of other colours. We will be writing to individual parents if school uniform is not worn.

Medical Appointments

If your child has a dentist or doctor’s appointment during school hours, could you please put a request in writing in advance for the attention of the class teacher.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday 16th May, where the following chidren will receive their headteachers award:-
King Wilson, Chinnu James, Hannah James, Erikan Udoh, Daniel George, Ty Mitchell and Therese Briones.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed
Friday 20th May - Bikeability Training Y3/4
Thursday 9th June - Class Photographs
Friday 10th June - Non-uniform for School Fair
Friday 10th June - Bike It Prize Day KS1 - KS2
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Bristol Cathederal
Friday 17th June - Level 2 Bike Check
Saturday 18th June - School Fair
Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Friday 6th May

2011-05-06T13:38:00.000+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers,

Welcome back to a short term 5. I hope you are all enjoying the May sunshine.

Year 6 SAT Tests

These tests will begin next Monday and will be administered as normal.

Attendance

Attendance for the end of last term was disappointing. There were only two classes who had over 95% and that was Mrs Mantle and Mr Conlon’s class. Let’s see if we can have a big improvement for May.

Scholastic Book Clubs

Scholastic Book Club are offering the pick of the best children’s book’s around, which enables parents to get a top quality book at a great price. Also for every £1.00 spent, the school will get 20p to spend on books for the school.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed
Friday 20th May - Bikeability Training Y3/4
Thursday 9th June - Class Photographs
Friday 10th June - Non-uniform for School Fair
Friday 10th June - Bike It Prize Day KS1 - KS2
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Thursday 16th June - Y6 Bristol Cathederal
Friday 17th June - Level 2 Bike Check
Saturday 18th June - School Fair
Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6
Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Friday 8th April, 2011

2011-04-08T10:47:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers, Parish Easter Masses The times for the Easter Services are as follows: Maundy Thursday – Mass 7.30pm Good Friday – Stations of the Cross 10.00am Good Friday Service 3.00pm Easter Saturday Vigil – 8.00pm Easter Sunday - Mass 10.00am (No Evening Mass) Newsletters There seem to be some problems with some parents not receiving the newsletter by e.mail. If you are having difficulty, or you know of a parent who is not receiving the newsletter, could you please let the office know, so email addresses can be checked. The school website also has a link to the newsletter. The Blog also plays a big part in letting parents know what is happening in their child’s school by sharing animation, projects, writing, photographs and lots of other examples of children’s learning. Cookathon This was a very successful day with all classes taking part in making a ‘healthy eating’ recipe. We also had the Lord Mayor of Bristol attend, as well as the Community Police and School Governors helping out. Especially, can I thank Mrs Hood and the dedicated group of parents who gave up their own time to give the children this experience. We really appreciate their support and hope more parents and carers can help in the future. School Uniform The Governors have just up-dated the school uniform policy and have made a number of clarifications and small amendments. As it is now holiday time, and we want all children returning for Term 5 looking smart, can I clarify a few specific points – · Earrings – these can be worn but must be small studs only. · Footwear – these should be black shoes or trainers. Logos on trainers should be minimal, avoiding bright colours. · Children should not wear jewellery to school. · Hair extensions or extreme ornamentations are not allowed. · Leggings are NOT part of school uniform. The full policy will be published at the start of Term 5. Attendance and Punctuality Well done to Mrs Patton and Mrs Mantle with 97% attendance and Mrs Bell’s class with 98%! School Dinner Menu New menus have been sent out this week to start after the Easter Holidays. If you would like your child to have Halal meals, as detailed on the menu, please let the office know which meals on each week they would like as they need to be ordered in advance. For those parent/carers who have already ordered the Halal meals, they will be available from the week beginning the 3rd May and not the 25th April as stated on the menu. There will be a change to the menu on Wednesday 27th April, as it will be a royal wedding menu:- Roast Chicken Drumstick or Vegetable Pie and Ice Cream Pot or Viennese Crown Dates for Diaries Tuesday 26th April - Start of Term 5 Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed Friday 20th May - Bikeability Training Y3/4 Thursday 9th June - Class Photographs Friday 10th June - Non-uniform for School Fair Friday 10th June - Bike It Prize Day KS1 - KS2 Thursday 16th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass Friday 17th June - Level 2 Bike Check Saturday 18th June - School Fair Monday 20th June - Book Fair Week Tuesday 28th June - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6 Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed Tuesday 5th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6 Thursday 7th July - Level 2 Bike Training Y5/6 Friday 8th July - CLIC Sergeant Football – non-uniform Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed Have a great Easter break and best wishes Matt Condon Headteacher

Friday 1st April, 2011

2011-04-01T14:55:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carers, Easter School Mass We will be celebrating Easter Mass next Friday at 2pm. As Father Joy is away, Fr Frank Birmingham will celebrate the Mass with us. The Mass will be in the school hall. IMPORTANT - Site Security Can I remind you all that anybody coming into the school must check with reception first and sign in before coming into school. The visitors signing in book is now in the entrance porch. 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 Mrs Slade has to repeatedly contact parents with regard to their child’s absence, I will have no alternative but to record the pupil’s absence as unauthorised, which could result in a referral being made to the Educational Welfare Officer. Parent Questionnaire from School Governors Could you please return the parent questionnaire and return to school by Friday 8th April. This questionnaire will support the Governors in identifying ways to continue school improvement. Polish Easter Celebrations The School Governors wish to thank parents, pupils and staff for another successful cultural celebration. The children explained Polish customs in a special assembly and parents were invited into school for tea and delicious Polish cakes at the end of the school day. CAFOD Groups in year 6 will be holding different activities to raise money for CAFOD. One group will be doing a crazy catwalk, it will be held on Friday 8th April, on the last day of term in privilege time. This will cost children 20p which is great value! School Dinner Money Please can I remind you that dinner money must be paid on a Monday or the first day of the week in an envelope with your child's name on it and handed to the teacher or the office. Small dinner money envelopes are available to buy from Mrs Gossan - 50 for £1.50 or 100 for £2.50. Attendance and Punctuality Well done to Miss Wright’s class with 98% and Mrs Patton’s with 96%. Celebration Assembly – BIKE IT and African Drumming There will be a celebration assembly next Monday 4th April, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s award: Ridah Chaudhry, Charlotte Kelly, Molly McBride, Nuala Wallace, Daniel Apperley., Hannah Richards, Abigayle Williams and Jeleil Manmohan. We will also be announcing winners of the BIKE IT competition and enjoying a performance from the African Drumming Club. As always, parents are welcome to attend this assembly. Dates for Diaries Tuesday 5th April - Cookathon Friday 8th April - Easter Mass in Church at 2pm Friday 8th April - End of Term 4 Tuesday 26th April - Start of Term 5 Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed Best wishes Matt Condon Headteacher

Friday 25th March, 2011

2011-03-25T14:30:00.004Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

Polish Easter Egg Competition

For this competition children have been asked to decorate their own egg in a traditional Polish way. Photographs of these eggs are on the school blog. Children can decorate their eggs either with multi-coloured pens of paints or through the traditional way of boiling the egg with red onion, which colour the shell a browny red, and scratching a design on the egg. The competition costs 50p to enter and the closing date is Tuesday 29th March. All proceeds go to the PTFA fund and the winners and prizes will be announced in the Polish Easter Day assembly on the 30th March. Polish Easter Day will include a special assembly in the morning and Polish refreshments at the end of the school day.

Attendance

A good week last week! Mrs Ford’s class had 96%, Miss Wright’s class had 97%, Mr Conlon’s and Mrs Bell’s classes had 98% attendance and Mrs Patton’s class with an amazing 99%!

Fr Pat De Wolf – Golden Jubilee Mass Fr Pat De Wolf, who was the Parish Priest at St Joseph’s for many years, has just celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a Priest and will be celebrating with us at St Joseph’s Church on Sunday 27th March at the 10.00am Mass. Everybody is welcome and there will be a celebration afterwards.

School Meals

Choose school dinners for a week commencing Monday 28th March, to Friday 1st April, by completing the form sent home in the week and your child could be in a position to win an iPod touch.

Parents Evening - Appointments

For parents evenings over the last couple of weeks, many parents were unable to make appointed times and have requested to meet teacher at other times after school. We feel very strongly that working in partnership with parents is really important and always do our best to be flexible and meet parents when convenient. However, I have noticed that an increasing number of parents are requesting different appointment times which teachers are finding difficult to manage. In future parent’s evenings I would expect all parents to do their upmost to arrange and keep appointments on the set parent’s evenings. Thanks for your cooperation in this matter.

Class Assembly

Miss Wright’s class assembly is on Friday 1st April at 9.15am. All parents welcome.

Lepra

The final amount raised for the leprosy charity Lepra is an outstanding £905.69. Well done to everyone who supported this cause.

Crimestoppers

If you have information about any crime you are concerned about, please phone the police on 0845 456 7000 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday 28tht March, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s award: Rachel Butcher, Irene Raju, Mathews Manuel, Poppy Kelliher-Swash. As always, parents are welcome to attend this assembly.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 29th March - Closing date for Easter egg competition
Wednesday 30th March - Polish Easter Day (assembly and refreshments)
Friday 1st April - Y1 Class Assembly
Friday 8th April - Easter Mass in Church
Friday 8th April - End of Term 4
Tuesday 26th April - Start of Term 5
Monday 6th June - INSET Day – school closed
Friday 1st July - INSET Day - school closed
Friday 15th July - INSET Day - school closed

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 18th March

2011-03-18T14:32:00.002Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

St Joseph’s Day

St Joseph’s Day is tomorrow (19th March). There is a change to St Joseph’s Mass next week. We will now be celebrating this very special day on Wednesday, 23rd March with a Mass in the school hall. This Mass will begin at 11.00am . All family and friends are welcome.

Polish Easter Egg Competition

We are announcing this competition in Monday’s assembly. Children will learn about the Polish custom of decorating Easter Eggs. Children will then be able to decorate their own egg, in this Polish tradition, and enter them a PTFA Easter competition. We will post pictures of Polish Easter eggs on the blog and the closing date for the competition is Tuesday 29th March with the winners announced in the Polish Easter Day assembly on the 30th March. Polish Easter Day will include a special assembly in the morning and Polish refreshments at the end of the school day.
Video to Celebrate Year of Education
As part of the events organised for The Year for Catholic Education, on Wednesday evening there was an exhibition of RE work in Clifton Cathedral feature work and a video from St Joseph’s. The video featured pupils from our school talking about how ‘together in God’s family we love, grow and learn’. The Diocese are planning to show the video on their website soon. We will show the video (which is only 6 minutes long) just after school, in the hall next Friday.

Sickness

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, could you please telephone the office, who will then let the class teacher know. It we are not informed, an absence cannot be authorised by the school.

Also if your child is an after school club, but is unable to attend, please let the office know. This is so we know you child is safe.

Fr Pat De Wolf – Golden Jubilee Mass

Fr Pat De Wolf, who was the Parish Priest at St Joseph’s for many years, has just celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a Priest and will be celebrating with us at St Joseph’s Church on Sunday 27th March at the 10.00am Mass. Everybody is welcome and there will be a celebration afterwards.

Crimestoppers

If you have information about any crime you are concerned about, please phone the police on 0845 456 7000 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.

Attendance

Well done to Miss Wright’s class with 100% attendance last week!!! They will be able to wear non-uniform Thursday 24th March. Also well done to Mr Conlon ’s class who came a very close second with 99%. Overall attendance and punctuality is improving with your support.

Team Points Winners - Non-Uniform

St Luke were the winners for team points last term and will be able to wear non-uniform on Friday 25th March.

Internet Consent Forms

Internet letters were sent to all families on Wednesday, 2nd March. We have had only half a dozen returned this week. Unfortunately if we do not receive your child’s completed internet consent form, they will be unable to use the internet in school. The internet can be a valuable learning tool.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday 21st March, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s award:
Angus Wallace, Tasha Wines, Satn Smith, Talia Scott, Mariah, Agnel Aliyath and Mikenagh Quirke
As always parents are welcome to attend this assembly.

Dates for Diaries

Saturday 19th March - St Joseph’s Day
Wednesday 23rd March - St Joseph’s Day Mass
Thursday 24th March - Miss Wright class non uniform.
Friday 25th March - St Luke’s non uniform day
Tuesday 29th March - Closing date for Easter egg competition
Wednesday 30th March - Polish Easter Day (assembly and refreshments)
Best wishes
Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 11th March, 2011

2011-03-11T14:36:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

Parents Evening - Appointments

If you are unable to keep an appointment to see your child’s teacher, could you please inform the school so the message can be passed on. This week several meetings were missed without teachers being informed.

Lent and Prayer Books

These will be given out to all children at the start of next week. These books have been presented to the school by Bishop Declan to help us celebrate the Year of Catholic Education. The books will stay in school for now, so that children can use them in class. The children will then bring them home later in Lent to help them pray at home.

Fr Pat De Wolf

Fr Pat De Wolf, who was the Parish Priest at St Joseph’s for many years, has just celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a Priest and will be celebrating with us at St Joseph’s Church on Sunday 27th March at the 10.00am Mass. Everybody is welcome and there will be a celebration afterwards.

St Joseph’s Day

The feast of St Joseph (19th March), is this year on a Saturday. We will be celebrating this very special day on Tuesday 22nd March with a Mass in the school hall. This Mass will begin at 9.30am. All family and friends are welcome.

Red Nose Day

As part of the PTFA celebrations, please bake or bring in some cakes on Friday 18th March.
Children can also make a contribution of 50p and ‘wear something funny’. Also £100.00 has been raised by the sale of red noses.

Attendance

All the children who received 100% will be having tea and cakes next Wednesday afternoon with me. Also well done to the 5 classes who attended over 95% last week.

It’s great to see attendance getting so much better this year. Thank you all.

Team Points Winners - Non-Uniform

St Luke were the winners for team points last term and will be able to wear non-uniform on Friday 25th March.

Internet Consent Forms

Internet letters were sent to all families on Wednesday, 2nd March. We have had fewer than 50% returned. Unfortunately if we do not receive your child’s completed internet consent form, they will be unable to use the internet in school. The internet can be a valuable learning tool.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly next Monday 14th March, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s award: Cameron Wallace, Eddy Brain, Angus Wallace and Madeleine Khan-Slade.

The Year for Catholic Education

As part of the events organised for The Year for Catholic Education, there will an exhibition of RE work in Clifton Cathedral during the week beginning March 14th. This will feature work from St Joseph’s.

On Wednesday 16th March from 7pm, pupils from different schools will be present in the cathedral to present an evening of drama, dance, and music on the same theme as well as explaining their work and its implications. This evening will feature a short video featuring children from St Joseph’s.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 14th March - Mrs Joseph’s class – visit to Bristol Harbour
Tuesday 15th March - Bike It Breakfast (8-9am)
Wednesday 16th March - RE presentation at the Cathedral
Thursday 17th March - Parents Evening
Friday 18th March - Y5P, Y4/5J and Y4C to see exhibition in
Portland square
Friday 18th March - Red Nose Day
Saturday 19th March - St Joseph’s Day
Wednesday 23rd - St Joseph’s Day Mass
Friday 25th March - St Luke’s non uniform day
Sunday 27th March - Fr Pat De Wolf Golden Jubilee Mass

Best wishes - Matt Condon, Headteacher

Friday 4th March 2011

2011-03-04T15:04:00.002Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

A message from Mr Sherwin –

The final week of last term was e-safety week and the children learned about how to stay safe on the internet. One of the issues that arose during the week was the number of children using the internet independently and the number of children using social network sites, such as Facebook. Despite the rules of Facebook stating that you must be 13 years old, there seems to be a growing trend of young children creating accounts. The school computer network blocks social network sites at school but children are still accessing them at home. To try and help protect those children that are on Facebook we have explained to them how to set the privacy settings so that only people they know and trust can see their personal information. To do this click on the ‘account’ menu on the left side of the webpage, and select ‘privacy’, then select friends only for all options.

As technologies change and develop it’s difficult but important to have discussions with your children about what they are using on the internet to ensure that they are accessing appropriate materials and keeping themselves safe. Now is the perfect opportunity to have a discussion about what your child is using on the internet and how you can help protect them. For more information go to http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ or contact the school.

INTERNET LETTERS WERE SENT OUT ON WEDNESDAY. THE SLIPS MUST BE RETURNED IF CHILDREN ARE TO USE THE INTERNET IN SCHOOL. Thank you for those already returned.

The Year for Catholic Education

As part of the events organised for the year for Catholic Education there will an exhibition of RE work in Clifton Cathedral during the week beginning March 14th. The exhibition which will consist of art work, written pieces, models and multi media work has been created by pupils from around the diocese under the title, ‘I have come that you may have Life’. On Wednesday 16th March from 7pm pupils from different schools will be present in the cathedral to present an evening of drama, dance, and music on the same theme as well as explaining their work and its implications. If you are able please come and support the young people and the work of our schools by visiting the cathedral during the week or attending the evening events.

School Meals

The menu for next Wednesday will not be a roast, it will be replaced by fish fingers as it is Ash Wednesday.

Red Nose Day Cake Sale

As part of the Red Nose Day celebrations, we will be holding a cake sale. Please bake or bring in some cakes on Friday 18th March. The PTFA will sell them after school to raise money for Comic Relief.

Parents Evenings

These are being held over the next 2 weeks. At the last parent evenings, school governors spoke to many parents about the usefulness of the mini reports that were given out at these meetings. As a result of this consultation we are no longer using this format to share information. Teachers will give detailed verbal feedback about progress and next steps in learning. We are reviewing the format of end of year reports and the views of parents will influence how we report on progress in the future.

Special Attendance Celebration Assembly

As part of Monday’s Celebration Assembly, we will be celebrating children whose attendance is 98% and above:
Summer Allen, Evie Attwood, Jane Campus, Thomas Coombs, Rungkan Downes, Oliver Dunne, Kelsey Ford, Vanessa Johnson, Vivian Johnson, Fortune Jumbo, Ceris Lee, Jeleil Manmohan, Samuel Masenyama, Gabriel Matorres, Ty Mitichell, Lea Scott, Joel Shelvi, Kamal Smallwood, Joseph Staddon, Geroge Stenner, Aaron Tarr, Jordan Toy, Eoan Tuohy, Benjamin Underhill, David Wabissa, Vanessa Wabissa, Joseph Cachia, Lauren Helm, Samantha Masenyama Hannah Maslowski, Charles Russell, Jake Turner, Benny Emmanuel, Micah Gayle, Daniel George, Emediong Jumbo, Oliver Kelliher-Swash, Liam Kelly, Joseph Lambe, Nathan Long, Bethany Prasad, Elizabeth Rice, Talia Scott, Luke Staddon, Jessica Vadhyanath, Owen Webb, Oliver Wiecioach-Giles, Zahra Smallwood, Allen Vincent, Isabella Poole Muskan Rehan, Rahim Rehan, Stan Smith, Dean Turner, Aleena Vincent, Isabel Matthew, Alexander Ailyath, Harrison Bains-Doyle, Erin Brooks, Stan Doling, Harvey Clement, Lewis Hodder, Hannah James, Madeleine Khan-Slade, Loredna Parrinello, Reuben Reji, Liam Rice, Kavita Sahota, Shaun Snaden, Emily Wiercioch-Giles, Isabella Woodruff and Norbert Kulesza.

The following children will also be receiving Headteacher’s Awards –
Jane Campos, Olivia Jim, Ruby Webber, George Stenner, Micah Gayle, Shaun Snaden, Chloe Bowden and Liam Rice.

As always parents are welcome to attend this assembly.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 7th March - Special Attendance Celebration Assembly
Tuesday 8th March - Parents Evening
Wednesday 9th March - Ash Wednesday special assembly
Wednesday 9th March - Year 6 visit to The Royal Opera House
Monday 14th March - Mrs Joseph’s class – visit to Bristol Harbour
Thursday 17th March - Parents Evening
Friday 18th March - Y5P, Y4/5J and Y4C to see exhibition in
Portland square
Friday 18th March - Red Nose Day

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Thursday 17th February 2011

2011-02-17T16:12:00.002Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

A REMINDER THAT THE SCHOOL IS CLOSED TOMORROW!!!! INSET DAY

Sing-Up Gold Award

Well done to everyone as we now have our Gold Award, which was presented this week and is now proudly taking place on the wall in the corridor. A big thank you to all the children, parents, Mrs Marsh and all the staff for this achievement. There was also a feature published in the Evening Post on Wednesday about the school receiving this award.

Lepra - Health in Action

Thank you to everyone who supported Lepra Health in Action. We have raised so far an amazing £600.00 and money is still coming in! This money will help cure many people of this terrible disease.

Red Nose Day

This takes place Friday 18th March. The PTFA and school have plans for this day. We will keep you informed of what is happening at the start of Term 4.

Parents Evening

Parents Evening letters will be going out on Monday, 28th February. The dates are Tuesday 8th March and Thursday 17th March.

School Attendance

Well done to Mrs Rollings, Mrs Ford and Mrs Patton’s classes with great attendance of 98%.

200 Club

The winners for December and January draw are:-
Mrs M Palmer £24.00
Mrs S Tuohy £23.50
We thank all members of the club for their continuing support.
Tickets cost £1 each. If you are interested in joining the club, please see Mrs Gossan

Newsletters

Although we have had a few teething problems with e-mailing out the newsletter, we are now ready to reduce the number of paper copies that we send out. After the February holiday, we will only be sending out paper copies to those who have requested them or have not given their e-mail address. If you would like to receive newsletters by e-mail, please let the office have your current e-mail address as soon as possible.

Internet Safety

We are sending out updated letters, guidance and permission slips after half-term. Please read them carefully with your children and return them to the school. These slips are very important as we do need updated permission for children to continue using the internet in school.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4
Monday 7th March - Special Attendance Celebration Assembly
Tuesday 8th March - Parents Evening
Wednesday 9th March - Year 6 visit to The Royal Opera House
Monday 14th March - Mrs Joseph’s class – visit to Bristol Harbour
Thursday 17th March - Parents Evening
Friday 18th March - Y5P, Y4/5J and Y4C to see exhibition in
Portland square
Friday 18th March - Red Nose Day

Have a great February break

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Friday 11th February

2011-02-11T12:00:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

I’m now at the end of a great week teaching Year 4. It was good to see them make some good progress in their writing and other areas of learning. We are looking forward to hearing all the stories from children who have been on camp in the Forest of Dean, when they return this afternoon.

Gold SingUp Award
The school has been working hard to achieve it’s Gold SingUp Award, led by Mrs Marsh. After eighteen months of introducing more singing in the school and using singing as a learning tool, we can announce that we have achieved the Gold Award! Here are some comments made by Laurie Gethin, the SingUp Area Co-Ordinator, in the Gold Award feedback –

There is a lovely ethos in the school, which I have had the privilege of experiencing myself.
The children make a wonderful sound, both in class and collectively as a group with the community, and this inclusive approach can only help bond family and friends further beyond the school grounds.
I love the roles these children play in your school, to help empower those children and to help singing to penetrate to every corner of the school.
It is FANTASTIC to see twelve members of staff who feel confident to lead singing! By far the most I have ever seen in an Award endorsement. It is so clear all the staff has embraced the Award as part of their teaching to their children, and I commend every one of you, what fabulous teachers, keep it up! A school where staff sing, is a school where pupils will sing, and create a happy learning environment.

Next Tuesday we shall be holding a special assembly, where all parents are welcome, during which Laurie will be presenting the Gold Award to us.

Well done to all the staff and pupils who have worked so hard to make this happen, and to all of you in the community who have supported us in this process. Laurie has also invited the school to be nominated for the Platinum Award, which can only be achieved if a school is invited to do so. So we shall be looking into the possibility of reaching this level before funding is discontinued, which is due to happen in the next few months. Fingers crossed, we will achieve the Platinum Award. Another great achievement for the school!

Film Club
Film Club will resume next Tuesday 15th February.

PTFA Cake Sale
The PTFA are holding a cake sale after school on Tuesday, 15th February, at 3.30pm.
We would welcome any donations of cakes or biscuits, and if you would like to help at the sale, just come and find us.

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Patton’s class with an outstanding 100% and for this reason they will be able to wear non-uniform on Thursday 17th February. Also well done to Mrs Ford’s class with 98% and Mrs Mantle’s with 97% attendance.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 14th February, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:
Meigan Westlake, Laura Apperly, Olivia Woodruff, Carolina Eubebeagu, Norbert Kulesza, Harrison Bains-Doyle and Dean Turner.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 14th February - E Safety Week
Tuesday 15th February - SingUp Gold Award Presentation
Wednesday 16th February - Lepra workout
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day – School Closed
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4
Monday 7th March - Special Attendance Celebration Assembly
Wednesday 9th March - Year 6 visit to The Royal Opera House
Monday 14th March - Mrs Joseph’s class – visit to Bristol Harbour

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Friday 4th February 2011

2011-02-04T13:44:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

Writing at St Joseph’s

This week we welcomed Rob Worsford, Headteacher of Air Balloon Hill Primary School, into school to spend a day looking at an aspect of our work. We asked him to look at writing as we feel we have made real improvements in this area over the last few years. He has now submitted a report which was extremely positive. His feedback included the following comments –

Children’s behaviour is excellent. Wonderful calm atmosphere. Respectful, polite, engaged and interested children.
Children are open, approachable and keen to talk about their work and their school.
Children display a great deal of pride in their work and their school.
Children were independent in that they knew what to do if they were stuck and where to find information. Seemed self-assured.
Children said they listened to other children’s work and learnt from it.
In every class I went in the children were engaged in activities, there was no passive learning. A really strong feature!
All teaching appeared to be at least good. But with high expectations, high standards and excellent learning attitudes – some of it is outstanding.

WELL DONE TO EVERYBODY FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND ACHIEVEMENT.

Lepra Fundraising

This morning Sara, from the charity Lepra, came into school to talk to children about how they can help people who suffer from this disease. The children will be bringing home a pack today and are encouraged to ask for donations. All donations, however small, are welcomed. There will be a fun Lepra workout on Wednesday 16th of February to say thank you to the children for their support.

Class Assembly

The Reception class assembly is Friday 11th February, at 9.10am. Everyone is invited.
Clothes for a Cause
Well done to everyone who supported the ‘Clothes for a Cause’ £146.57 was raised. The School Council will be donating this money to a children’s charity.

E-Safety Week

This is being held on the week beginning Monday 14th February. During this week children will learn how to use the internet safely at home and in school. To coincide with this we will be sending home revised internet permission letters. These letters will explain how we manage information safely but also request that you give permission for children to use the internet safely in school. It is very important that parents read, sign and return the response part of this letter. Mr Sherwin or I will be available to answer any queries on this subject.

Film Club

There will be no film club on Tuesday 8th February.

African Drumming After School Club

African drumming will now finish at 4.30 due to an earlier start. Please ensure that your children are collected at this new time.

School Attendance

Well done to Mrs Mantle’s class with an outstanding 99%, and Mrs Rollings’ and Mr Conlon’s classes with a great 97%. Our attendance is on the up – let’s keep it up!!! Punctuality is also improving. Thank you all for your support.

Celebration Assembly

There will be no celebration assembly on Monday 7th February.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Tuesday 8th February - Y5P and Mass in church
Wednesday 9th February - “Sing Up Day” for Gold Medal Award
Monday 14th February - E Safety Week
Wednesday 16th February - Lepra workout
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day – School Closed
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4
Wednesday 9th March - Year 6 – visit to The Royal Opera House
Monday 14th March - Mrs Joseph’s class – visit to Bristol Harbour

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

28th January 2011

2011-01-28T13:00:00.001Z

Dear Parent/Carers,

E. Mail and Online Newsletter

The newsletter for the last 3 weeks has been e.mailed to parents as well as the paper copy. We have had a couple of hiccups, but think it is a great step forward. Soon we will no longer be sending out paper copies, if we email the newsletter to you. Also the School Blog keeps you updated about the newsletter, events and sharing quality information about your child’s learning.

School Attendance

Well done to Miss Wright’s class with an outstanding 99%, and Mrs Ford’s and Mr Conlon’s classes with 98%. Overall last weeks attendance was very good with 5 classes attending over 95%. Let’s keep it up!!!

St Joseph’s Pre-school are holding a Pig Race Night!

Saturday 5th February from 6 pm till 9 pm. Fun and Games for ALL the Family!!
Tickets just £1 for Adults and Children FREE!

BECOME A ‘PIG OWNER’ BY BUYING A PIG NOW!! Each PIG £2 per race – you even get to give it a name! (Call in to Pre-school for further information) AND/OR just place bets on the night and see how much you can win!! Soft drinks, snacks and Hot Dogs available to buy on the night. (No Alcohol for sale but you may bring your own if you wish)

Animals on School Premises

Can I remind you that Dogs are not permitted on the school grounds.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, 31st January, at 9.15am. Everybody welcome to attend, where the following children will receive their Headteachers Awards and Rebecca Davis receiving her swimming certificate.

Aaron Tarr, Stan Smith, Thomas Hallard, Angus Wallace, Alisha Latif, Reuben Reji, Muskan Rehan, Izza Chaudhry, Mia Hood and Erin Brooks.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Tuesday 8th February - Y5P and Mass in church
Wednesday 9th February - “Sing Up Day” for Gold Medal Award
Monday 14th February - E Safety Week
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day – School Closed
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4
Wednesday 9th March - Year 6 to the Royal Albert Hall
Monday 14th March - Mrs Joseph’s class – Bristol Harbourside

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Friday 21st January

2011-01-21T14:56:00.000Z

Dear Parent/Carers

Funny Bones Puppet Show

The ‘Funny Bones Puppet Show’ was part of class Y45Js curriculum and was a great success. The children really enjoyed it and it has inspired lots of future learning. A big thank you to the PTFA who fully funded this activity. The PTFA do great work supporting the learning experiences of your children, but they need your support! We will be asking for your help soon. However big or small, we would appreciate all offers of support.

Gardening Club

The gardening club is now starting to plan this years planting and are looking for donations of any unwanted pot and planters that you may no longer want. All donations will be gratefully received.

Clothes for a Cause

Please could you ensure that all bags of clothing, curtains, shoes and bags are brought to school by Thursday 27th January as they are being collected at 8.30am on Friday morning.

After School Clubs

There are spaces available for Fencing after school club on a Thursday for years 3-6, and also for African Drumming which is also Thursday for year 4-6. If you are interested in your child attending either of the clubs, please contact Mrs Gossan in the office or by e-mail - bursar.st.josephs.p@bristol.gov.uk

Key Stage 2 SATS

Key Stage 2 SATS is week commencing the 9th May.

School Attendance

Well done to Mrs Patton’s class with 97%!

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, 24th January, at 9.15am. Everybody welcome to attend, where the following children will receive their Headteacher’s Awards:
Laura Apperley, Catalina Bodnarescu, Emily Webb, Alexander Aliyath, Nile Thomas, Shinique Dehaney and Ida Johansson

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 25th January - Class 4C and Class 5/5J Mass in church
Tuesday 1st February - Year 1 and 2 Mass in church
Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Wednesday 9th February - “Sing Up Day” for Gold Medal Award
Monday 14th February - E Safety Week
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day – School Closed
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4
Monday 9th May - Year 6 SATs week

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Friday 15th January 2011

2011-01-14T14:50:00.000Z

Dear Parent/Carers

Travel to Faith Schools
Good News - Bristol City Council have announced that any changes to funding for children to travelling to faith schools will not affect children going to secondary school this coming September.

Playground & Security
Can I please remind you PARENTS MUST ONLY ENTER THE SCHOOL THROUGH THE MAIN ENTRANCE. Children or staff must not open any outside doors for anyone. Also children must exit the school via allocated doors – not the main school entrance.

Internet Safety
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 commencing Monday 14th February.

Free School Meals
If you are eligible for free school meals, you can now apply online at www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/fsm. You are eligible if you receive:-
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Child Tax Credit, but not working tax credit (income less than £16,190)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The Guaranteed Element of the Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support.

Paper copies of the form can be obtained from Mrs Gossan

School Uniform
There is in place a school uniform, comprising of a white polo shirt, navy blue sweatshirt, cardigan, fleece, grey trousers/skirts 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.

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

School Menu Change
The school menu has had to be altered for the next 2 weeks. On the 18th January it will be Sausage and Chips and on the 25th January it will be Curry.

TV Debut
Mrs Pauline Sheere, our school crossing patrol will be making her TV debut on Saturday 22nd January, in the quiz show ‘ In it to win it’ with Dell Winton at 8.00pm.

School Attendance
Mrs Rolling’s, Mrs Ford’s, Mrs Patton’s classes had a good 97% and Mr Conlon’s class had a great 98% attendance.

St John’s Team
Well done to St John’s who won last terms team points. They will be able to wear non-uniform next Friday, 21st January.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, 18th January, at 9.15am. Everybody welcome to attend, where the following children will receive their Headteachers Awards :-
Jade Johnson, Kwame Hartley, Belinda Joseph, Natalia Franczak, Jakub Wawrowski, Davina Masemo and children in Year 3 will receive Swimming Certificates.

Dates for Diaries
Tuesday 18th January - Class 5P and Year 3 Mass in church
Friday 21st January - St John’s Non Uniform Day
Tuesday 25th January - Class 4C and Class 5/5J Mass in church
Tuesday 1st February - Year 1 and 2 Mass in church
Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Wednesday 9th February - “Sing Up Day” for Gold Medal Award
Monday 14th February - E Safety Week
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day – School Closed
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Special Announcement - for Y6 Parents

2011-01-07T15:54:00.002Z

INFORMATION REGARDING DENOMINATIONAL TRANSPORT

Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People has confirmed that funding arrangements for children travelling to faith schools will not change, for those starting at faith schools in September this year.

During November and December, Bristol City Council asked parents, carers and the school community for their views on proposed changes to the council’s current policy of providing free travel for all students attending their nearest faith school, if it is beyond walking distance (more than two miles from home for a primary school and more than three miles from home for a secondary school).

The service is currently provided to all, regardless of family income, even though there may be other nearer schools. It usually takes the form of supplying a free bus pass.

One of the main concerns raised was the proposed timing of the change. The original proposal was to introduce changes for pupils starting at faith schools in September this year. As the majority of pupils affected are travelling to secondary school, this would mean that parents did not know about funding changes when they made their decision about which school to apply for, by the October admissions deadline.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: “We have listened to the concerns raised and decided not to change funding for travel to faith schools for children due to start at school this September. Funding for children already attending faith schools is also protected and there was never a proposal to remove this funding.

“A report will be brought to cabinet later this year, outlining proposed changes from September 2012 onwards. Any decision on changes will be made in time for parents to take travel arrangements into account when deciding on school preferences.”

Friday 7th January, 2011

2011-01-07T11:55:00.002Z

Dear Parent/Carers

Happy New Year to you all. We wish you all a peaceful and prosperous 2011. Thank you to all parents who have provided us with emails for newsletters. We will be emailing this newsletter home and will stop sending paper copies home soon to parents who get the electronic copy. This will save lots of paper!

SCHOOL STARTS AT 8.55am. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD GETS TO SCHOOL ON TIME.

Ronald Mcdonald House and Cots for Tots
Well done to everyone who supported the choir and this important charity. £1,471 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House, by the different choirs taking part and £175.41 for Cots for Tots.

Mary Edwards – Retiring after 31 Years Service
There will be a special presentation for Mary Edwards, who has retired after working at St Joseph’s for 31 years as a School Meal Supervisory Assistant (Dinner Lady). We will be saying goodbye to her in a special assembly on Friday, 14th January at 9.15am. You are all invited.

Internet Safety for Parents
On Tuesday 11th January (6.30pm), at Bristol Brunel Academy, South West Grid for Learning and your local Police will talk about how children might be using the Internet more safely. Technologies such as Instant Messenger and social Networking sites will be demystified. The session (around 90 minutes) will provide you with methods and approaches to help protect you and your children whilst using the Internet and allow you to ask questions of the experts.

Aladdin
The Warmley Players (featuring Kelsey Ford from Y6) present the pantomime Aladdin at the Warmley Community centre from Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd January. Please see the poster in the playground notice board for details.

Zig-Zag
Lines Once again a big thank you to the parents who are not parking on the zig-zag lines. Can I remind parents that stopping in the middle of the road to let your children out is extremely dangerous. We are monitoring dangerous parking and are passing details onto the Police. I will also be contacting individual parents who continue to act in a dangerous manner.

Dean Field Study Centre
Trip Please could you ensure that all monies due for the above trip are paid by 11th January - outstanding balances can be obtained from Mrs Gossan. Cheques to be made payable to Bristol City Council.

PTFA Coffee Morning
On Friday 14th January, the PTFA are inviting you for tea and a doughnut in school and to let you know what plans we have for the year ahead. Please come along for a chat and a cup of tea at 9am next Friday.

ICT Club
The final session of ICT after school club for year 5's will be held on Monday 10th January.

After School Clubs
The following after school clubs will be starting next week:-

Tuesday - Film Club
Wednesday - Choir
Thursday - Y3/4 Cookery Club - 6 weeks and Y4-6 African Drumming - 13 weeks

There will also be taster sessions for a Football after school club (Y3-6) next week during the school day with the aim of starting the club on Tuesday 25th January.

Clothes for a Cause
The annual event of recycling old clothes, shoes, bags and curtains will take place at the end of January. Collection bags will be sent home next week and they will need to be in school for collection by Thursday 27th January. Money raised will be given to charity.

Dates for Diaries
Tuesday 11th January - Year 6 and Reception Mass in church Tuesday 18th January - Class 5P and Year 3 Mass in church
Tuesday 25th January - Class 4C and Class 5/5J Mass in church
Tuesday 1st February - Year 1 and 2 Mass in church
Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day – School Closed
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4

Matt Condon,

Headteacher

Thursday 16th December - Apologies for this newsletter being late on the blog

2011-01-04T13:44:00.004Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

PTFA Christmas Disco - CANCELLED

Unfortunately, the PTFA Christmas Disco will not be taking place tomorrow, due to not enough tickets being sold. Refunds will be organised in the New Year.

First Holy Communion and Confirmation Preparations

First Holy Communion is being organised by the Parish this year and will take place in the last week of June 2011. Preparation for First Holy Communion will begin in January. Parents of candidates for First Holy Communion, please contact Fr Joy before the 25th December. Candidates for First Holy Communion need to be in Year 3 or above .

Punctuality

After talking to the children this week, punctuality has improved greatly. Thank you.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3
Thursday 6th January - Mass in Church (The Feast of Epiphany)
Tuesday 11th January - Year 6 and Reception Mass in church
Tuesday 18th January - Year 5 and Year 3 Mass in church
Tuesday 25th January - Year 4C and Y45J Mass in church
Tuesday 1st February - Year 1 and 2 Mass in church
Monday 7th February - Camp week for Year 5 and 6
Tuesday 8th February - Year 5P and Year 3 Mass in church
Tuesday 15th February - Y4C and Y4/5J Mass in church
Thursday 17th February - End of Term 3
Friday 18th February - INSET Day
Monday 28th February - Start of Term 4

Can we wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas,

Matt Condon,

Headteacher

2010-12-10T15:56:00.001Z

Friday 10th December 2010

2010-12-10T14:14:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Reception Nativity
A reminder that the Reception Nativity will be on Monday 13th December, at 9.30am and Tuesday 14th December at 2.00pm.

Christmas Celebrations
We would like to invite you all to our Christmas Carol Concert which will take place in the Parish Church at 2.00pm on Thursday 16th December. We would also like to invite you to our Christmas end of term Mass on Friday 17th December at 9.30am, which will also be in the Church.

PTFA Christmas Disco
A REMINDER TO GET YOUR DISCO TICKETS BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD OUT!!! The disco is next Friday 17th December, 7.00-10.00pm. The children get to choose their own songs – this was a great success in the summer disco!

IMPORTANT - Supervision Before School and Site Security
Can I remind you all of the following –

Although the school does it’s best to provide supervision in the playground between 8.45 and 8.55, this cannot be guaranteed. The care and safety of learners must remain the responsibility of parents and carers, until children enter the school with their class at 8.55.
Adults can only enter the building through the main school entrance (with the exception of parents escorting their children into the Reception class only). Please do not ask any members of staff or children to let you in through any other entrance.
Anybody coming into the school must check with reception first and sign in before coming into school. The visitors signing in book is now in the entrance porch.

Although we still strive to be a welcoming school, these measures obviously mean that we will be restricting access to the school building to those who have been authorised by a member of staff. These measures are in place to ensure –

a) We can account for all persons on premises (in the event of a fire or other emergencies)
b) Nobody is in school who might pose a risk to children

Children's Christmas Mass at St Joseph's - 6pm Christmas Eve
If your children would like to take part in the Children's Christmas mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve, either in the dramatised Gospel or by doing a reading (or both) then there will be two practices. The first will be on Monday 13th December, at 3.45pm in the church and the second will be on Monday, 20th December at 10.00am again in the church. For further information and to express your interest, please ring Cathy Williamson on 9401782. The Mass will also include a collection of gifts for the homeless (tinned food, gloves, etc.) to be taken up at the offertory. Everyone welcome!

PTFA – School Book Fair
Thank you to everyone who supported the book fair. Due to your efforts we raised an amazing £325 worth of books for the school library.

Absence – If your child is ill and unable to attend school, could you please ring and let the school know.

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Joseph’s class with 96%, Miss Wright’s class (third week running) with high attendance of 97% and Mrs Patton’s with a fantastic 98%!

Punctuality – This is not improving. As Headteacher I am welcoming many families into school well after 8.55am. Lateness has a negative impact on learning. We will be writing to parents/carers where this continues to be an issue.

FILMCLUB – The Filmclub will be running next week with a special Christmas film.

Celebration Assembly – Wednesday 15th December, at 9.10am. The following children will received their headteachers award:-
Taychon graham, Josmi Saji, Harvey Hill, Niamh Tuohy-Tillson, Kymani Pinnock, Agnel Ailyath, Emediong Jumbo, Rashid Salawu-Thompson, Emmanuel Benny and Summer Edwards.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 13th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 9.30am
Tuesday 14th December - End of consultation on denominational transport
Tuesday 14th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th December - Infant Party
Thursday 16th November - Carol Concert – 2.00pm in Church
Friday 17th December - Christmas Mass – 9.30am in Church
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon,

Headteacher

Friday 3rd December 2010

2010-12-03T13:11:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Bad Weather
Unless conditions are severe the school will be open. Any closure would be publicised on the blog. The school will remain open all day unless conditions significantly worsen (this will be the absolute last resort). The aim is for business as usual!

It also seems that the cold weather is affecting punctuality. Please can you all prepare for these colder mornings so that you are able to get your children to school on time. Punctuality is still poor!

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

ICT Club -A reminder that ICT will not run this coming Monday 6th December.

‘Tinsel 4 Tots Day’ – by Aaron Tarr Y6
Please support next Friday, 10th December, ‘Tinsel 4 Tots day’. We would like all the children and staff to wear tinsel for the day with non-uniform. It could be as little as wearing a piece on your clothes to dressing up as a tree – use your imagination for a small donation i.e. £1. All money raised will go to St Michael’s Hospital Special Care Unit.

£22.00 buys a ‘nest’ to help babies sleep securely in their cots. £100.00 buys a mattress for an intensive care cot, and £200.00 provides a family with accommodation next to the hospital for two months, so they can be close to their family.

Community Carols Around the TreeNext Wednesday 8th December from 3.45-4.45pm there will be an opportunity to join the school choir to sing Christmas Carols around the Christmas tree, followed by minced pies. We want this to be a special community event and we hope you can all come.Cabot Circus ConcertThe choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Thursday 9th December, raising money for the Ronald Macdonald House which is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation, for critically ill children. We will also be collecting money for this charity when we sing around the Christmas Tree the previous day.

Lost Property
Mr Pitt will be setting up a table for lost property on Monday 6th December, in the school hall from 3.15pm onwards.

Dean Field Study Centre
The next instalment of £20 is now due; please could you ensure that payment is sent to the school office by Friday 10th December. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

Clothes for a Cause
The annual event of recycling old clothes, shoes, bags and curtains will take place at the end of January. Collection bags will be sent home to you the week beginning 10th January and they will need to be in school for collection by Thursday 27th January. If you are planning to have a clear out over the holidays, please could you hang onto it until after the holidays where we will be happy to recycle it for you. Money raised will be given to charity.

School Attendance
Well done to Miss Wrights (again), Mr Conlon’s and Mrs Patton’s classes with 97% attendance.

Punctuality - Punctuality much improved in Mrs Bell’s Class and Mr Conlon’s Class. Well done to those two classes.

FILMCLUB - Next week’s film will be part 2 of the Nativity which is rated a PG.

Transport to Denominational Schools - If you have not completed your additional denominational consent form, they are available from the school office.

Celebration Assembly - There will be no celebration assembly on Monday 6th December.

Dates for Diaries

Wednesday 8th December - Community Carols around the tree
Friday 10th December - Tinsel 4 Tots Day (non uniform)
Monday 13th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 9.30am
Tuesday 14th December - End of consultation on denominational transport
Tuesday 14th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th December - Infant Party
Thursday 16th November - Carol Concert – 2.00pm in Church
Friday 17th December - Christmas Mass – 9.30am in Church
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes
Matt Condon, Headteacher

This Friday -

2010-11-30T09:45:00.001Z

Thursday 25th November

2010-11-29T10:29:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

PTFA Christmas Mini-Market

Our Christmas mini-market will be taking place on Friday 3rd December from 3 - 4.30pm, so you can browse in peace before you pick up the children. There will be a range of products on sale, from bags, scarves & hats to make up and toys. There will also be a number of craft activities to keep the children busy, and refreshments. Come along and see if you can get some

Christmas presents

We also need people to help out for an hour or so. If you're available to help, please leave your details with the office.

Author Visit – Next Wednesday

Next Wednesday, Peter J Davidson, fossil hunter, dinosaur enthusiast, inventor and author of the Professor P series of books, will be visiting the school to talk to the children about his new book ‘Professor P and the Jurassic Island’.
Peter will be talking to children about fossils, dinosaurs, his new book and his job as an author. You can also meet him and buy signed copies of his book in the school library after school. ‘Professor P and the Jurassic Coast’ will cost £7.99 and ‘Professor P and the Jurassic Island’ will cost £6.99. Payment can be made by either cash or cheques made payable to Positive Books Limited.

ICT Club

Mr Sherwin is unable to run the after school ICT Club for the next 2 weeks due to other commitments. The dates being the 29th November and the 6th December.

Advent Mass

You are all welcome to join us next Wednesday, 9.30am in the school hall.

Denominational Transport

Bristol City Council has opened consultation on the removal of free transport to denominational schools. This will significantly affect all families whose children attend Catholic secondary schools in other parts of the city.
St Bonaventure’s will be having a meeting next Wednesday 1st December, at 7.00pm, to discuss the transport situation. All parents welcome.

‘Tinsel 4 Tots Day’ – by Aaron Tarr Y6
On Friday, 10th December, we are having a Tinsel 4 Tots day. We would like all the children and staff to wear tinsel for the day with non-uniform. It could be as little as wearing a piece on your clothes to dressing up as a tree – use your imagination for a small donation i.e. £1. All money raised will go to St Michael ’s Hospital Special Care Unit.
£22.00 buys a ‘nest’ to help babies sleep securely in their cots. £100.00 buys a mattress for an intensive care cot, and £200.00 provides a family with accommodation next to the hospital for two months, so they can be close to their family.

School Uniform
As you may have heard on the news, the price of cotton have spiralled and the company that supplies the uniform can no longer absorb the increase, so as of the 1st January prices will increase on average of 25%. If you would like to take advantage of this year’s prices, please make sure that you place your order as soon as possible either by post or on the website www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/s tjosephsrcprimarybs163qr/

Gift Ideas
If you are looking for an unusual gift to give this year, we have some great ideas.
St Joseph's Recipe Book, packed with over 70 recipes for you to try. The cost is £3 each or 2 for £5.
St Joseph's Bag for Life - 100% Organic Cotton shopping bag, brilliant for keeping in your car, pushchair or bag. The cost is £3.50 each
If you are interested in either of these great products, either send in a cheque (made payable to St Joseph's School Fund) with order details on the back or send payment in an envelope with order details on it. Both can be viewed in Mrs Gossan's office

E-mail Communication
This week a letter went to all families detailing the way in which we would like to improve communication. If you are interested in receiving e-mails from the school with information such as the newsletter, after school activities then please return the slip by Friday 3rd December.

Spare Clothing!!!!!
If you have any spare underwear, socks, tights, trousers, we would be most grateful. These will be used as spare clothing in school.

Community Carols Around the Tree

On Wednesday 8th December from 3.45-4.45pm there will be an opportunity to join the school choir to sing Christmas Carols around the Christmas tree, followed by minced pies. We want this to be a special community event and we hope you can all come.

Cabot Circus Concert

The choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Thursday 9th December, raising money for the Ronald Macdonald House which is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation, for critically ill children. We will also be collecting money for this charity when we sing around the Christmas Tree the previous day.

School Attendance

Well done to Miss Wright and Mrs Joseph’s class with 96% attendance and Mrs Ford with 98%!
Punctuality
Punctuality much improved in Mrs Ford’s class and Mrs Mantle’s Class. Well done to those two classes.

FILMCLUB –
Next week’s film will be the Nativity which is rated a PG.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 29th November, at 9.10am. The following children will receive a headteachers award:-
Ollie Louch, Hamze Ibrahim-Mahamoud, Ewan Harries, Joseph Nurse, Marie Bellavia, Meigan Westlake, Ceris Lee and Bethany Prasad.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 30 th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Tuesday 30th November - Class 4C and 4/5J Mass in Church
Wednesday 1st December - Advent Mass in Hall – 9.30am
Wednesday 1st December - Author visit and book signing
Wednesday 1st December - Meeting at St Bonaventures re. transport
Friday 3rd December - PTFA Christmas Market
Wednesday 8th December - Community Carols around the tree
Friday 10th December - Tinsel 4 Tots Day (non uniform)
Monday 13th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 9.30am
Tuesday 14th December - End of consultation on denominational transport
Tuesday 14th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th December - Infant Party
Thursday 16th November - Carol Concert – 2.00pm in Church
Friday 17th December - Christmas Mass – 9.30am in Church
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Friday 19th November 2010

2010-11-19T12:26:00.002Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Book Fair Week
Next week is Book Fair week, and this year it will be in the new library after school every night next week. On Wednesday morning at 9am there will be the opportunity for parents and carers to visit the book fair without your children, so you can have a leisurely browse &
maybe buy a Christmas present or two. All the money we raise is going back into the school library in the form of new books for every age group.

Christmas Mini-Market
On Friday 3rd December we are holding a Christmas mini market from 3 - 4.30pm. There will be gift stalls, tea & mince pies, and Christmas craft activities for children. If you know anyone who makes cards or gifts and would be interested in a stall, please contact Andrea on
07711 574722.

St Joseph’s Parish Christmas Fayre
This exciting annual event is an important fundraising and community event for the Parish. The Fayre is being held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, 27th November, at 2.00pm and the school will be organising a stall as part of the event. Please come and bring you families.

Today your child is bringing home an envelope containing some Grand Draw tickets for a draw that will take place at the Parish Christmas Fair. Tickets are 50p each or £2.50 for a book. (1st prize is £100!) Please could you support the Parish by selling a few to family and friends?! Please return stubbs/money/tickets to the school -whether sold or not - by next Friday 26th November. Thank you for you support!

The school will be running a stall using packets of sweets as prizes. To help support this we will be having a non uniform day on Friday 26th November. Can all children who are wearing
their own clothes bring in a box/packet of sweets/chocolates to be won as a prize on the day. We are also selling products that Y1 children made last year with Bristol Brunel Academy pupils.

Denominational Transport
Bristol City Council has opened consultation on the removal of free transport to denominational schools. This will significantly affect all families whose children attend Catholic secondary schools in other parts of the city.

Currently children aged 11 to 16 are entitled to free travel to their nearest suitable school preferred on grounds of religion or belief, where the distance from their home address to the school is more than 3 miles.

The link for the consultation form is
http://www.opinionsuite.com/bristol/site/departments/children-and-young-peoples-services/travel-to-denominational-church-schools/consultation/consult_view
and is quite simple:-

Option A I do not agree with the proposal
Option B I do agree with the proposal

Please can you support our families by responding to this consultation which closes on the 14th December 2010

Updated Contacts/Medical
If your child’s contact details or any new medical conditions have changed since the end of last term, could you please let the office know as soon as possible.
Community Carols Around the Tree
On Wednesday 8th December from 3.45-4.45pm there will be an opportunity to join the school choir to sing Christmas Carols around the Christmas tree, followed by minced pies. We want this to be a special community event and we hope you can all come.

Cabot Circus Concert
The choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Thursday 9th December, raising money for the Ronald Macdonald House which is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation, for critically ill children. We will also be collecting money for this charity when we sing around the Christmas Tree the previous day.

School Uniform
As you may have heard on the news, the price of cotton have spiralled and the company that supplies the uniform can no longer absorb the increase, so as of the 1st January prices will
increase on average of 25%. If you would like to take advantage of this year’s prices, please make sure that you place your order as soon as possible either by post or on the website www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr/

Chatsworth Road Boundary Wall
We have had a number of enquiries regarding the condition of the school boundary wall on Chatsworth Road. We have received a report from an independent structural engineer which states that the wall is safe and stable - although unsightly. We will continue to monitor the wall on a regular basis.

Morrisons Lets Grow Vouchers
Please could you ensure that you send in any Morrisons vouchers by Monday 22nd November as we need to send the order off during that week.

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Rollings class again with 96% attendance, Miss Wright’s and Mrs Joseph’s classes with 97%, Mrs Ford’s and Mrs Bells’ classes with 98%.

Punctuality
As you know we are currently trying hard to address the issue of lateness. Our records show us that the most punctual classes last week were Mrs Mantle’s and Mr Conlon’s.

Still too many children are coming into school late each day.

Drumming Club
There will be Drumming Club on Thursday 25th November.

Spare Clothing
If you have any spare underwear, socks, tights, trousers, we would be most grateful. These will be used as spare clothing in school.

Term Dates for 2011
· Term 3 Tuesday 4th January to Friday 18th February.
· Term 4 Monday 28th February to Friday 8th April.
· Term 5 Tuesday 26th April to Friday 27th May.
· Term 6 Monday 6th June to Friday 22nd July.

Celebration Assembly
The usual time for these assemblies will be returning to 9.10am on a Monday morning with assemblies finishing by 9.30am. There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 22nd November, at 9.10am. The following children will receive a headteachers award:-

Mariah Ahmed, Irene Raju, Kai Drysdale, Nathan Long, Robyn Halliday, Meikel Quirke and Vivian Johnson.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 22nd November - Book Fair Week
Friday 26th November - Non uniform day (bring a packet of sweets)
Saturday 27th November - Parish Christmas Fayre
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Wednesday 1st December - Advent Mass in Hall – 9.30am
Friday 3rd December - PTFA Christmas Market
Wednesday 8th December - Community Carols around the tree
Monday 13th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 9.30am
Tuesday 14th December - End of consultation on denominational transport
Tuesday 14th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th December - Infant Party
Thursday 16th November - Carol Concert – 2.00pm in Church
Friday 17th December - Christmas Mass – 9.30am in Church
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon,
Headteacher

Friday 12th November 2010

2010-11-12T13:28:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

LATENESS!!!!!
Our records show that there are a number of pupils who are arriving late. We are sure you will understand lateness can be very disruptive to the school day for all children (not just those who are late). Missing the start of lessons means instructions and other essential information will have to be repeated, which will delay the start of lessons and the children’s learning.

The school day starts at 8.55am and any pupils arriving after that time will be marked as late. Parents and carers of children who are being persistently late are being written to and if punctuality does not improve cases will be referred to the Education Welfare Officer.

St Joseph’s Parish Christmas Fayre
This exciting annual event is an important fundraising and community event for the Parish. The Fayre is being held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, 27th November, at 2.00pm and the school will be organising a stall as part of the event. Please come and bring you families.

The school will be running a stall using packets of sweets as prizes. To help support this we will be having a non uniform day on Friday 26th November. Can all children who are wearing their own clothes bring in a box/packet of sweets/chocolates to be won as a prize on the day. We ware also selling products that Y1 children made last year with Bristol Brunel Academy pupils.

Updated Contacts/Medical - If your child’s contact details or any new medical conditions have changed since the end of last term, could you please let the office know as soon as possible.

Community Carols Around the Tree
On Wednesday 8th December from 3.45-4.45pm there will be an opportunity to join the school choir to sing Christmas Carols around the Christmas tree, followed by minced pies. We want this to be a special community event and we hope you can all come.

Cabot Circus Concert
The choir will be singing in Cabot Circus on Thursday 9th December, raising money for the Ronald Macdonald House which is an independent charity which provides Home from Home accommodation, for critically ill children. We will also be collecting money for this charity when we sing around the Christmas Tree the previous day.

School Attendance - Well done to Mrs Rollings class with 96% attendance, Miss Wright’s and Mrs Patton’s classes with 97%, Mrs Ford’s class with 98% and Mr Conlon’s class with a smashing 99.1%!

Punctuality - We will now also be letting you know what classes have 100% punctuality. Unfortunately no classes last week had 100% punctuality. This is an indication of what a big problem lateness is becoming.

Team Points - St Mark’s Team won last terms Team Points competition. As a reward all of St. Mark’s team can wear non-uniform on Friday 19th November.

School Dinner Menu
Following the issue of the new school dinner menu by Eden, it has been decided that for week 2 and week 3 the menu for Tuesday and Wednesday will be swapped so that the roast dinner is on the Wednesday as usual.
On Wednesday 24th November(week 1), to celebrate British Sausage Week the Mild Chicken Curry will be replaced by Oven Baked Sausages with mashed potato and cabbage.
Christmas lunch will be on Wednesday 8th December - the menu is displayed in the playground noticeboard.

Book Fair Week - Book Fair week begins on Monday 22nd November, until Friday 26th November. This is an opportunity to buy some lovely books for Christmas and support the new school library (which is almost ready!)

Spare Clothing - If you have any spare underwear, socks, tights, trousers, we would be most grateful. These will be used as spare clothing in school.

Drumming Club - There will be no Drumming Club on Thursday 25th November (this is just for one week)

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 15th November, at 3.00pm. The following children will receive a headteachers award:-
Harvey Hill, Alflie Haberfield, Williams Scammell, Norbert Kulesza, Thomas Hallard, Emily Cunningham, King Wilson, David Wabissa and Maciej Oledzki.

Dates for Diaries

Sunday 14th November (10am) - Remembrance Mass in Church
Friday 19th November - St Mark’s non-uniform day
Monday 22nd November - Book Fair Week
Friday 26th November - Non uniform day (bring a packet of sweets)
Saturday 27th November - Parish Christmas Fayre
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Wednesday 1st December - Advent Mass in Hall – 9.30am
Friday 3rd December - PTFA Christmas Market
Wednesday 8th December - Community Carols around the tree
Monday 13th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 9.30am
Tuesday 14th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th December - Infant Party
Thursday 16th November - Carol Concert – 2.00pm in Church
Friday 17th December - Christmas Mass – 9.30am in Church
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon, Headteacher

Friday 5th November

2010-11-05T13:40:00.002Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

NEXT WEEK - Basic Computer Skills Course For Parents and Carers
This free computer course starts next Tuesday, 9th November, after school. The course will run between 6.30 and 8.30pm each evening.

Internet & Email for Beginners.
Photoshop Beginners and Advanced
Digital Cameras Beginners & Advanced
Web Design Beginners,
Desktop Publishing Beginners

There are still places available if you wish to attend.

Christmas Shopping Market - This Saturday from 11am till 2pm
Get organised for Christmas and see what bargains and original gift ideas are on offer!

The event will include several stalls including books, cards, jewellery, gifts etc. Entrance is just 50p (no charge for children) and refreshments will be served throughout so bring all your family and friends along! We also have a few spaces left for stallholders at this event. Tables are only £10 and all your profit is yours. If you are interested in having a table at the event then please ring Cathy on 0117 9147173 (daytime).

All proceeds to support the Pre-school.

Class Assembly
Mrs Bell’s class assembly is on Thursday 11th November at 9.15am. All parent/carers welcome.

St Joseph’s Parish Christmas Fayre
This exciting annual event is an important fundraising and community event for the Parish. The Fayre is being held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, 27th November, at 2.00pm and the school will be organising a stall as part of the event. Please come and bring you families.

Dean Field Study Centre
The next instalment of £30 is now due for the above trip. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council

After School Clubs
A 6 week session of Judo begins on Monday 8th November in the school hall for pupils in years 4-6 at a cost of £1 per week. There are limited places available and if you are interested, please contact Mrs Gossan.

A 6 week session of Multi-sports begins on Tuesday 9th November for pupils in years 2-4 at a cost of £3 per week. There are limited places available and if you are interested, please contact Mrs Gossan.

Morrisons Lets Grow Vouchers
If you or family and friends have any Morrisons Lets Grow Vouchers that you are able to donate to the school, please could you send them in by Friday 12th November at the latest

Dates for Diaries
Saturday 6th November - Pre-School Christmas Market
Monday 8th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Monday 8th November - Judo Club begins
Thursday 11th November - Y6 Class Assembly
Monday 22nd November - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Wednesday 1st December - Advent Mass in Hall – 9.30am
Friday 3rd December - PTFA Christmas Market
Wednesday 8th December - Community Carols around the tree
Monday 13th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 9.30am
Tuesday 14th December - Foundation & KS1 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th December - Infant Party
Thursday 16th November - Carol Concert – 2.00pm in Church
Friday 17th December - Christmas Mass – 9.30am in Church
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes
Matt Condon, Headteacher

Friday 22nd October 2010

2010-10-22T13:46:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

A reminder that Term 2 starts on Tuesday 2nd November.

Basic Computer Skills Course For Parents and Carers (places are still available)
This free 6 week course will start after school on Tuesday 9th November and will include -
Internet & Email for Beginners.
Photoshop Beginners and Advanced
Digital Cameras Beginners & Advanced
Web Design Beginners,
Desktop Publishing Beginners
The course will run between 6.30 and 8.30pm each evening.

Please let the school office know if you would like to book a place on this course.

School Meal Price
As of the 1st November the cost of a school dinner will rise from £2.10 to £2.20. Attached is the new school menu. The menu will be reviewed by Eden in 6 weeks time, but if you have any comments that we can give to Eden next term please either send it in by letter or e-mail bursar.st.josephs.p@bristol.gov.uk

School Photographs
School Photographs have now been collected and will be processed over the next 2 weeks. If you have any further orders, please contact the photographer directly.

School Attendance
Really Good attendance last week! Miss Wright’s and Mrs Patton’s class with over 95%, Mrs Bell’s class with 97%, Mrs Ford’s with 98% and Mrs Joseph’s and Mr Conlon’s classes with 99%!

The Giant Pumpkin Chase
On Sunday 31st October 11.00am-3.00pm there is a Family bike ride and Treasure Hunt on the Bristol to bath Railway path between Fishponds (opposite Morrisons) and Mangotsfield Station.

Free, Fun activities will include from 11.00am to 3.00pm, Treasure Hunt, fact Painting and Dr Bike Checks. There sill be a prize draw for completed entries. A chance to win D locks and sets of bike lights. Also don’t forget on the 4th November, the BikeIt Bike Accessories Sale.

Skools Out Childrens Centre
If you require Breakfast Club, After School Club, School Holiday Playschemes or In-Service Day Childcare they can cater for your needs. They are Ofsted approved and Registered. If you would like further information on what they do and what they provide visit them on www.skools-out.org.uk, or telephone 0117 9585855.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 1st November - Staff training day (school closed)
Tuesday 2nd November - Start of Term 2
Tuesday 2nd November - Classes 4/5J and 4C Mass in Church
Tuesday 2nd November - Mrs Mantle’s class information meeting
Wednesday 3rd November - Caerphilly Castle visit – Y3
Thursday 4th November - Y4 trip St Fagin’s, Cardiff
Thursday 4th November - Bike Accessories Sale (BikeIt)
Friday 5th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Monday 8th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Tuesday 9th November - Parents Computer Course begins
Monday 22nd November - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Friday 3rd December - PTFA Christmas Market
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Have a great holiday,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 15th November 2010

2010-10-15T13:55:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Tomorrow - Bristol Brunel Academy ‘Home Grown Event’
Bristol Brunel Academy are holding a ‘Home Grown Event’ tomorrow (Saturday 16th October), 11.00am-2.00pm. Our Year 1 children will have a stall selling the food they planted in an allotment in Reception. Please come and buy some fresh produce and other ‘home grown’ items.

Free Basic Computer Skills Course For Parents and Carers
This free 6 week course will start after school on Tuesday 9th November and will include -
Internet & Email for Beginners.
Photoshop Beginners and Advanced
Digital Cameras Beginners & Advanced
Web Design Beginners,
Desktop Publishing Beginners
Please let the school office know if you would like more details.

Parent Information Meetings – Mrs Mantle’s Class (A reminder)
These meetings enable teachers to share important information about the school year and learning with parents/carers. This includes this year’s curriculum and the class policy on things like homework. This meeting will be held at the start of term 2 on Tuesday 2nd November at 3pm. Apologies for this meeting being delayed.

School Attendance
Last weeks attendance was below 95%, except Mrs Ford’s class who achieved 97% attendance. Well done Mrs Ford’s class for another great week of attendance!!!

School Meal Price
As of the 1st November the cost of a school dinner will rise from £2.10 to £2.20. A new school menu will be sent home with your child next week.

Multi-Sports
Apologies but there will be no Multi-Sports next week, Tuesday 19th October. The final session and end of course tournament will be on Tuesday 2nd November. Thanks to all the children for contributing to a great club!

School Photographs
The deadline for returning school photographs for processing is Wednesday 20th October. After this date you will need to deal direct with the photographer.

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly on Tuesday, 19th October at 3.00pm. The following children will receive awards:-

Aisling Brown, Martyna Oszwaldowska, Jeleil Manmohan, Kamal Smallwood, and Chelcia Velmurgan.

Dates for Diaries
Tuesday 19th October - Classes 3M and 5P Mass in Church
Tuesday 19th October - Parents’ Evening
Friday 22nd October - Mass for Mary (in school hall)
Friday 22nd October - End of Term 1
Monday 1st November - Staff training day (school closed)
Tuesday 2nd November - Start of Term 2
Tuesday 2nd November - Classes 4/5J and 4C Mass in Church
Tuesday 2nd November - Mrs Mantle’s class information meeting
Wednesday 3rd November - Caerphilly Castle visit – Y3
Thursday 4th November - Y4 trip St Fagin’s, Cardiff
Thursday 4th November - Bike Accessories Sale (BikeIt)
Friday 5th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Monday 8th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Monday 22nd November - Book Fair Week
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Friday December 17th - Christmas Disco
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

An Invitation

2010-10-08T13:47:00.000+01:00

Dear Parents and Children,

On Friday 15th October we are going to have a Bring and Buy Sale to raise funds for the victims of the Pakistan floods. Fields and crops have been ruined not just for this year but also next year as they will not be able to sow the seeds. Lots of families in Pakistan no longer have homes and have to sleep in tents.

You can bring in some toys that you no longer use and you would like to donate for the Bring and Buy Sale so you can help towards helping the people who suffered in this terrible disaster. The toys have got to be in by 14th October. Don`t forget how lucky we are compared to them. PLEASE HELP US!

The sale will take place from 3pm on Friday 15th October

THANK YOU.

Yours sincerely,

Ollie Louch, on behalf of Y4/5J.

Friday 8th October, 2010

2010-10-08T13:35:00.003+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Bring and Buy Sale – In support of the victims of the Pakistan flood disaster
This morning Mrs Joseph's class presented a moving assembly about the flood disaster in Pakistan. The children told a story of personal disasters (many not being too serious), the disaster in Pakistan, they then thanked God for what He has given us, and they sang a message of hope for the future. Next Friday the class will be running a Bring and Buy sale to help people in Pakistan. We hope you can all support this event. The sale will be held in the hall from 3pm. Next week please bring in any unwanted toys, books, games or dvds which are in good condition and could be sold at this sale. It is a good opportunity to clear out a few cupboards!

Community Celebrations
Last year groups of parents and children from different parts of the school community organised a number of exciting events. These included a celebration of the Polish Constitution Day and the Keralite Feast of St Thomas. These days started with a special assembly and ended with parents being invited in to share some food and drink.

We hope to repeat this success, by inviting all parts of the school community to be involved in organising a similar celebration. Please see Mrs Workman or myself if you have an idea for such an event.

Parent Information Meetings – Mrs Mantle’s Class
These meetings enable teachers to share important information about the school year and learning with parents/carers. This includes this year’s curriculum and the class policy on things like homework. This meeting will be held at the start of term 2 on Tuesday 2nd November at 3pm. Apologies for this meeting being delayed.

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.

Parents Evenings - School Governors
School Governors will be attending the parent’s evenings over the next couple of weeks. They will be seeking the views of parents regarding how the school shares information about learning. Please can I ask you all to give a couple of minutes to tell them what you think.

School Attendance
Mrs Mantle’s class achieved 97% attendance, Mrs Bell’s class achieved 98% and Mrs Ford’s and Mrs Joseph’s classes achieved an amazing 100% attendance!!! As a special reward, both classes will have a non-uniform day next Friday (15th October).

Bristol Brunel Academy
Bristol Brunel Academy are holding a ‘Home Grown Event’ on Saturday 16th October, 11.00am-2.00pm. Our Year 1 children will have a stall selling the food they grew on an allotment in Reception. You are all welcome!

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 11th h October at 3.00pm. The following children will receive awards:-
Alya Rasul, Ashley James, Lanie Ridler, Julia Lewkowicz, Jade Johnson, and Joel Vadhyanath.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 11th October - Start of Y6 Archery Club
Tuesday 12th October - Y6/Reception Mass in Church
Thursday 14th October - Parents’ Evening
Friday 15th October - Class Y4/5J Bring and Buy Sale for Pakistan
Friday 15th October - Blaise Castle Museum – Y5
Tuesday 19th October - Classes 3M and 5P Mass in Church
Tuesday 19th October - Parents’ Evening
Friday 22nd October - Mass for Mary (in school hall)
Friday 22nd October - End of Term 1
Monday 1st November - Staff training day (school closed)
Tuesday 2nd November - Start of Term 2
Tuesday 2nd November - Classes 4/5J and 4C Mass in Church
Wednesday 3rd November - Caerphilly Castle visit – Y3
Thursday 4th November - Bike Accessories Sale (BikeIt)
Friday 5th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Monday 8th November - Level 2 Bike training for Y5/6
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills visit – Y6
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon , Headteacher

Celebration assembly

2010-10-04T15:52:00.003+01:00

In assembly today Mr Sherwin shared some useful websites he had seen on Tim Rylands blog. The first was a virtual tour of the Sistine chapel, which allows you to zoom in to see the wonderful paintings on the walls and ceilings. The other site, telescopic text, demonstrated how a very simple sentence can be edited and improved into a high quality piece of writing.

Friday 1st October

2010-10-01T16:12:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Walk to School Month
October’s ‘Walk to School Month’ begins on Monday 4th October. On Thursday 7th October there will be a Street Entertainer who will walk with the children from the Forest Road end of Chatsworth Road at 8.40am. Come along and be entertained as you walk to school!

Playground & Security
Can I please remind you again to use only the main entrance into the school building at the beginning and end of the day. Children or staff must not open any outside doors for anyone. Please respect this decision – they are not being ill-mannered; they are following set procedures in accordance with our Health and Safety Policy.
Children should arrive in school (in the playground) no earlier than 8.45am (from next week the gates will be locked before this time) and should be supervised by parents/carers until the teachers come out into the playground at 8.55am. The school cannot accept any responsibility for children’s safety before 8.55am.
Can I also remind parents that children are considered late if they are not able to line up and walk into school with their class.

Individual Photographs
A date for the diary is Tuesday 5th October for individual photographs, starting at 8.45am for families with younger siblings.

School Attendance
Above 95% attendance this week – Mrs Mantle’s class, Mrs Joseph’s class and Mrs Patton’s class with 98% attendance!

Parent Information Meetings – Mrs Patton’s, Mrs Bell’s and Mr Conlon’s class
These meetings enable teachers to share important information about the school year and learning with parents/carers. These meetings will be next Friday at 3pm.

Parish Harvest Mass – This Sunday 3rd October
All of the school community are invited to join the Parish for a special Harvest Mass on Sunday 3rd October at 10am.On Sunday children who have not contributed can bring groceries for the offertory (not perishable) to be offered at this Mass. All offerings will then be presented to a local charity, supported by the Parish.The school choir will be singing and we are all very excited as the Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Declan.We hope that many of you can join us on Sunday at 10am.

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 4th October at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-
Jordan Toy, Therese Briones, Ellie Bradley, Salvatore La Porta and Mya Sarkozi.

Dates for Diaries
Sunday 3rd October - Harvest Mass in Church
Monday 4th October (am) - New parents visit
Monday 4th October - Start of Walk to School Month
Tuesday 5th October - Years 1/2 Mass in Church
Friday 8th October - Class 4C, 5P and 6B Parent Information Meetings
Monday 11th October - Start of Y6 Archery Club
Tuesday 12th October - Y6/Reception Mass in Church
Thursday 14th October - Parents ’ Evening
Friday 15th October - Blaise Castle Museum – Y5
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
Wednesday 3rd November - Caerphilly Castle visit – Y3
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills v isit – Y6
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Thursday 28th September, 2010

2010-09-28T14:12:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 28th September, 2010.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Book Sale – This Friday
Mrs Ford’s Year 2 children have organised a sale of library books, no longer needed by the school. All books will be sold at 10p each and will be on sale for children in the school hall on Friday afternoon. Each child can bring in a maximum of 50p if they wish to buy a second hand book. Money raised will go towards buying new library books.

Parish Harvest Mass – This Sunday 3rd October
All of the school community are invited to join the Parish for a special Harvest Mass on Sunday 3rd October at 10am.

On Friday, children who wish to contribute to this celebration, can bring in a grocery item (not perishable) to be offered at this Mass. All offerings will then be presented to a local charity, supported by the Parish.

The school choir will be singing and we are all very excited, as the Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Declan.

We hope that many of you can join us on Sunday at 10am.

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Heateacher

Friday 24th September

2010-09-24T16:19:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parish Harvest Mass – Sunday 3rd October
All of the school community are invited to join the Parish for a special Harvest Mass on Sunday 3rd October at 10am. The school choir will be singing and we are all very excited, as the Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Declan. We hope that many of you can join us.

School Attendance
Over the last 3 weeks Mrs Joseph’s class achieved 96% attendance and Miss Wright’s, Mrs Bell’s and Mrs Patton’s achieved 97% attendance. Well done to these classes.

Improving attendance is still crucially important, if we are to continue learning for children in our school. Also can parents/carers ensure that children are in the school playground to line up at 8.55am.

Bristol Dinosaur Project
Next week members of the ‘Bristol Dinosaur Project Team’ will be visiting the school. They will be visiting all classes so that children can learn about Bristol’s pre-history.

Walk to School Month
October ‘Walk to School Month’ begins on Monday 4th October. On Thursday 7th October there will be a Street Entertainer who will walk with the children from the Forest Road end of Chatsworth Road at 8.40am

Dean Field Study Centre
The next instalment of £30 is due on the 1st October. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

Dinner Money
Please could you ensure that all dinner money is paid in a named envelope on the first day of the week.

‘In the Beginning’ Sex and Personal Relationship Learning
A meeting to share details of this curriculum will be on Monday 27th September at 3.30pm. Supervision for children will be available in the computer room.

Parent Information Meetings – Mrs Joseph’s class
These meetings enable teachers to share important information about the school year and learning with parents/carers. The meetings for Mrs Joseph’s class will be next Thursday at 3pm.

Individual Photographs
A date for the diary is - Tuesday 5th October for individual photographs starting at 8.45am for families with younger siblings

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly on Wednesday, 29th September, at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-

Catalina Bodnarescu. Libby Rice, Edwin Sebastian, Agnel Ailyath, Laura Smith, Sydney Haberfield, Daniel Edwards, Eoan Tuohy and Lucia Mercato.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 27th September (3.30pm) - ‘In the Beginning’ meeting
Wednesday 29th September - Celebration Assembly
Thursday 30th September - Playscheme Y1 and Y2
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
Friday 15th October - Blaise Castle Museum – Y5
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
Wednesday 3rd November - Caerphilly Castle – Y3
Tuesday 30th November - Lifeskills – Y6
Friday 17th December - End of Term 2
Tuesday 4th January - Start of Term 3

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 17th September

2010-09-17T14:22:00.002+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Stranger Danger
We have been reminding all children this week that it is important that they do not talk to strangers. We have also reminded children that if they have to wait for parents/carers to collect them, they need to wait in the school playground. If parents/carers are late then they need to come to the school office.

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 an Additional Information 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 September 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.

‘In the Beginning’ Sex and Personal Relationship Learning
A meeting to share details of this curriculum will be on Monday 27th September at 3.30pm. Supervision for children will be available in the computer room.

Parent Information Meetings
These meetings enable teachers to share important information about the school year and learning with parents/carers. The meetings for Miss Wright’s and Mrs Mantle’s class will be next Thursday at 3pm.

After School Clubs
Film Club is on Tuesday (current members do not need to reapply. See Mrs Martin if you want to join)
Choir is on Wednesday for Y3 to Y6 (3.45-4.30pm)
Cookery is on Thursday for Y3 (3.45-4.45pm)
Fencing is on Thursday Y3 to Y6 (3.45-4.45pm)
African Drumming is on Thursday Y4 to Y6 (3.45-4.45pm)
Multi Sports is on Tuesday Y2 to Y4 (3.45-4.45pm)
Gardening Club is every Tuesday lunchtime

ALSO, 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.

Choir
A correction in last week’s newsletter about choir. It starts at 3.30pm and ends at 4.30pm not 4.45pm. Year 3 pupils are welcome to join the choir.

Celebration of Achievements (and new time for Celebration Assembly)
There will be a celebration assembly Monday, 20th September, at 3pm. The following children will receive awards:-

Annie Madden, Shinique Dehaney, Alfie Haberfield, Sean Snaden, Hannah Maslowski, Oliver Wiercioch-Giles, Maici Quirke and Lauren Helm.

Dates for Diaries
Monday 20th September (3pm) - 1st Celebration Assembly
Tuesday 21st September - World Peace Day (celebrated in school)
Thursday 23rd September (3pm) - Y1 and Y3 parent information meetings
Monday 27th September (3.30pm) - ‘In the Beginning’ meeting
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

Friday 10th September

2010-09-10T14:28:00.002+01:00

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

3rd September 2010

2010-09-03T13:40:00.003+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the start of the new school year, hopefully you all had a good
summer break. The Reception Year will join us next week on a part-time basis, building up to full-time.

We will be sharing dates and other ‘new term’information in the next newsletter. All newsletters can be found on the school website (see above address).

We all look forward to a very special year of learning in
St. Joseph’s. Above is a ‘Wordle’ summary of our priorities for this school year.

Site Security
For security reasons the gates between the school and church (at the rear of the school), will be locked at all times. Also children will no longer be leaving the school via the exit on Lodge Causeway. All children will exit the building into the school playground, where they can be met by parents/carers, or exit the grounds themselves (if parents/carers allow).

New Office layout
As many of you may have seen we have improved the office environment to help us provide an even better service to the school community, especially parents. Our admin staff are now located in 2 offices giving them more space to deal with their everyday tasks and, more importantly, more space to deal with your enquiries warmly and efficiently. The changes have meant that the headteacher’s office space has also been relocated. These changes have enabled us to focus on and increase security at the front of the building to ensure that the environment is as safe as possible for our children.

If your enquiry is about money (dinner money, school trips, after school clubs) then you need to see Eva our Bursar.
If your enquiry is about anything more general you need to see Liz our School Secretary.

There is also a new library area (which is not yet finished), our staffroom has been given a facelift and our medical room has been relocated and improved.

We have also introduced much improved CCTV systems and a new phone system. If you now phone the school you will be given several options, enabling you to report an absence, speak directly to Mrs Gossan about any matters involving money or talk to Mrs Slade in the main reception.

Please join us for a cup of tea and some cake on Thursday 9th or Friday 10th September at 3.15pm when my admin team and myself will show you around.

2010 School Leavers – Where are they now?
Bristol Brunel - 5 children, Bristol Met - 3 children, Bristol Cathedral – 1 child, Colston’s Girl School – 1 child, Downend – 4 children, John Cabot – 2 children, Kingsfield – 1 child, Oldfield – 3 children, Sir Bernard Lovell – 2 children, St Bede’s Catholic College – 3 children, St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School – 15 children, St Mary Redcliffe – 4 children, City Academy – 1 child, The Grange – 1 child

We hope they are all settling into their new schools.

Purple Mash – Home Learning
We are delighted to launch a new web based programme Purple Mash.(www.purplemashcom). It has hundreds of activities to help children develop their knowledge and creativity. To use it simply follow the link on the school website and use the log on details below for full access. Username:pupil@c46524, Password: Fig 3

School Crossing Patrol
Unfortunately, Mrs Sheere, our school crossing patrol, is still unable to return to her duties due to ill health. We hope she is able to return soon and wish her well.

We all thank you for your continuing support.

Start of Term Mass is next Friday, at 9.30am in the Church. There will be a special assembly the following week to celebrate the Pope’s visit.

We hope all the children have a great year of learning!

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher.

22nd July 2010

2010-07-22T14:47:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the last newsletter of this academic year. It has been a year of challenge and success. All the children have worked hard and are becoming even more successful in their learning.

PTFA Summer Festival
A big thank you to everybody involved in organising a second fantastic Summer Festival and thank you to all of you who came. Our dedicated PTFA did an amazing job and I hope they are all very proud of what they achieved.

Foundation Stage Outcomes
In particular this year, the children have made good progress in their Emotional Development and their Knowledge and Understanding of the World. They will be great Year 1 class!

End of Key Stage Results – Key Stage 1 (level 2 is national expectation)
This year’s Year 2 children have made amazing progress and have attained more in most areas, than in previous years:
Reading level 2+ =83% Level 3 = 33%
Writing level 2+ = 80% Level 3 = 7%
Maths level 2+ = 93% Level 3 = 20%

End of Key Stage Results – Key Stage 2 (Level 4 is national expectation)
English level 4+ = 78% Level 5 = 30%
Maths level 4+ = 83% Level 5 = 43%
This year we are very pleased that our children are making better progress than in previous years. 90% of children made 2 levels (or more) progress in English and 93% of children made 2 levels (or more) progress in Maths.

We are also very pleased that many more children are achieving the higher levels with an amazing 43% achieving level 5! Well done Year 6.

New Office Layout
We are improving the office environment to help us provide an even better service to the school community, especially parents. So, our admin staff will be located in 2 offices giving them more space to deal with their everyday tasks and, more importantly, more space to deal with your enquiries warmly and efficiently. The changes have meant that the headteacher’s office space will also be relocated. These changes have enabled us to focus on and increase security at the front of the building to ensure that the environment is as safe as possible for our children. If your enquiry is about money or premises then you need to see Eva our Bursar. If your enquiry is about anything more general you need to see Liz our School Secretary.

There will also be a new library area, our staffroom will be given a facelift and our medical room will be relocated and improved.

Please join us for a cup of tea and some cake on Thursday 9th or Friday 10th September at 3.15 when my admin team and myself will show you around. I also hope to put some pictures on the Blog, updating you all on progress!

Our year - A Reflection by Year 6 -
· “I’ve made an effort to be more sociable and to trust people and consequently I have made a lot more friends”.
· “Knowing my levels and how to achieve them has made me more confident in my abilities”.
· “Our ‘Around the World’ and ‘Going for Goals topics have made me much more confident about where countries are in the world”.
· “Knowing my next steps has helped me to achieve level 5 Literacy”.
· “I’m proud that although I had to leave St Joseph’s for a few months, when I returned I carried on as if I hadn’t been away, and was also treated the same”.
· “At camp I overcame my fear of heights when I did the zip wire.”
· “I enjoyed our Art based Topic ‘Pop Art’ when I tried my hardest to improve my techniques”
· “I feel more confident when writing in different genres”.
· “I’ve learnt I can do anything if I put my mind to it”.
· “I’m pleased with my achievement in Maths as I have learnt different ways of approaching problems and calculations”.

We are very proud of Year 6. Good luck for the future in your new schools.

WATER WALK 2010 – So far you have raised an AMAZING £889.71

Purple Mash – Home Learning
We are delighted to launch a new web based programme Purple Mash.(www.purplemashcom). It has hundreds of activities to help children develop their knowledge and creativity. To use it simply follow the link on the school website and use the log on details below for full access. Username:pupil@c46524, Password: Fig 3

Thank You
I would like to thank all children, parents, staff and governors for all your hard work and support. We look forward to making 2010-2011 an even better year of learning.

Leaver’s Mass is tomorrow at 9.30am in the Church. The first day of term (September 1st) is a Staff Training Day. School will reopen on Thursday 2nd September.

Have a safe and happy holiday
Matt Condon, Headteacher.

16th July 2010

2010-07-16T15:52:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

THE SUMMER FESTIVAL IS TOMORROW!!!

Year 5 and 6 Welcome Parents
The staff and children are welcoming parents and carers into school on Monday afternoon at 3pm. Please come in, so that your children can share their work with you.

Water Walk 2010
Can children could bring in their completed sponsor forms and any money raised, by next Wednesday.

Attendance
We held a special Attendance Celebration Assembly today. All children with 98% attendance or more will have a special non uniform day on Monday.

An award was also given to the classes with best attendance – Mrs Mantle’s class and Mr Conlon’s class. They will also have a non uniform day on Monday.

This last week Mrs Rolling’s and Mr Conlon’s class achieved 97% attendance and Mr Sherwin’s and Mrs Bell’s class had a fantastic 99% attendance.

Secondary School
The '3 for 1' choosing secondary schools/My Future, My Choice event at Metropolitan Academy on Monday 19th July will now not have secondary schools present to get information from and will be an explanation of the My Future My Choice project along with the Choosing a secondary school information."

FILMCLUB
Next week’s film will be the continuation of Shark Boy and Lava Girl. This film is rated U.

Dogs on School Grounds
Can I remind you all that dogs are not allowed on school grounds. This is for reasons of health and safety.

School Uniform
We have the following school uniform left in the stock cupboard to sell at a reduced price:-

2 x 5/6 Navy fleece, 2 x 10/12 navy fleece, 3 small adult navy fleeces, 2 small adult navy sweatshirts, 2 x 5/6 navy cardigans, 2 x 11/12 navy cardigans. Please make us an offer.

Can I remind you that if you require any school uniform you can either collect an order form from the porch or order on online at www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr

Dinner Money Arrears
Please could you ensure that all dinner monies are paid on Monday 19th July so that all arrears are paid before the end of term. Any credits will be refunded on Friday 23rd July.

Dean Field Study Centre Residential Trip
If your child will be in either year 5 or 6 in September they wil be able to attend an activity residential trip in February 2011. If you would like more details please contact the school office.

Barton Hill Fun Day
Barton Hill RFC, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell are holding a Community Fun Day & Charity Game on Sat 24th July from 1 - 5pm. There will be a BBQ, bouncy castle, inflatable slide, stalls & more. All welcome.

Celebration Assembly – End of Year Special
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, 19th July, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:
Alya Rasul, Kamal Smallwood, Joel Vadhyanath, Mia Hood, Summer Edwards, Anique Sergeant, Erin Brooks, Jakub Spocinski, Stan Doling, Sam Iles, Edwin Sebastian, Shaan Singh, Natalia Warmuz, Olivia Woodruff, Eddy Brain, Davina Masemo, Kelsey Ford, Jaya Kaur, Shinique Dehaney, Emediong Jumbo, Ann James, Courtney Hollis, Joseph Cachia, Matthew Bristow, Chelcia Velmurugan, Kavita Sahota, Julia Lewkowicz, Hamda Ibrahim-Mahamoud, and Airam Pamintuan.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 19th July - Attendance winners non uniform day
Tuesday 20th July - Parents Evening (optional meeting to discuss reports) Tuesday 20th July - Y6 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 21st July - Fencing Tournament
Wednesday 21st July - Y6 Performance – 7.00pm
Friday 23rd July - Leaver’s Mass in church and end of school year
Wednesday 1st Sept - Staff Training (school closed)
Thursday 2nd Sept - Start of new school year!

Best wishes

Matt Condon, Headteacher

2010-07-09T14:48:00.001+01:00

9th July 2010

2010-07-09T14:06:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

999 Fun Day
This is held tomorrow, between 12 and 4pm at the Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road. A great fun day!

PTFA Summer Fayre
The PTFA Summer Fayre is next Saturday - 17th July. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!!
Can you help for an hour between 1.00-4.00pm? Please let the office know if you can.

Water Walk 2010
Yesterday’s water walk was a great success, and was enjoyed by all. A big thank you to everybody for making it such a big success! It would be greatly appreciated if children could bring in their completed sponsor forms and any money raised, by the end of next week. There are lots of photos on the school blog and the event is also featured in today’s Bristol Evening Post. The online link is –
www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Pupils-learn-reality-life-Africans

Attendance
Well done to Mrs Joseph’s class for achieving 96% attendance, Mrs Mantle’s class for achieving over 97% and Mrs Bell’s for achieving over 98% attendance.

Star Radio – School of the Week
This week we learned that we had been nominated to be Star Radio’s School of the Week. This honour is particularly special as the nomination came from Pat Coombs, grandmother of Thomas Coombs, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Pat was an active member of the parish and I remember her fondly as a parent of Thomas’ dad and his uncles when I was at school.

To celebrate this we had a special assembly followed by Star Radio recording the choir’s beautiful singing and then interviewing a group of children and myself. The broadcasts will be on the radio on Star FM (107.2) just after 8.20am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday next week.

It was great hearing the children talk about their school. One child described the school as, ‘one big family’. A wonderful thing to hear!

FILMCLUB
Next week’s film is yet to be confirmed, but it will be a U certificate. A reminder that FILMCLUB is now open to Year 2 and children need to ask Mrs Martin for details.

Year 6 leavers Lunch
The year 6 leaver’s lunch will take place on Thursday 15th July. The cost is £2.10 and the menu for the day is:-
Sausage, chips and beans OR
Jacket Potato with Tuna
Bannoffi Pie

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, 12th July, at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:

Taychon Graham, Josmi Saji, Darshan Sebastian, Harry Barton, Muskan Rehan, Anisa Rasul, Mathews Manuel, Cameron Wallace, Saul Ayton, Sandra Paslowska, Paige Dwyer, Amber Batt, Chris Tshimanga, Jaylene Manmohan, Daniel Edwards, Wiktoria Surel and Agnel Aliyath

In the celebration assembly we will also be watching some video of the School Choir performing at the Sing Up award ceremony. Feedback from parents who helped out is that the children were amazing ambassadors for the school. Well done!

Attendance Celebration Assembly – Friday 16th July 9.15am
Awards will be given to all children with over 98% attendance (an amazing 62 children!). All parents and carers are welcome. Reports (which will be sent out on Monday) will contain attendance figures for this year.

Dates for Diaries
Saturday 17th July - 999 Fun Day - Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road
Friday 16th July - Attendance Celebration Assembly
Saturday 17th July - PTFA Summer Festival
Tuesday 20th July - Parents Evening (optional meeting to discuss reports)
Tuesday 20th July - Y6 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 21st July - Fencing Tournament
Wednesday 21st July - Y6 Performance – 7.00pm
Friday 23rd July - Leavers’ Mass in church and end of school year
Wednesday 1st Sept - Staff Training (school closed)
Thursday 2nd Sept - Start of new school year!

Best wishes, Matt Condon
Headteacher

2nd July 2010

2010-07-02T14:23:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

REMINDER – SCHOOL CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR STAFF TRAINING

Sponsored Water Walk – 8th July

Next Thursday the whole school will be taking part in a sponsored event raising money to build fresh water wells in Ethiopia. Sponsor forms went out for this event last week. We aim to leave the school by 1.15pm and will return by 3.30pm. To carry the water, we will need all children to bring in an empty container to carry the water. Infant children should bring in a 1 litre bottle and Junior children should bring a 2 litre bottle. Children can bring these into school on Tuesday 6th July or Wednesday 7th July. They will then be stored in the classrooms. We would also ask if bottles could be labelled with the child’s name.

We invite all parents, carers and friends of St. Joseph’s, to join us on this special journey.

Attendance

Well done to Mrs Joseph’s class with over 95%, Mrs Ford’s class with 96%, Mrs Rollings’ class with 97% and Mr Conlon’s with 98%!

Summer Fayre

A reminder that it will be a non-uniform day next Friday, 9th July to support this year’s Summer Fayre. The theme for the tombola is ‘Over the Rainbow’ and to support this stall, we are asking each child to bring in an item of a specific colour, which is red for reception, orange for year 1, yellow for year 2, green for year 3, blue for year 4, pink for year 5 and purple for year 6.

FILMCLUB – An Invitation to Year 2

Next week’s film will be the remainder of Watership Down. The children will then be writing reviews of the film online. The following week we are opening up FilmClub to year 2 children. If children want to join, they need to write a short letter to Mrs Martin explaining why they enjoy watching films and what they hope to gain from FilmClub.

School Uniform

We still have a small stock of uniform:-

7/8 white polo shirts - £2 each or 3 for £5
Small adult sweatshirts - £4 each
selection of school fleeces - £5 each

May I remind you that the last date for ordering uniform by post or online is 1st August to ensure delivery before September. We have samples of uniform which you can try on your child for size.

Dean Field Study Centre

The next instalment of £25 is now due. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council.

School Packed Lunches

The catering contractor has introduced packed lunches to be served alongside the hot school meals. If you would like your child to have a packed lunch either complete a slip available from the school porch or let the office know. Please note that packed lunches for Wednesday's and Friday's will only be available on request.

Year 6 leavers Lunch

The year 6 leaver’s lunch will take place on Thursday 15th July. The cost is £2.10 and the menu for the day is:-
Sausage, chips and beans OR
Jacket Potato with Tuna
Bannoffi Pie

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Wednesday, July 7th at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:
Alexander Ailyath, Kai Drysdale, Nathan Long, Micah Gayle, Hannah Maslowski, Jordan Toy, Cole Edwards Eve Bonniface and Muhammad Baig.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 5th July - Staff Training Day (school closed) - Curriculum Focus
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010
Saturday 10th July - 999 Fun Day - Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road
Friday 16th July - Attendance Celebration Assembly
Saturday 17th July - PTFA Summer Festival
Tuesday 20th July - Parents Evening (optional meeting to discuss reports) Tuesday 20th July - Y6 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 21st July - Fencing Tournament
Wednesday 21st July - Y6 Performance – 7.00pm
Friday 23rd July - Leaver’s Mass in church and end of school year
Wednesday 1st Sept - Staff Training (school closed)
Thursday 2nd Sept - Start of new school year!

Best wishes,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 25th June

2010-06-25T17:05:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

A MONSTER newsletter this week! We always try to keep the newsletter to 2 sides but we’ve got so much going on this term.

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
There will be a school Mass next Tuesday, 29th June, at 2.00pm in the school hall to celebrate St Peter and St Paul. You are all welcome.

Celebration of Keralite festival of St. Thomas
Next Friday we will be celebrating the feast of St. Thomas. An important Keralite festival celebrated in India. As part of this celebration we will be holding a special assembly at 9.15am involving the children whose families come from this area. At 3pm in the Reception classroom, the parents welcome you all to enjoy some delicious Indian food and drink. Donations will be welcome and all money raised will be used by the PTFA to buy learning resources.

Year 3/4 Topic Presentation
There will be a special Topic Presentation next Wednesday at 9.15am for children in Mrs Joseph’s, Mrs Mantle’s and Mr. Sherwin’s class. This will be an opportunity for some of the children to tell the learning story of the recent topic, ‘Shipwrecked’. This is not a whole class assembly. After the presentation, parents will be invited to go into the classes, with their child, to look at and talk about their work. Feedback from parents who visited Years 1 and 2 last week has been very positive. Other classes will also be inviting parents in, later in this term.

Attendance
Congratulations, attendance for the last academic year rose from 93 ½ % to over 94%! Next year we are aiming for 96% attendance overall. Classes that achieved 95% and over last week were Mrs Mantle’s, Mrs Joseph’s and Mr Conlon’s.

Parish Fayre – Tomorrow!
Please support the Parish by attending the Parish Fayre this Saturday. The fayre begins at 2pm.

St Joseph’s Timeline
Come and look at our new pictorial timeline situated outside the Reception area (on the side of the Scout room). We are not sure about the decades on some of the older pictures. Perhaps you can help us identify the correct decade? Also you might be able to recognise some familiar faces? If you have any old pictures from St Joseph’s, we would love to add them to our timeline. We will photocopy or scan all photographs and return the originals.

Class Organisation 2010-11
The class organisation for the next academic year is –
• Reception – Mrs Rollings
• Year 1 – Miss Wright
• Year 2 – Mrs Ford
• Year 3 – Mrs Mantle
• Year 4 – Mr Conlon
• Year 4/5 – Mrs Joseph
• Year 5 – Mrs Patton
• Year 6 – Mrs Bell
• Music Specialist (teaching different classes) – Mrs Marsh
• ICT Specialist (teaching different classes) – Mr Sherwin
• Mrs Workman, Mrs Coelho and Mr Burnell remain part of the team and we hope they will be in school teaching at various times

For those of you with children in Years 4 and 5, we hope to inform you all of your child’s class teacher before school reports are given out on Monday 12th July.

Sun Protection
The weather is currently wonderful which means the children have been able to use the school field more often. We advise that all children have a sun hat in school at all times. If you wish your child to put on sun cream in school, we also advise they have this in school everyday, again clearly labelled with their name. Also a reminder that sun protection is advised for next week’s sports day…

Sports Day – Tuesday 29th June, 9.30am start
As well as remembering sun protection can all children bring in a drink for Sports Day. Parents, carers and friends will be able to observe the action from the central area. All teachers, teaching assistants and parent helpers will be wearing high visibility jackets.

Sponsored Water Walk – 8th July
Letters went out for this sponsored event earlier this week. The WATER WALK will involve all of the school community and raise money to provide clean water to families in Ethiopia.

First Holy Communion
Congratulations to all those children who made their First Holy Communion last Sunday. The children looked beautiful, the mass was wonderful and the sun shone on all of them.

Mrs Bell would like to say a massive thank you for the beautiful flowers, gifts and cards given by the parents. The children are a credit to them and the school. Also a big thank you to Miss Hayley Geach who gives tirelessly throughout the First Holy communion preparations.

Road Safety - Zig Zag Lines
Mr Pitt, who you all know as the school caretaker, will be patrolling the Zig Zag lines outside of school on a regular basis. He will be reminding drivers that it is dangerous to park on these lines and recording registration numbers, so they can be reported to the community police.

FILMCLUB
Next week’s film will be Watership Down which is rated U. This is an emotional family favourite based on Richard Adams’ book and was originally released in 1978. The film should finish just after 5pm. Children can ask Mr Condon or Mrs Martin if they wish to join FILMCLUB.

Sports Day Menu
On the 29th June, for sports day lunch the school kitchen will be preparing a special menu of fish fingers or sausage and chips. The cost of the meal is £2.10.

St Luke - Team Points Winners non-uniform day - Friday 2nd July.

Medical Appointments
If possible (some appointments can only be made on the day), could you please inform the teacher in writing, in advance if your child has a medical appointment during the school day.

Sing Up Data Protection Consent Forms
Thank you to those of you who have returned these forms. However I still need many forms back. PLEASE return them soon, and if you have lost your form, please get a new one from the office. I need one form per family with all the names included on it. Thank you.

200 Club
Winners for the May draw are –
1st Prize - Mr & Mrs Poole, 2nd Prize - Mr F O'Hara, 3rd Prize - Miss E Doyle

Instrumental Lessons
Those of you who wish your child to have small group instrumental lessons next September 2010, need to fill in a form from the office. Instruments available are keyboard, violin and guitar. At present very few forms have been returned and therefore, it is a real possibility that lessons will have to be cancelled which would be a huge shame.

Dean Field Residential Trip
If your child is in year 5 or 6 next academic year, they have the opportunity to participate in an residential activity based trip. There are limited places available and full details can be obtained from the school office.

Saturday Morning Sports Club

It will only cost £3 for two hours from 10am until 12pm starting on June 12th. We really hope that you’ll come along and join us this summer. There is no need to book - just turn up at Bristol Met Sports Hall. Futher infornmation on 0117 958 58 55

Family Bike Ride
We (Bike it Ben and Ian from Sustrans) and Bristol City Council are organising an afterschool family ride on Friday 2nd July to visit some new improvements to cycle facilities in our area. The ride heads from Fishponds around 4.00pm and ends with a picnic in St George’s Park. The food will be jacket potatoes with cheese, beans or tuna and sweet corn, salad and chicken and rice. Upon arrival in the park the children will be entertained by Sole Events who will run for an hour. Also there will be some Dhol Drummers.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, June 28th at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award:
Owen Ridler, Oliver Kelliher-Swash, Emily Webb, Laura Smith, Nadia Naibet, Sydney-Kay Haberfield, Ruby Walsh, Grace Stepaniuk, Kealen Westlake, Talia Scott, Sylvia Buyoya,, Vivian Johnson and Seetal Kaur.

Dates for Diaries
Saturday 26th June -Parish Fayre
Tuesday 29th June-Sports Day – morning
Tuesday 29th December-Mass for Saints Peter and Paul
Wednesday 30th June -Year 3/4 Topic Presentation
Thursday 1st July -Class photographs
Friday 2nd July -St Luke non uniform day
Friday 2nd July-Family Bike Ride
Friday 2nd of July -Celebration of Keralite festival of St. Thomas
Monday 5th July - Staff Training Day (school closed) - Curriculum Focus
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010
Saturday 10th July -999 Fun Day - Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road
Friday 16th July -Attendance Celebration Assembly
Saturday 17th July - PTFA Summer Festival
Tuesday 20th July-Parents Evening (optional meeting to discuss reports)
Tuesday 20th July-Y6 Performance – 2.00pm
Wednesday 21st July -Fencing Tournament
Wednesday 21st July-Y6 Performance – 7.00pm
Friday 23rd July - Leaver’s Mass in church and end of school year
Wednesday 1st Sept - Staff Training (school closed)
Thursday 2nd Sept - Start of new school year!

Best wishes,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

18th June 2010

2010-06-19T15:29:00.002+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

Book Fair

Book Fair Week begins on Monday 21st June until Friday 25th June. We have a fantastic Summer offer of 3 for 2. Buy any 2 books and choose 1 free.

Change Your World by Sustrans

Take a walk. Get on your bike, choose the bus or train. Pledge a journey to help us travel around the world by 4th July. Join in Change Your World. Make a journey and show your support by pledging one of your journeys – then tell the Government they must act too. Take your first step at. Win great prizes! Make your pledge today for the chance to win a fantastic break at Centre Parcs. A Riverford organice fruit and veg box for 3 months. A Lush Spa treatment. Closing date for entries is the 9th July.

Low Carbon Day/Parish Fair

We are running an eco-friendly day on Thursday 24th June where we are aiming to use as little energy and resources as possible. This will be a non-uniform day where the pupils are asked to where something green, blue or brown and also to bring in a tin to support the parish fair which is on Saturday 26th June. Your child will be bringing home raffle tickets.

Gardening Club

Well done to all who supported the afternoon plant sale. So far we have raised £170.00

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon,
Headteacher.

11th June 2010

2010-06-11T17:36:00.003+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

There will be no newsletter next week as I am attending a national headteacher’s conference in Birmingham. This week we have BUMPER edition!

School Attendance

Well done to Mr Conlon’s, Mr Sherwin’s (again) for attending 96% last week, Mrs Rolling’s and Mrs Joseph’s classes achieving 97%, Mrs Ford’s with almost 98% and Miss Mrs Mantles class with over 98%!

Topic Presentation

There will be a special Topic Presentation next Friday for children in Mrs Ford and Miss Wright’s class. This will be an opportunity for some of the children to tell the learning story of the recent topics ‘Down on the Farm’ and ‘Growing and Changing’. This is not a whole class assembly.
After the presentation, parents will be invited to go into the classes, with their child, to look at and talk about their work. Other classes will also be inviting parents in, later in this term.

Community Singing Assembly

As you know, we are working towards our Sing Up Gold Award. We are therefore inviting you – parents, family and friends of St Joseph’s – to join us on Friday, 25th June for a Singing Assembly. In these assemblies we warm up our voices, sing songs we know and learn new ones. Why not come and join us and have a bit of fun singing alongside your children? The assembly will start at 9.15am and go on till 10.00am.

Sing Up Data Protection Consent Forms

Thank you to those of you who have returned these forms. However I still need many form back. PLEASE return them soon, and if you have lost your form, please get a new one from the office. I need one form per family with all the names included on it.
Thank you.

Instrumental Lessons

Those of you who wish your child to have small group instrumental lessons next September 2010, need to fill in a form from the office. Instruments available are keyboard, violin and guitar. At present very few forms have been returned and therefore, it is a real possibility that lessons will have to be cancelled which would be a huge shame.

Family Cycle Treasure Hunt and Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride

On Sunday 13th June, 10.00am-3.00pm there will be a ‘Dinotour Family Cycle Treasure Hunt’. Turn up on the day and collect your free score card and further details at any of the 8 stalls along the route. The stalls are located along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path between Whitehall and Bath. The route is approximately 12 miles long. To find out more visit our website http://www.betterbybike.info/ or telephone on 01454 863640. Also Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 20th June. This is a great opportunity to join in with the rest of Bristol on a fun bike ride of your choice – the rides range from 9 to 38 miles. Check out http://www.betterbybike.info/ for more information.

Dean Field Residential Trip

If your child is in year 5 or 6 next academic year, they have the opportunity to participate in an residential activity based trip. There are limited places available and full details can be obtained from the school office.

Uniform Sale

Due to limited space, we are selling off the last of the school uniform at greatly reduced prices. Polo Shirts cost £2 each or 3 for £5, Fleeces £5.00, Small Adult Sweatshirts £4 - Hurry while stocks last. If you wish to order any other uniform items, please visit the online shop at www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr/ Our supplier has informed us that the last order date for receiving uniform before September is 1st August.

Book Fair

Book Fair Week begins on Monday 21st June

Multi-skills after school club - Years3/4

A 6 week multi-sports after school club will be commencing on Tuesday 15th June from 3.40-4.40pm. A different sport will be taught each week with a tournament in the final week. The cost is £15 which is incredible value at £2.50 per session. If you would like your child to participate please obtain a form from the school office.

Summer Festival

The St Joseph’s PTFA are looking for volunteers to assist with the setting up, clearing up, and running some stalls at the Summer Festival 17th July. If there are any parents that can assist could they please leave their details with the office for the attention of the PTFA. We are also looking of any contributions that can be used as prizes for the raffle and tombola.

999 ‘FUN DAY’

The Hillfields beat Team and the Harry Crook Youth Activities Centre are holding a 999 Fun Day.
Saturday 10th July 2010, 12pm-4pm, at the Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road, (just of Ridgeway Road), Fishponds.
On the day there will be emergency vehicles, face painting, prize raffle, fair ground attractions, hot food, stalls, bike maintenance, and lots more.One of the activities on the day will be in conjunction with the World
Cup theme is a sponsored Football Match, Harry Crook FC vs. Police FC. All the proceeds will be going towards the Harry Crook youth centre.

Saturday Morning Sports Club

What do you do on Saturday morning? Looking for something different and active?Why not come along to our new Saturday morning Sports Club? You will have the opportunity to try a variety of sports like Football, Basketball, Badminton, Uni-Hoc and rounders to name but a few.
It will only cost £3 for two hours from 10am until 12pm starting on June 12th. We really hope that you’ll come along and join us this summer. There is no need to book just turn up at Bristol Met Sports Hall.
Hope to see you there!

Futher infornmation on 0117 958 58 55

FILMCLUB

Moving from animals to aliens, next week’s film is ‘Fantastic Planet’. This French surrealist animation from 1973 tells the story of a future where humans have been taken from Earth to act as pets to the giant alien race of Draags. Full of bold ideas, Fantastic Planet is a classic of sci-fi animation. This film is rated PG and will finish at 4.45pm.

Gardening Club

A reminder that the Gardening Club will be holding an afternoon tea and plant sale on Thursday, 17th June at 3.00pm

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, June 14th at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award.
Yan Stepaniuk, Brandon Watts, Patryk Drozdz, Ellie Bradley, Summer Allen, Tejal Sebastian, Luke Briones, James Ayton-Lambourne, Therese Briones, Iwan Calloway.

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 15th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Sunday 20th June - First Holy Communion – 11.30am
Monday 21st June - Book Fair Week
Thursday 24th June - School Low Carbon Day
Monday 28th June - Special Attendance Celebration Assembly
Tuesday 29th June - Sports Day
Thursday 1st July - Class photographs
Friday 2nd of July - Celebration of Keralite festival of St. ThomasMonday
5th July - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Curriculum focus
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010
Saturday 17th July - PTFA Summer Festival
Friday 23rd July - End of school year
Wednesday 1st Sept - Staff Training (school closed)
Thursday 2nd Sept - Start of new school year!
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010

Best wishes,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

27th May 2010

2010-05-26T18:38:00.000+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

SCHOOL CLOSED TOMORROW – STAFF TRAINING DAY

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Ford’s, Mr Sherwin’s and Mrs Patton’s classes for attending 95% last week, Mrs Joseph’s and Mr Conlon’s class achieving 96%, Mrs Bell’s with over 97% and Miss Wright’s class with 99%!

Bike it Breakfast
There will be a ‘Bike it’ Breakfast on Friday 11th June from 8.15-8.45am. This special breakfast will have a World Cup theme.

FILMCLUB
Continuing our animal theme, the next film to be shown will be the 1954 animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. This film is rated U and will finish at 5pm. Soon club members will be able to log on to the FILMCLUB website, write their own reviews and suggest films they might like to review in the future. This club is being run by Mrs Martin.

Summer Festival
Due to operational considerations, we have changed the date of the summer festival to July 17th. It will still be from 1pm to 4pm. If you would like a stall, or wish to place an advert in the programme, please contact info@andrea-butcher.co.uk.

PTFA School Disco
The members of the St Josephs PTFA would like to express their sincere thanks to all the parents and children who attended the School Disco Friday 21st May. The evening was a great success in which everyone there appeared to have a really good time. We hope to see you all at the next event which is the Summer Festival July 17th. Once again thank you.
Tim Stenner - PTFA Member.

Sign Up Consent Forms
Thank you to all parents who have filled in the Sing Up Safeguarding Data Protection and Privacy Statements consent slip. All those who have not yet filled in a consent form, or who only filled it in for one child (when there are other siblings at school), please fill in and send back to the school office as soon as possible. It is very important that we receive these forms as I am unable to continue with our Gold Award Evidence Form without them. If you have lost your original form, please get a second copy from the school office. Many thanks in anticipation,
C, Marsh (Sing Up Champion).

Gardening Club
The Gardening Club are holding an afternoon tea and plant sale on Thursday 10th June at 3.00pm. The children have been busy preparing pots of flowering plants as well as vegetable seedlings which will be on sale. We would appreciate any surplus bedding plants and seedlings that you could donate to the Gardening Club. All the proceeds will go towards funding future gardening activities.

Dates for Diaries
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus
Monday 7th June - Start of Term 6
Wednesday 9th June - Sacrament of Reconciliation
Thursday 10th June - Bristol Cathedral for Y6Friday 11th June - Bike it Breakfast
Tuesday 15th June - Y6 Leaver’s Mass
Sunday 20th June - First Holy Communion – 11.30am
Sunday 20th June - Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride
Monday 28th June - Special Attendance Celebration Assembly
Tuesday 29th June - Sports Day
Monday 5th July - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Curriculum focus
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010
Saturday 17th July - PTFA Summer FestivalFriday 23rd July - End of school yearWednesday 1st Sept - Staff Training (school closed)Thursday 2nd Sept - Start of new school year!

Have a great holiday

Matt Condon, Headteacher

21st May 2010

2010-05-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

School Attendance - Great attendance last week!!!
Well done to Mrs Patton’s for achieving over 94% attendance, Mr Conlon’s and Mrs Mantle’s classes for achieving almost 96%, Mrs Joseph’s with over 97%, Mrs Ford’s class beating last weeks 97% with over 98%, Mrs Bell’s also with 98% and Mr Sherwin’s with almost 99% attendance.

End of Term Mass
Fr Joy and members of the Parish will be joining us for Mass next Wednesday at 9.30am, in the school hall.

Bike it Breakfast
There will be a ‘Bike it’ Breakfast on Friday 11th June from 8.15-8.45am. This special breakfast will have a World Cup theme.

FILMCLUB
FILMCLUB begins next Tuesday. The first film to be shown will be Aardman Animation’s ‘Chicken Run’, rated U. The film will finish approximately at 5pm. The FILMCLUB members will be helping to choose future films.

Music Tuition
Letters have been sent out for September allocation for Music Tuition. If you would like your child to learn or an instrument or continue with music lessons, please ensure that you return the completed form by Friday 28th May.

Dean Field Study Centre - February 2011
If your child is Year 5 or 6 in September and you would like to attend a 5 day residential trip in the Forest of Dean, please could you ensure that you return the form with a £40 deposit by Friday 28th May.

Uniform Sale
We have a limited stock of school white polo shirts and navy blue fleeces which we are selling at a reduced price of £4.50 for polo shirts and £9 for fleeces. Sizes range from 5/6 - 11/12. This offer is until stocks last and is on a first come, first served basis.

Summer Festival
Due to operational considerations, we have changed the date of the summer festival to July 17th. It will still be from 1pm to 4pm. If you would like a stall, or wish to place an advert in the programme, please contact info@andrea-butcher.co.uk.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday, 24th May at 9.15am, and the following children will receive their headteachers award –

Abigayle Williams, Ruan Lee, Connor Crudge, Reuben Reji, Orian Jamieson, Maria Bellavia, kieron Lindsay-Powell, Shelagh Mizen, Oliver Wiercioch-Giles and Mr Sherwin’s Class.

Dates for Diaries
Friday 21st May - PTFA Disco
Saturday 22nd May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Tuesday 25th May - FILMCLUB begins
Wednesday 26th May - Whole school Mass in school hall
Thursday 27th May - Y1/2 Avon Valley Country Park
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus
Thursday 10th June - Bristol Cathederal for Y6
Tueday 15th June - Y6 Leavers Mass
Friday 11th June - Bike it Breakfast
Sunday 20th June - First Holy Communion – 11.30am
Sunday 20th June - Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride
Monday 28th June - Attendance Celebration Assembly
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010
Saturday 17th July - PTFA Summer Festival
Friday 23rd July - End of school year
Wednesday 1st September - Staff Training (school closed)
Thursday 2nd September - Start of new school year!

Best wishes

Matt Condon, Headteacher

14th May 2010

2010-05-17T14:32:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

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. 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.

School Attendance

Well done to Mrs Patton’s, Mrs Bell’s and Mr Sherwin’s class for achieving over 94% attendance, Miss Wright’s and Mr Conlon’s classes for achieving almost 96% attendance and Mrs Ford’s class up from 94% last week to 97%!

Good attendance this year will be celebrated in a special assembly on Monday 28th June.

Special Ethiopia Assembly

On Friday 21st May at 9.15am, we will be holding a special assembly launching a new project supporting the charity ‘for-ethiopia’. During Christmas of last year, Jack and Ben Underhill visited the village of Addis Alem with their family. This is the community which St. Joseph’s has supported over the years through a range of fund raising activities, including the famous Water Walks! In this assembly Jack and Ben will present an amazing film they made during their visit and we will talk about plans for the future, which include learning partnerships and Water Walk 2010! Please come and join us and learn about our plans and this fascinating country.
For parents who are unable to attend the morning’s assembly, the film will also be shown in school on Friday afternoon at 3pm.

Bike Ride

Bristol's biggest bike ride takes place on Sunday 20th June. This is a great opportunity to join in with the rest of Bristol on a fun bike ride of your choice – the rides range from 9 to 38 miles. Check out
http://www.betterbybike.info/ for more information.

200 Club

1st Prize Mrs K. Smith - £14.00, 2nd Prize Mrs M. Hawkins - £ 9.33, 3rd Prize Mrs R. Lacey - £4.67

FilmClub

A letter is attached, inviting children Year 3-6 to join this new club.

Special Ethiopia Assembly

On Friday 21st May, at 9.15am we will be holding a special assembly launching a new project supporting the charity ‘for-ethiopia’. During Christmas of last year, Jack and Ben Underhill visited the village of Addis Alem with their family. This is the community which St. Joseph’s has supported over the years through a range of fund raising activities, including the famous Water Walks! In this assembly Jack and Ben will present an amazing film they made during their visit and we will talk about plans for the future, which include learning partnerships and Water Walk 2010! Please come and join us and learn about our plans and this fascinating country. Parents are also welcome to view the film in the school hall at 3.00pm.

School Disco

The School Disco in next Friday - May 21st. There are still tickets available, so please get your tickets & send in your song requests as soon as possible so we can confirm numbers.
Summer Festival
Due to operational considerations, we have changed the date of the summer festival to July 17th. It will still be from 1pm to 4pm. If you would like a stall, or wish to place an advert in the programme, please contact info@andrea-butcher.co.uk.

Celebration Assembly

There will be no celebration assembly on Monday.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 17th May - Junior Road Safety Day
Tuesday 18th May - Year 5 and 6 Mass in Church
Friday 21st May - Special Ethiopia Assembly and Film Showing
Friday 21st May - PTFA Disco
Saturday 22nd May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Thursday 27th May - Y1/2 Avon Valley Country Park
Thursday 27th May - Film Club begins
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus
Sunday 20th June - First Holy Communion – 11.30am
Monday 28th June - Special Attendance Celebration Assembly
Thursday 8th July - Water Walk 2010

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

7th May 2010

2010-05-07T14:42:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Ford’s and Miss Wright’s classes for achieving over 94% attendance, Mrs Joseph’s class for achieving 97% and Mrs Bell’s class up from last week’s 98% at 99%!

Special Ethiopia Assembly
On Friday 21st May, we will be holding a special assembly launching a new project supporting the charity ‘for-ethiopia’. During Christmas of last year, Jack and Ben Underhill visited the village of Addis Alem with their family. This is the community which St. Joseph’s has supported over the years through a range of fund raising activities, including the famous Water Walks! In this assembly Jack and Ben will present an amazing film they made during their visit and we will talk about plans for the future, which include learning partnerships and Water Walk 2010! Please come and join us and learn about our plans and this fascinating country.

School Equipment
Please do not allow your child to play in the sheds after school. We encourage the children to tidy up, and they get very disheartened when they return to school to find it untidy again.

Mad Science
Next week, as part of the Mad Science lesson a rocket will be launched in the school playground. Parents and carers are welcome to come and witness this exciting event. Lift off should be approximately at 4.20pm. Don’t worry, we wont be sending any children into space!

Year 6 SAT TestsThese tests will begin next Monday and will be administered as normal.

Polish Constitution Day
On Monday it was Polish Constitution Day. To celebrate this we held a special assembly followed by a Polish tea party afternoon. It was amazing to see so many parents, carers and friends join us for tea and delicious Polish cakes. A special thanks to Mrs Workman and Mrs Smaka for organising this lovely day.

Uniform Sale
We have a limited stock of school white polo shirts and navy blue fleeces which we are selling at a reduced price of £4.50 for polo shirts and £9 for fleeces. Sizes range from 5/6 - 11/12. This offer is until stocks last and is on a first come, first served basis.

If you would like to order any other item of uniform, please visit the website www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr/ or collect an order form from the porch. If you are ordering for September, please ensure that you place your order early as there are delays if you order in July and August.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 10th May at 3.00pm. The following children will receive their headteachers award:-

Mya Sarkozi, Andre Chipperfield, Chloe Bowden, Alvin George and Hania Rasool, Daniel Apperley, Kealen Westlake and Jade Johnson.

Dates for Diaries
Saturday 8th May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Monday 10th May - Start of SATs week
Monday 17th May - Junior Road Safety Day
Friday 21st May - Special Ethiopia Assembly
Friday 21st May - PTFA Disco
Saturday 22nd May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Thursday 27th May - Y1/2 Avon Valley Country Park
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus
Sunday 20th June - First Holy Communion – 11.30am

Matt Condon
Headteacher

2010-04-30T13:13:00.000+01:00

30th April, 2010.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Year 6 SAT Tests

These tests will begin on Monday 10th May and will be administered as normal.

School Attendance

Well done to Mrs Ford’s class for achieving 95%, Mrs Mantle’s class for achieving 96%, Mrs Rollings’ class with 97% and Mrs Bell’s and Mrs Joseph’s classes with 98%!

St Joe’s Blog

Please check out the school Blog for some amazing examples of writing from the junior classes. This includes editing and improving work in Year 3 and 4 and descriptive writing based on the wonderful poem ‘The Highwayman’ in Year 5 and 6. Here are some examples from Year 5 and 6–
‘There’s no escape. Through this dark, gloomy, window the howling wind in the tall trees makes me worry more for my darling love. The red-coats sneer and snigger like devils, as I struggle to get free. The window is a screen of sorrow.’‘… My heart is pounding fiercely; I can’t risk the highwayman’s life. I shake aggressively, fighting like a lion against the rope. Suddenly, I see the highwayman. He comes closer and closer. Reluctantly, I pull the trigger…’
AMAZING WRITING! Find lots more on the Blog as well as pictures of learning in the Reception class.

St George ‘Bling your Bike’

The winners for St George Bling your Bike are Dean Turner and Rachel Butcher. The runners up were Samantha Masenyana and Jake Turner.

School Crossing Patrol

THIS MORNING AN INCIDENT OCCURRED WHERE A CHILD WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR ON LODGE CAUSEWAY.THIS CHILD WAS UNSUPERVISED AND WAS NOT USING THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.

A REMINDER AGAIN that Mrs Pauline Sheere is still away. Please ensure your children are always safe when crossing the road.

PTFA Meeting

There will be a PTFA meeting next Tuesday (4th May) at 8pm in the Spotted Cow. We'll be planning the Summer Festival, and anybody is welcome to come along and offer ideas. It would be great to see you there.

Summer Festival Programme

We will again be producing a programme of events for the summer festival to be given to everyone upon entry. If you would like to place an advert in the programme, contact Andrea via the PTFA pigeonhole or at info@andrea-butcher.co.uk for details of rates etc. We handed out over 200 programmes last year, lots of advertising
potential!

Polish Constitution Day

Next Wednesday, May 5th the school will celebrating “Polish Constitution Day”. As part of these celebrations, a group of polish parents would like to invite you all to join them for afternoon tea – Polish style at 3.00pm in the Reception Class. At the same time there will be an opportunity to come along and meet some of the school governors.

Year 3/4J Mosque Visit

This week Mrs Workman took a year 3 and 4 class on a visit to the local Mosque on Lodge Causeway. The purpose of the visit was to learn about another faith and build stronger links with other parts of the local community. The members of this Muslim community were incredibly welcoming and answered the many questions the children had thought of. We thank them for their hospitality.
200 Club

1st and 3rd Prize - Mrs N Dwyer £18.67, 2nd Prize - Mr & Mrs O'Mahony £9.33

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly next Tuesday 4th May, at 3pm. The following children will receive their headteachers award:-

Ellie Connolly, Alana Kilbane, Cameron Wallace, Rungkan Bosarakam, Belinda Joseph, Kameron Bains-Doyle, Cory Leaworthy, King Wilson, Thomas Coombs, Bradley Bembridge, Thomas Hallard, Corada Wilson, Aaron Tarr, Sebastian Smaka, Clement Harvey, Daniel George, Jake Turner

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5
Saturday 8th May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Saturday 22nd May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Thursday 27th May - Y1/2 Avon Valley Country Park
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus
Sunday 20th June - First Holy Communion – 11.30am

Have a good Bank Holiday weekend,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

23rd April 2010

2010-04-23T12:54:00.000+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Mantle’s, Mrs Bell’s and Mr Conlon’s classes for achieving 95%.
A special congratulation to Mrs Patton’s class with 98% attendance!

New Garden Area
You may have seen that the school’s new garden area is being developed in the space between the school and Church. This is the result of incredible enthusiasm from staff members, parents and pupils, who are now enjoying the new gardening club. It’s definitely spring time in St. Joseph’s (see the photographs above and on the blog).

After School Clubs
Gymnastics and Multi-sports after school clubs have been cancelled due to lack on interest.

A basketball after school club is due to start on Monday 26th April for 8 weeks which is currently open to Years 5 & 6.

Dates for Diaries
Saturday 8th May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Saturday 22nd May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus

Happy St. George’s Day

Matt Condon, Headteacher

2010-04-01T14:38:00.001+01:00

1st April, 2010

Dear Parent/Carer,

Can I take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work and support this term. Here are some of the highlights of school life, since February (pictures off Blog)

An unexpected guest
A visit from Dr. Bike
CAMP
2010
Wheely Good Inventions
E-Safety Week
Holy week
Sing Up Day
Pop Art
Swinging Sixties Project
Pop Art Project

Team Points
Swinging SixtiesWell done to the winners of the competition for terms 4 and 5 – St John’s Team. They will be enjoying an extra non uniform day on Friday 30th April.

School Attendance
Well done everybody! School attendance improved between terms 3 and terms 4 from 92.7% to 94.3%.

Last week Mrs Patton’s and Mrs Joseph’s class had 97% attendance and Mrs Rolling’s and Mrs Mantle’s class had 98%!

Student Teachers
After the Easter holiday we will be welcoming Miss Miller-Smith to the team as a student teacher. Miss Miller-Smith will be working with Mrs Joseph teaching Years 3 and 4.

Cafod
The school raised £136 for Cafod last week. Also a massive thanks to Mrs Bell’s class who also raised £107 for the Bee Keeping Project in Uganda.

Dates for Diaries
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5
Saturday 24th April - First Holy Communion Preparation
Saturday 8th May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus
Happy Easter

Matt Condon, Headteacher

26th March 2010

2010-03-29T09:55:00.001+01:00

Dear Parent/Carer,

School Attendance

Well done all for much improved attendance last week. Mr Sherwin's class had 96%, Mrs Mantle's and Mrs Patton's classes had 97% and Mr Conlon's and Mrs Rolling's had an amazing 98%!

After School Clubs

May I remind you that the following after school clubs will be running after the Easter holidays. If there are not enough participants, the clubs will have to be cancelled. Forms are available from the porch and need to be returned by Wednesday 31st March:-
Monday Years 3-6 Gymnastics
Tuesday Years 1-3 Multi-sports
Thursday Years 3-6 Fencing

Dinner Money

Please could you ensure that all dinner money arrears are paid by Monday 29th March. May I remind you that dinner money must be paid on a Monday in a named envelope and not as loose change, to the school office or the class teacher.

Proposed Road alterations on Fishponds Road and Stapleton Road

Bristol City Council are proposing a number of alterations to the road layout along Fishponds Road and Stapleton Road. These proposals are designed to enhance public transport and cyclists/walkers and include restrictions for car drivers, plus 24 hour bus lanes and bus lane extensions.
A consultation period is running until April 9th, so you can comment any time up until then. There is a consultation leaflet available from the Bristol City Council website: www.bristol.gov.uk/gbbn and click on the Stapleton Road/Fishponds Road link at the top.
Alternatively, you can visit the Project Information Centre on the corner of Fishponds Road and Elmgrove Road and pick up a leaflet there. The Project Information Centre is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am - 4pm (8pm on Thursdays).

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 29th March at 9.15am, and the following children will receive their headteachers award:-
Ollie Louch, Liam Rice, Rachel Butcher, Ben Underhill, Luke Staddon, Mateusz Klamanski, David Wabissa, Issy Poole, Aaron Tarr, Taychon Graham, Anna Galvin and Joseph Calloway.

Dates for Diaries
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5
Saturday 24th April - First Holy Communion Preparation
Saturday 8th May - First Holy Communion Preparation
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

19th March 2010

2010-03-19T14:44:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers - Happy St. Joseph’s Day everyone.

School Attendance
Last week attendance improved on the previous week, but unfortunately many classes still have attendance below 95%. Well done to Miss Wright’s class for achieving 95%, Mrs Ford’s class for achieving a great 97% and Mrs Joseph’s class who achieved top attendance with 97.5%!

Curriculum – Sports Relief, Cookathon and Enterprise Projects
The curriculum this week has been action packed!

Yesterday was Sports Relief led by Year 1’s class assembly. The rest of the school enjoyed a range of sporting activities during the day, whilst raising money for this good cause. Here are children enjoying the Dance Boogie!

Earlier in the week was the Cookathon, ably led by Mrs Hood and a small army of volunteers. The children had lots of fun Healthy and delicious! It’s great to see Father Joy getting stuck in with the cooking!

Enterprise Projects - The Middle Years (Y3/4) have been working on their design projects this week with the help of Mr Terry, our volunteer from HSBC Bank. Mr Terry helped the children think about why they are making their products and what they will need to say to the Dragons next week in the Den! (I wonder who they will be?)

Uniform Sale
We have a limited stock of school white polo shirts and navy blue fleeces which we are selling at a reduced price of £4.50 for polo shirts and £9 for fleeces. Sizes range from 5/6 - 11/12. This offer is until stocks last and is on a first come, first served basis.

If you would like to order any other item of uniform, please visit the website www.schoolwearforless.com/schools/stjosephsrcprimarybs163qr/ or collect an order form from the porch.

100% Organic Shopping Bags
Shopping bags are available to buy from the school office at a cost of £3.50 each. They are displayed in the playground noticeboard and the school office. All proceeds go to the playground enhancement project which is being organised by the School
Council.

Mothering Sunday Mass
It was wonderful to see so many families attending the Mothering Sunday Mass last weekend. I know that Father Joy and the Parish were thrilled with your enthusiastic response to the celebration and welcome you to Parish Mass every weekend. Masses are held at 6pm on a Saturday, at 10am on a Sunday morning and 6pm in the evening. Sunday’s evening Mass includes a children Liturgy where children learn about the Good News together.

Dates for Diaries
Tuesday 30th March - Holy week Mass in the school hall
Friday 26th March - Cafod Bee Day
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day (school closed)
Science and technology focus

12th March, 2010

2010-03-12T16:00:00.003Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

School Mass – Mothering Sunday
The school community will be leading a special Mass in Church this Sunday. It would be great to see lots of families from the school community attending this special Mothering Sunday Mass, which will begin at 10am.

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Bell’s class for achieving almost 99% attendance. Mrs Ford’s class achieved 95.5%. Unfortunately due to illness, attendance was lower than usual in all other classes.

Can I remind you all that the school office must be contacted immediately if your child is unable to attend school.

Jewellery Recycling Week
Your child will have brought home a bag for your unwanted jewellery this week - the items that can be accepted are listed on the bag. Please could you ensure that bags are returned by Friday 19th March. A prize draw will take place for all returned bags to win one of two art pencil sets - the winners will be announced in the newsletter.

Dinner Money
Can I remind you that dinner money must be paid on a Monday in a named envelope and either posted through the office letter box or given to the class teacher. Dinner money envelopes are available from the office.

Packed Lunches
As the school kitchen is only obliged to provide cutlery for those children having a hot school dinner and we have two sittings, we are often unable to supply children having packed lunches with a spoon. If your child has anything in their packed lunch that requires eating with a spoon, please provide one in their lunch box.

Cookathon – 16th March
We are holding an all day Cookathon for the children in KS2. If you are able to spare half an hour during the 16th March to help out with cooking, please speak to Sharon Hood in the playground or give your name into the office together with the time that you are available.

Stanger Danger
This week we have been reminding all children that they are only to leave school with the person who is authorised to take them home – this is usually the parent or carer. If anybody else approaches them, even if they are known, children must immediately return to their class teacher. Please inform the class teacher if anybody different is collecting your child from school.

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly next Monday, 8th March at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-

Nuala Wallace, Milly Wiecioch-Giles, Meigan Westlake, Jane Campos, Hannah Richards, Isaac Allen and Ailis Tuohy.

Dates for Diaries
Sunday 14th March - School Mass in Church
Tuesday 16th March - Year 5 and 6 Mass in Church
Tuesday 16th March - Cookathon
Tuesday 30th March - Holy week Mass in the school hall
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5
Thursday 27th May - End of Term 5
Friday 28th May - Staff Training Day - Science and Technology Focus – School Closed

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 5th March

2010-03-05T15:17:00.002Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parents Evening
You will have the opportunity to meet some of the school governors at the next parents evening. They will also be seeking the views of parents about what is going well in the school and what could be improved. We plan this to be a feature of future parent’s evenings.

E.Safety
A big thank you to Mr Sherwin, for organising an exciting an informative E-Learning week.

Can we ask that you all talk to your children about their use of the internet, in particular social networking sites like Facebook. We have learnt that some children have posted their full names, school name and photograph on these sites. This information may now be accessed by anyone using the World Wide Web!

School Mass – Mothering Sunday
The school community will be leading a special Mass in Church, on Sunday 14th March. You are all welcome. The Mass will begin at 10am.

School Attendance
Well done to Mrs Mantle’s class, Mrs Ford’s class, Mrs Joseph’s class, Mr Sherwin’s class and Mr Conlon’s class achieving over 96% attendance.

Mr Conlon’s class achieved over 98% attendance!

Cookathon – 16th March

We are holding an all day Cookathon for the children in KS2. If you are able to spare half an hour during the 16th March to help out with cooking, please speak to Sharon Hood in the playground or give your name into the office together with the time that you are available.

Virtual Bike Race and Dr Bike visit

Almost 20 bikes in school today - getting better every day! St. Joes are currently 97th in the country (in the top 3rd) and ahead of other local schools. Let’s see if more children and parents can cycle into school next week.

Dr Bike, who is able to carry out general maintenance and repairs, will be in school on Tuesday morning from 8.30 onwards. Children and parents can bring their bikes in.

School Crossing Patrol
A reminder that Mrs Pauline Sheere will be unable to work from the 8th March and for 8 weeks from the 11th March. Please ensure your children are always safe when crossing the road.

Celebration of Achievements
There will be a celebration assembly next Monday, 8th March at 9.15am. The following children will receive awards:-

Nuala Wallace, Milly Wiecioch-Giles, Meigan Westlake, Jane Campos, Hannah Richards, Isaac Allen and Ailis Tuohy

Dates for Diaries
Monday 8th March - Parent’s Evening
Tuesday 9th March - Dr Bike visit
Sunday 14th March - School Mass in Church
Tuesday 16th March - Year 5 and 6 Mass in Church
Tuesday 16th March - Cookathon
Tuesday 30th March - Holy week Mass in the school hall
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 26th February

2010-02-26T14:41:00.002Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Staffing – Miss Jane O’Toole
Regretfully Miss O’Toole will not be returning to work at St. Joseph’s. This is due to ill health. We wish her the best for the future.

Parents Evening
These are being held over the next two weeks. It is important that you all make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher, as important information about their progress will be shared in this meeting. There will also be an opportunity to meet the school governors, who will be seeking the views of parents about the school’s work.

Virtual Bike Race
This begins on Monday. Every child who cycles to school each day will be a part of the school cycle team. Bike it Ben will also be available to talk about the schools cycling plans and to offer advice, during Parents Evening on Tuesday 2nd March.

School Mass – Mothering Sunday
The school community will be leading a special Mass in Church, on Sunday 14th March. You are all welcome. The Mass will begin at 10am.

School Attendance We are still keeping up good attendance with Miss Wright’s class, Mrs Ford’s class, Mrs Mantle’s class, Mrs Joseph’s and Mrs Bell’s class achieving over 96% attendance.

Mr Conlon’s class achieved almost 100% with 99.3%!!!

Cookathon – 16th March

We are holding an all day Cookathon for the children in KS2. If you are able to spare half an hour during the 16th March to help out with cooking, please speak to Sharon Hood in the playground or give your name into the office together with the time that you are available.

School Crossing Patrol

A reminder that Mrs Pauline Sheere will be unable to work from the 8th March and for 8 weeks from the 11th March. Please ensure your children are always safe when crossing the road.

Dates for Diaries

Monday 1st March - No celebration assembly
Tuesday 2nd March - Years 3 and 4 Mass in Church
Tuesday 2nd March - Parent’s Evening
Friday 5th March – Mrs. Ford’s class assembly (parents are welcome)
Monday 8th March - Parent’s Evening
Sunday 14th March - School Mass in Church
Tuesday 16th March - Year 5 and 6 Mass in Church
Tuesday 30th March - Holy week Mass in the school hall
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5

Best wishes

Matt Condon
Headteacher

Friday 12th February 2010

2010-02-12T13:09:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

School Attendance
We are still keeping up good attendance with Mr Sherwin’s class over attending over 95% of the time, Mr Conlon’s, Mrs Bell’s and Miss Wright’s over 97%, Mrs Joseph’s and Mrs Patton’s class over 98%, Mrs Mantles at 99% and…

MRS FORD’S CLASS ACHIEVED - 100% ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK!!! WELL DONE!

Bike it Ben
Bike it Ben will be available to talk about the schools cycling plans and to offer advice, during Parents Evening on Tuesday 2nd March.

Clothes for a Cause
Thank you to all who supported the Clothes for a Cause a total of £159.80 was raised. The money will be shared out equally between the nominated charities.

Year 5/6 Camp Clothes
We have a bag of clothes left over from last week’s camp. These will be available for parents to look at in the reception courtyard, after school on Monday 22nd February.

200 Club
The winners for January 2010 are:-
Mrs White - £ 12.25
Mr & Mrs Poole - £ 8.17
Mrs Palmer - £ 4.08

Please see Mrs Gossan if you would like to join. Many members are regular winners and all money raised supports children’s learning directly – some of it going directly to the School Council.

Eco and School Council News
Over the holidays we are having loft insulation and draft excluders installed to reduce the amount of energy we use to heat the school. Also we are replacing the soap and toilet dispensers with eco-friendly ones which will reduce the schools impact on the planet.

In term 4 we will be sending home envelopes for recycling jewellery (broken watches, costume jewellery) anything that you would like to get rid of. Also a box will be set up in the school to collect old DVD's and CD's - they must still be in their original case, so over the hols have a look around to see what you can find. Proceeds of both ventures will go to the school council to help with their fundraising for the playground.

PTFA Coffee Afternoon
There will be a coffee afternoon on Friday 26th February, from 3.00-3.30pm, in the Reception Class, 50p for a tea or coffee and a biscuit. Everybody is welcome!

Maths Online Support
Please visit the school website, where you will find links to the school’s Challenge website and the Number Crunch website (where you can also find the Maths Clubs). Here children will be able to find special challenges for the holidays, as well as guidance on how to improve their number calculation skills. Also all Year 5 and 6 pupils have access to Mathletics, if they have the internet at home. Mathletics is a great way to have fun and improve numeracy skills.

School Crossing Patrol
Mrs Pauline Sheere will be unable to work from the 8th March and for 8 weeks from the 11th March. Please use the crossing by the traffic lights to cross the road safely.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 12th February - End of Term 3
Wednesday 17th February - Ash Wednesday
Monday 22nd February - Start of Term 4
Monday 22nd February - Start of E-Safety Week
Tuesday 23rd February - Years 5 and 6 Mass in Church
Wednesday 24th February - E-Safety Week parents meeting – 9am
Friday 26th February - PTFA Coffee afternoon - 3.00-3.30pm
Tuesday 2nd March - Years 1 and 2 Mass in Church
Tuesday 2nd March - Parent’s Evening
Monday 8th March - Parent’s Evening
Tuesday 9th March - Years 3 and 4 Mass in Church
Sunday 14th March - School Mass in Church
Tuesday 16th March - Year 5 and 6 Mass in Church
Thursday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5

Have a safe and restful holiday,

Matt Condon, Headteacher

5th February 2010

2010-02-05T16:16:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Bullying Concerns
It has come to my attention that there has been some talk in the school playground about school bullying. The school behaviour policy defines bullying as –

Persistent and deliberate undermining of a person’s self-esteem and feelings of well-being in whatever form this takes.

Should an incident occur, which is perceived to be bullying we encourage all children to tell their teacher. The incident will then be swiftly investigated, recorded and appropriate action will be taken. If a child comes home feeling the situation has not been resolved parents need to inform the class teacher immediately. If after talking to the class teacher, the situation has not improved, please make an appointment to discuss the matter with the Headteacher. I will investigate fully, record all relevant information and take appropriate action. If parents still feel the issue has not been resolved satisfactorily, finally the School Governors should then be contacted.

At St Joseph’s School we will not tolerate bullying of any kind.

As a parent I do understand concerns about this issue. However in any school there will always be times when children have problems with relationships and although possibly upsetting, this if usually not bullying.

Generally the children in this school behave very well and demonstrate respect for each other – Ofsted judged children’s behaviour to be outstanding. When there is a problem we do our best to resolve it quickly, but can only do so if we are told about it.

SO IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN – PLEASE TALK TO US!!!

School Attendance
Good attendance all round. Well done to the following classes for achieving over 95% - Miss Wright’s class, Mrs Mantle’s class and Mr Conlon’s class, but a massive well done to Mrs Joseph’s class, Mr Sherwin’s class, Mrs Patton’s class and Mrs Bell’s class for all achieving almost 98%. Almost full attendance!

Bike it Ben
Bike it Ben will be available during Parents Evening on the 2nd March

Lost Property
Lost property will be on display again next Monday 8th February.

Music Tuition
Please could you ensure that music tuition fees are paid by Friday 12th February. If you are paying by cheque, please make it payable to Bristol City Council

After School Clubs
There are still places available on the following after school clubs - which start the week beginning 22nd February:-

Gymnastics - Monday - Years 3/4/5/6
Multi-sports - Tuesday - Years 1/2/3
Fencing - Thursday - Years 5/6

If you are interested in any of these clubs please contact the office for details

Payment Envelopes
Envelopes are for sale for the school office £1.50 for 50 or £2.50 for 100.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 8th February at 9.15am, and the following children will receive their headteachers award:-

Dates for Diaries
Tuesday 9th February - Later Primary (Y5/6) Mass in Church
Friday 12th February - End of Term 3
Monday 22nd February - Start of Term 4
Tuesday 2nd March - Parent’s Evening
Monday 8th March - Parent’s Evening
Friday 26th March - PTFA Coffee afternoon 3.00-3.30pm
Thurday 1st April - End of Term 4
Monday 19th April - Start of Term 5

Yours sincerely,
Matt Condon
Headteacher

29th January 2010

2010-02-02T09:21:00.001Z

Dear Parents and Carers,

Clothes for a Cause

A huge thank you to all who brought in bags of clothes and textiles - 79 bags were collected. The amount raised will be announced as soon as we know. The money raised will be shared between the NSPCC and The Rainbow Trust and the school community has gone a long way to help the planet by recycling. More recycling initiatives will be announced next term.
Many thanks
Eva (on behalf of the School Council)

Singing Games DVD

Thank you to all of you who purchased a Singing DVD from The Primary Music Specialists. The school is now the proud owner of copies of the DVD, thanks to your purchases. Some of you wondered if there was a handbook to go with the DVDs. I contacted the producers and there is not one included in the original price of £2:50, however they have sent me an online link so that you could print your own off if you wish. To download the book please follow the following instructions:
Type in the address bar : www.theresourcebank.co.uk/locked
Use username: singing
Password: games
You should be able to download the key stage 1 and 2 singing games books.
Good luck and enjoy the songs!
Mrs Marsh

Children’s Liturgy of the World

Did you know we have a children’s liturgy of the word at our Sunday evening mass? This involves children being taken out for the first half of mass to discuss and understand the gospel at their level with fun activities. Teaching of the children’s liturgy of the word is given by 2 adults each week. If you would like your child to go to the children’s liturgy, then please come along to the Sunday evening mass at 6.00pm

Lost Property

Lost property will be on display after school on Monday 1st February, and Friday 5th February.

Celebration Assembly

There will not be a celebration assembly on Monday.

Dates for Diaries

Friday 22nd January - Parish Meeting in Parish Hall (7pm)
Tuesday 26th January - Early Primary (Y1/2) Mass in Church
Monday 1st February - Y1 School Trip
Monday 1st February - Year 5/6 Camp Week
Monday 1st February - Start of Black History Month
Tuesday 2nd February - Middle Primary (Y3/4) Mass in Church
Tuesday 9th February - Later Primary (Y5/6) Mass in Church
Friday 12th February - End of Term 3
Monday 22nd February - Start of Term 4
Tuesday 2nd March - Parent’s Evening
Monday 8th March - Parent’s Evening

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

22nd January 2010

2010-01-22T14:29:00.000Z

22nd January 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Fencing Tournament

Well done to the St. Joseph’s Fencing ‘A’ Team who came FIRST PLACE in the Bristol Primary School’s Fencing Championship this week. Also well done to Team ‘B’ who were runners up. Pictures will be on the Blog soon! Also a big thank you to John Rohde and Teresa Smaka who coach and support the children in fencing each week.

Haiti Crisis

Many children in school have responded to the plight of people living in Haiti with great concern and sympathy. The school is planning a response, which will involve fundraising to help those in need. We will share information about this shortly.

In the mean time, you can help these people in need by supporting a Cookery Club Cake Sale, which will take place after school next Friday. Bags of cakes will be sold at 50p a bag. All proceeds will support those in need in Haiti.

Leather Glove

A leather glove was found in the Church after a school Christmas Celebration. If it belongs to you, please come and ask the school office.

Dinner Money Envelopes

Dinner money envelopes are available from the school office. 50 envelopes for £1.50 or 100 for £2.50

Y1 School Trip

The year 1 school trip to Blaise Castle Toy Museum on Monday 1st February will be going ahead. Volunteer parent helpers are still needed. If you can help please see Miss Wright.

Clothes for a Cause

The Clothes for a Cause bag has been sent home with your child for you to fill it with any unwanted good quality clothing, curtains, paired shoes, handbags and belts. The more we collect the more money the school receives. The school council have nominated the NSPCC and Rainbow Trust to benefit from the funds raised. The bags will be collected on the 29th January, but we will be accepting the bags from the 27th January.

PTFA Meeting

There will be a PTFA meeting on Wednesday 27th January at 8pm in the Spotted Cow on Lodge Causeway, please try & make it so we can get plans finalised for the Summer Festival. If you've never been before, and would like to come along, we'd love to see you there.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 25th January at 9.15am, and the following children will receive their headteachers award:-

Joel Shelvi, Nile Thomas, Kwame Hartley, Gabriel Matorres, Jack Underhill and George McIntyre

Dates for Diaries

Friday 22nd January - Parish Meeting in Parish Hall (7pm)
Tuesday 26th January - Early Primary (Y1/2) Mass in Church
Monday 1st February - Y1 School Trip
Monday 1st February - Year 5/6 Camp Week
Monday 1st February - Start of Black History Month
Tuesday 2nd February - Middle Primary (Y3/4) Mass in Church
Tuesday 9th February - Later Primary (Y5/6) Mass in Church

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon
Headteacher

School Closed Tomorrow for Staff Child Protection Training

2010-01-17T10:26:00.000Z