29^th  January, 2016

Dear Parent/Carer,

Playground Plans

Thank-you to all the parents that came to look at the playground plans. The response was positive and the plans are progressing nicely.

I have had 6 parents who have kindly offered to become involved in the development of the playground. I am hoping all those parents can play a role in some way. I will contact them next week to arrange a first meeting.

Watch this space for further updates….

Extended School Club – Booking for Term 4

Booking for the Extended School Club for Term 4 (15^th February – 24^th March) is now open on the School Gateway for all children registered with Extended School Club.  If you are not already registered and would like to use the Extended School Club please ask at the office for a registration form.  If you book before 5pm on Friday 29^th January then you will be guaranteed a space.  Therefore if a Term 4 Session you want to book before this deadline appears to be full or you have any problems booking on the School Gateway then please contact the School Office. Booking after 29^th January will be subject to availability and booked on a first come first served basis.

Attendance

Well done to Y4 with 99% attendance last week  AlsoY1, Y2 and Y3 with 98%.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 1^st February at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award: Carl (Y3), Wanessa (Y2), Bernard (R) and Lionel (Y4).

Super Stars:  Zuzanna (Y1), Clara (Y2), Eva (Y2), Janice 9Y3), Rebeca (Y6), Meaghan (R), Ibrahim (Y1), Oliwia (Y2) and Hannah (Y5).

Thursday 28^th January                           -                       Y4 – Bristol Aquarium

Monday 1^st February                             -                       Y6 Deanfield

Friday 5^th February                                 -                       End of Term 3

Monday 15^th February                          -                       Start of Term 4

Wednesday 24^th February                    -                       Y6 Lifeskills

Thursday 25^th February                          -                       Parents evening 4.00-6.30pm

Monday 29^th February                          -                       Parents evening 4.00-6.00pm

Friday 26^th February                              -                       Y3 Assembly

Friday 11^th March                                  -                       Y1 Assembly

Friday 18^th March                                  -                       Columbus Singing Festival 

Thursday 24^th March                             -                       End of Term 4

Monday 11^th April                                 -                       Start of Term 5

Friday 15^th April                                      -                       Reception Assembly

Monday 9^th May                                    -                       Year 6 SAT week     

Thursday 26th May 2016                        -                       INSET (school closed)

Friday 27^th May 2016                              -                       INSET (school closed)

Friday 27^th May                                       -                       End of Term 5

Monday 6^th June                                    -                       Start of Term 6

Friday 1^st July                                           -                       INSET (school closed)

Monday 4^th July                                      -                       INSET (school closed)

Friday 22^nd July                                       -                       End of School Year

Mrs McCarthy,

Headteacher

22nd January, 2016

Dear Parent/Carer,

Exciting News!! Playground refurbishment

We have secured some funding for some much needed playground improvements. The planned improvements include:

• more creative play equipment, including den building, sand and water play and  a mud kitchen
• more physical challenges, including climbing, hangout nets, balances and ropes
• a 'Playpod', 
• resurfacing of the whole playground 
• sports markings to enable our pupils to use pitches more often at playtime but also for use in PE and inter-school competitions 
• Planting to add some nature and soften the look of the playground
• a stage area
• quiet areas with seating and shade
• painting of buildings and gates to improve the look of the playground

The works will take place over the next few months and should be completed by the end of April.

If you would like to have a look at the plans they will be on show in the school hall from 8.30-9.00 on Tuesday 26th and 3.30-4.00pm on Wednesday 27th January, and I will be available to discuss plans with parents. 

I would like to establish a small steering group, including parents, pupils, governors and staff to work with me on the project. It would need 3 parent representatives to meet 3 or 4 times over the next few months to discuss the plans etc. 

If you are interested in being on the steering group please let Mrs Lee know in the School Office by Friday 29th January. In the event we have more volunteers than needed we will draw names out of a hat to pick the 3 representatives.

We are all looking forward to this exciting development....

Extended School Club – Booking for Term 4

Booking for the Extended School Club for Term 4 (15^th February – 24^th March) is now open on the School Gateway for all children registered with Extended School Club.  If you are not already registered and would like to use the Extended School Club please ask at the office for a registration form.  If you book before 5pm on Friday 29^th January then you will be guaranteed a space.  Therefore if a Term 4 Session you want to book before this deadline appears to be full or you have any problems booking on the School Gateway then please contact the School Office. Booking after 29^th January will be subject to availability and booked on a first come first served basis

First Holy Communion

The First Holy Communion Mass will take place on Sunday 26^th June at 10.00am.  Classes will begin in the first week of February and Application forms are now available.

Deanfield Study Centre

The final instalment for Deanfield is now due.

SMSA Job Vacancies: We are looking for new School Meals Supervisory Assistants (SMSAs) to work 12-1.30pm Monday-Friday. Please ask at the School Office if you are interested.

Attendance

Well done to Y1 with 100% attendance last week.  They will be able to wear non-uniform on Friday 29^th January.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 25th January at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award: Amelia G (Y1), Jayden (Y1), Justina (Y1), Ben (Y2), Caspar (Y3), Dominion (Y4), Josh M (Y5), Piper (Y6).

Super Stars: Dominic (R), Esme (Y1), Justina (Y1), Benjamin (Y2), Hugo (Y2), Fletcher (Y2), Hector (Y3), Ollie (Y5).

Thursday 28^th January                                 -            Y4 – Bristol Aquarium

Monday 1^st February                                   -            Y6 Deanfield

Friday 5^th February                                       -            End of Term 3

Monday 15^th February                                -             Start of Term 4

Wednesday 24^th February                          -             Y6 Lifeskills

Thursday 25^th February                                -             Parents evening 4.00-6.30pm

Monday 29^th February                                 -             Parents evening 4.00-6.00pm

Friday 26^th February                                     -            Y3 Assembly

Friday 11^th March                                         -            Y1 Assembly

Friday 18^th March                                         -            Columbus Singing Festival 

Thursday 24^th March                                    -             End of Term 4

Monday 11^th April                                        -             Start of Term 5

Friday 15^th April                                             -             Reception Assembly

Monday 9^th May                                          -             Year 6 SAT week     

Thursday 26th May                                       -              INSET (school closed)

Friday 27^th May                                             -             End of Term 5

Monday 6^th June                                          -             Start of Term 6

Friday 22^nd July                                             -             End of School Year

Mrs McCarthy, 

Headteacher

15^th January, 2016

Dear Parent/Carer,

Fr Paul’s Induction

All pupils and parents will be most welcome at the induction of Fr Paul as Parish Priest during the 10.00am Holy Mass this Sunday (17th Jan). The ceremony will be performed by the Bristol East Dean, Fr. Gregory.

A message from Teresa Bell

Teresa Bell would like to thank the parents for their kind monetary gift. She has already bought a beautiful vase which takes pride of place in her new home in Devon. She would also like to thank the parents for all their support over the years and for giving her the greatest gift of all, the privilege of teaching such wonderful children.

Bristol Old Vic Trip

Children in year 2 and 3 enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre on Wednesday. The children showed exemplary behaviour and their teachers were really proud of them. Well done to all the children.

St Mark's team disco

Today all the children in St Marks team enjoyed a disco to reward them for being the winners of the most team points last term. Congratulations to St Marks Team!

First Holy Communion

The First Holy Communion Mass will take place on Sunday 26^th June at 10.00am.  Classes will begin in the first week of February and Application forms will be available from next weekend..

Deanfield Study Centre

The final instalment for Deanfield is now due.

Attendance

Well done to Reception and Y1 with 99% attendance last week. Also to Y4 with 98%

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 18th January at 9.15am, where the following children will receive their headteachers award: Dashana (Y3), Rachel (Y2), Harrison (Y4), Jackson (Y5), Wiktoria (Y5), Jasmine (R) and Lily (R).

Super Stars: Toby (R) Ruby (Y1), Eoghan (Y2), Amber (Y5), Jacks (Y2), Hollie ((Y1) and Ellie (Y6)

Thursday 28^th January                                 -                       Y4 – Bristol Aquarium

Monday 1^st February                                   -                       Y6 Deanfield

Friday 5^th February                                       -                       End of Term 3

Monday 15^th February                                -                       Start of Term 4

Wednesday 24^th February                          -                       Y6 Lifeskills

Thursday 24^th March                                                -                       End of Term 4

Monday 11^th April                                        -                       Start of Term 5

Monday 9^th May                                          -                       Year 6 SAT week     

Thursday 26th May 2016                              -                       INSET (school closed)

Friday 27^th May                                             -                       End of Term 5

Monday 6^th June                                          -                       Start f term 6

Friday 22^nd July                                             -                       End of School Year

Mrs McCarthy,

Headteacher

Apologies for late posting of Friday's newsletter
]
Friday 8th January

Dear Parent/Carer,

Thank you from Mrs McCarthy
A big thankyou to all the pupils, staff and families who have made me feel so welcome. I have really enjoyed my first week and already feel quite at home. Please do come and say hello if you
see me on the playground, or around school.

Primary School Place for 2016-2017
If your child was born between September 201 1 and 31 August 2012, and you have not applied online, you will need to by the 15th January 2016. Also the additional form from the school office needs to be filed in and returned by the 15th January.

After School Clubs
After school sports clubs will not be running for the first couple of weeks of the new term. We will inform parents when they will be starting again.

Team Points
The winners of last term's team points were the children from St Mark's team. There will be a non-uniform day and special event in the afternoon, organised by the Year Sixes in St Mark's on Friday 15th January.

Outstanding Attendance
Congratulations to the 121 children that achieved 100% attendance and were on•time every day last term. Thankyou to those parents too, for ensuring their children are making the most of every
day at school.

Deanfield Study Centre
The final instalment for Deanfield is now due.

Celebration Assembly
There will be a celebration assembly on Monday I Ith January at 9.1 Sam, where the fdlowing children will receive their headteachers award: Szymon (Y3), Joann (Y3), Alex (Y 2), Zahra (Y5), Irene (Y6), Amelia (Y I), Alicja (Y I) and Aaron (Y4).

Dates for diaries
Thursday 14th January
Thursday 28th January
Thursday 26th May 201 6
Y2 and Y3 Bristol Old Vic
Y 4 - Bristol Aquarium INSET (school closed
Mrs McCarthy, Headteacher

A Message From Mr Condon
I would like to say a very big thank you for the lovely cards, gifts and good wishes I received at the end of term; your kindness and thoughtfulness was really appreciated. I have used monies and
vouchers collectively to buy a cycle computer mapping gadget, which I hope will guide me on my new adventures.
The last couple of weeks, as I prepared to leave, were at times difficult, but with your friendship and support made the experience memorable and positive. My last day was incredibly memorab e and although I'm looking forward to exciting and new experiences in the future, it
was very sad having to say goodbye to the adults and children that make St Joseph's School such a wonderful, caring community. Everyone will be greatly missed.
Your children were a joy to work with and I know that those still at St Joseph's will continue to enjoy their learning and make excellent progress under the continuing guidance of Mrs McCarthy and the school's dedicated staff.
Thank you for all your help and support over the years and my very best wishes to you ail.
Have a wonderful New Year.
Mr Condon

Dear Parents/Carers,

I have had an amazing experience as St Joseph’s and it’s been difficult during the last few days, coming to terms with the fact I’m actually leaving after so many years. I had a wonderful experience growing up here as a child from the ages 4-11but, in many ways, my time here growing as an adult has been even more significant.

I arrived here, as an ex-pupil, in the January of 1999, as a 27 year old lacking experience but with a full head of hair..! Since then I have become a husband, father of 3, Deputy Headteacher and then, almost 9 years ago, the Head of my old school – what an amazing privilege!

Although leading my old school has made me very proud, it has been the greatest honour to work with a brilliant staff, wonderfully supportive governors, great parents and so many children whose energy, enthusiasm and love have made this job such a joy. They are the best children who deserve the best.

I will miss you all.

I know you will all welcome Mrs. McCarthy as the new Headteacher and I wish her, and all of you, every success and happiness in the future.

Mrs Bell

As you will all know, Mrs Bell is retiring from teaching this week. Mrs. Bell has taught at St. Joseph’s since 2002 and has worked in Catholic education for an incredible 37 years. Mrs Bell’s contribution to the school and the children’s learning and wellbeing has been immense. She is uncompromising in her positivity and high expectations of all children who always succeed under her care and guidance. She will be missed by all in the school community.

After School Clubs

Unfortunately Mr Longney, our PE specilast, will be no longer coaching PE in school. Because of this, we are recruiting for a new coach, but this does mean that after school sports clubs will not be running for the first couple of weeks after the holiday. We will inform parents when they will be starting again.

Also, because I am leaving, Kodu Club will not be running after Christmas.

Children’s Christmas Mass 6pm Christmas Eve

Does your child want to take part in the Dramatized Gospel or help with a reading at the Children’s Christmas Mass? There will be two practices for this, one on Sunday after the 10.00am mass in the parish hall and the second on Monday 21^st December at 10am in the church.  Please contact Cathy Williamson on 07917276994 or Susana Gouveia on 07808556615 for further information. Thank you.

Christmas Mass Times

•       Thursday 24^th December 6.00pm - Children’s Mass

•       Thursday 24^th December 9.00pm - Carols and Readings

•       Thursday 24^th December 9.45pm - Christmas Mass

•       Thursday 24^th December 11.35pm - Syro-Malabar Mass

•       Friday 25^th December at 9.30am - Christmas Mass

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 17th December                           -                       Christmas Infant Party

Friday 18th December at 9.30am             -                       Christmas Mass in Church

Friday 18th December                                -                       End of Term 2

Wednesday 6^th January at 9.30am           -                       Mass for Feast of the Epiphany in school hall

Thursday 26th May 2016                              -                       INSET (school closed)

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

Prayer at Advent

During Advent each child will bring home an ‘Advent bag’ for one night.  It consists of a purple cloth, a prayer, a cross and a light.

Please encourage your child to set up a little prayer area, and together say the Advent prayer, discussing how Advent is the time when we are preparing for the Birth of Jesus.

Please ensure the bag is returned the following day.

Christmas at St Joseph’s

Can I remind you all of these key dates over the next couple of weeks:

·         Wednesday 16^th December at 2pm  -                       Carol concert in Church

·         Thursday 17^th December pm               -                       Christmas Infant Party

·         Friday 18^th December at 9.30am        -                       Christmas Mass in Church

Security – A reminder

This week there have been a number of times when parents, and past pupils, have come into school without authorisation. This is often when the entrance is busy, somebody else is coming through the door and other adults follow without speaking to the office staff first. Can all parents please check with the office staff before coming into the school.

Christmas Mqss Times

•       Thursday 24^th December 6.00pm - Children’s Mass

•       Thursday 24^th December 9.00pm - Carols and Readings

•       Thursday 24^th December 9.45pm - Christmas Mass

•       Thursday 24^th December 11.35pm - Syro-Malabar Mass

•       Friday 25^th December at 9.30am - Christmas Mass

Admission Policy 2017 Consultation

This policy is available on the school website or from the school office for consultation until 31st January 2016. Can any feedback be put in writing addressed to the School Governing Body via the school office.

 Celebration Assembly

There will be a Celebration Assembly on Monday 14th December, where the following children will receive their Headteacher's Award:  Marlen (Y5), Kiara (Y5), Rian (Y3), Jayden (Y1), Toby (R) and Lara (R).

Super Stars:

Hugo (Y2), Caitlin (Y6), Ruby (Y1), Zuzana (Y1), Jaspreet (Y3), Jakub (Y4), Thomas (Y5), Nnaemeka (Y1), Harry (Y2) and Wanessa (Y2)

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 15th December                            -                       Y3 Topic Presentation

Wednesday 16th December at 2pm       -                       Carol Concert in church

Thursday 17th December                           -                       Christmas Infant Party

Friday 18th December at 9.30am             -                       Christmas Mass in Church

Friday 18th December                                -                       End of Term 2

Thursday 26th May 2016                              -                       INSET (school closed)

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

Prayer at Advent

During Advent each child will bring home an ‘Advent bag’ for one night.  It consists of a purple cloth, a prayer, a cross and a light.

Please encourage your child to set up a little prayer area, and together say the Advent prayer, discussing how Advent is the time when we are preparing for the Birth of Jesus.

Please ensure the bag is returned the following day.

Christmas at St Joseph’s

Can I remind you all of these key dates over the next couple of weeks:

·         Thursday 10^th December at 2pm              -                       Infant Nativity Performance

·         Thursday 10^th December – 3.30-5.00pm   -                       Disco

·         Thursday 10^th December                            -                       Non-uniform day

·         Friday 11^th December at 9.30am              -                       Infant Nativity Performance

·         Wednesday 16^th December at 2pm        -                       Carol concert in Church

·         Thursday 17^th December pm                     -                       Christmas Infant Party

·         Friday 18^th December at 9.30am              -                       Christmas Mass in Church

Infant Christmas Disco

As many of you already know, this event is now full. Every child who has a place will be sent home a ticket today as a reminder that they have a place. We also have a list of children attending which we will check on the day. If a child is not on our list, then we cannot allow them into the disco as we are already at our legal and safe capacity. If your child does not come home with a ticket, and you think you have place, then please phone the office to check.

It will be non-uniform that day for the whole school, so your child doesn't need to bring a change of clothes. Please collect your child at 5.00pm from:

• Reception from their classroom exit in the infant courtyard.
• Year 1 from their normal exit in the infant courtyard.
• Year 2 from their normal exit in the infant courtyard.
• Years 3 and 4 from the front entrance.
• Years 5 and 6 from their normal exit at the rear of the school.

 Please contact us if you need any further information. Thanks.

Free Apple and Pear Trees

As part of Bristol’s ‘One Tree Per Child’ project, earlier in the year, every child had the opportunity to order a pear or apple tree to take home. We now have these trees in school and will be distributing trees after school on Monday. Mrs Petela will be giving out the trees to those who ordered them, in the garden area, behind the Year 6 classroom, after school on Monday.

Security – A reminder

This week there have been a number of times when parents have come into school without authorisation. This is often when the entrance is busy, somebody else is coming through the door and other adults follow without speaking to the office staff first. Can all parents please check with the office staff before coming into the school.

Admission Policy 2017 Consultation

This policy is available on the school website or from the school office for consultation until 31st January 2016. Can any feedback be put in writing addressed to the School Governing Body via the school office.

Attendance

Well done to Y5 with 100% attendance last week – they will be able to wear non-uniform on Monday 7^th December.  Also well done to Y3 with 99% and Y6 with 98% attendance.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a Celebration Assembly on Monday 7^th December, where the following children will receive their Headteacher's Award:  Filip (R), Maya (R), Amelia (R), Japhet (R), Meikel (Y6), Keanna  (Y4), Ruby (Y3), Jacks (Y2) and Hugo (Y2)

Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 8th December                              -                       Y5 trip to St Fagan’s

Tuesday 8^th December at 7pm                 -                       Celebration Year of Mercy at the Cathedral

Wednesday 9^th December at 9.05am      -                       Y6 Topic Presentation

Wednesday 9th December                       -                       Christmas Lunch

Thursday 10th December at 2pm             -                       Infant Nativity Performance

Thursday 10th December pm                    -                       PTFA Disco

Thursday 10th December at 10am           -                       Prospective parents tour

Friday 11th December 9.30am                  -                       Infant Nativity Performance

Tuesday 15th December                            -                       Y3 Topic Presentation

Wednesday 16th December at 2pm       -                       Carol Concert in church

Thursday 17th December                           -                       Christmas Infant Party

Friday 18th December at 9.30am             -                       Christmas Mass in Church

Friday 18th December                                -                       End of Term 2

Thursday 26th May 2016                              -                       INSET (school closed)

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon

Headteacher