Dear Parent/Carer,

School Access

May I please remind parents again about the safety and security of their children. Access to the school is through the front entrance only. Unfortunately, their safety is being put at risk by a small number of adults who continue to attempt to access the building through other doorways which should be used as an exit for children only. Adults should only enter the school through the front entrance. If you wish to speak to your child’s class teacher please make an appointment with the office 

Thank you.

World Book Day Competition

On Thursday 3^rd March it is World Book Day. To celebrate Eden are running a competition to win a £50.00 ‘Toys r Us’ Voucher.  Details will be sent home with your child today.

Lifeskills need your support to win a share of £10,000 awards money in Airbus Community Awards

The Year Sixes visited the Lifeskills Centre last week.  This is a place where children learn how to be safe in real life situations.  It is a fabulous resource for Bristol children that needs our help.  In the next few weeks Year Six will be holding a fund-raising day for Lifeskills to help towards keeping it going for other children.  In the meantime, if any parent receives the Bristol Post, you can help now by cutting out coupons from the paper and bringing them into school.

Voting coupons will be printed in the Bristol Post from 22 February until Monday, March 21.

Look out for bonus voting days in the Bristol Post when they will be issuing higher value votes. Please note that photocopied voting coupons will not be counted. You can submit as many votes as you like. The more votes Lifeskills receives, the more chance they have of winning an award, as the top 10 groups with the most votes will all win a share of the prize money.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 29th February, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:- Melanie (Y3), Amber (Y5), Jan (Y1), Franek (Y2) and Sean (Y4).

 Super Stars: Nnameka (Y1), Alicia (Y1), Sammie (Y3), Lyra (Y2), Zachary (Y1), Kiara (Y5), Charlie (Y2), Louise (R) and Edith (Y1).

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

Dear Parent/Carer,

Year 4 

We are pleased to let you know that Mr Thwaites will be the Year 4 class teacher, taking over from Mrs Ashton when she goes on Maternity leave at Easter. Mr Thwaites will teach the class from 11th April until Mrs Darvill returns on 9th May.  Mrs Darvill will be their teacher for the remainder of the year, supported by Mr Thwaites on Fridays. 

We are hoping Mr Thwaites will be able to join Mrs Ashton at parents evenings so you will have the opportunity to meet him then.

Temporary Teaching Assistant

There is a job vacancy for a Temporary Teaching Assistant with SMSA duties from 14^th March until the end of the school year (22^nd July). 9am-1pm Monday to Friday term time only plus inset days. Deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 25^th February. Application by CES application form available from CES website or from the school office. 

Lateness

There seems to be an increasing number of pupils who are coming to school late. If lateness becomes persistent your child will miss a significant amount of teaching time. Continued lateness causes disruption to the class teacher and the other pupils who are already engaged in the first lesson of the day. Similarly, there are many pupils who are being collected late at the end of the day.  The school day finishes at 3.30pm. 

Bikes, Scooters, Skateboards

A recent Health and Safety review has recommended that children should not ride bikes, scooters or skateboards on the playground. Due to the confined space and number of adults and children, there is a high risk that children or adults could be injured.

We encourage children and adults to use their bikes and scooters to come to school but ask that they are not ridden on the school site.

Thank you.

Attendance

Well done to Y5 with 100% attendance last week, they will have a special non-uniform day on Friday 26th February.  Congratulations also to  Y2 with 99% and Y1 and Y3 with 98%

Celebration Assembly

There will be a celebration assembly on Monday 22^nd February, where the following children will receive their headteacher’s award:-  Caitlin (Y6), Kayla (Y4), Eissa (Y3), Benjamin (Y5), Teia (Y2), Eva (Y2) and Matthew (R). There will also be an Attendance and Punctuality Draw.

Super Stars: Matthew (R), Tegan (R), Kyreece (R), Maeya (Y2) and Jacks (Y2)

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

5^th February, 2016

Dear Parent/Carer,

E.Safety – KS2

‘Unique Voice’ E.Safety KS2 Parent Assembly on Tuesday 16^th February – 3.00-3.30pm.

E.Safety Performance – KS1

There will be an interactive performance assembly for KS1 pupils on Monday 15^th February, where they will experience a journey with Daisy, who ahead of receiving her new iPad is taken into her own digital dream world as she learns how to be safe online.

First Holy Communion

There will be a parents meeting for those whose children will be taking their First Holy Communion this year.  The meeting will take place this Sunday in St Joseph’s Pre School after the 10.00am mass.  The meeting will last approximately 30 minutes.

Lost Property

We have lots of unclaimed lost property in the blue box in the entrance foyer. Can I ask parents, carers and children to check the box, if they have lost anything, as all contents will be recycled at the beginning of next term.

Parking in the Local Area

Parking a bit further away means nobody should need to park on the zig-zag lines. We've also had complaints that parents are blocking our neighbours in because they are parking across residential drives. Please consider others who are unable to access driveways or are held up if the road is blocked by cars dropping off children. Can I also remind everybody that dropping children off in the middle of the road is also very dangerous.

Attendance

Well done to Y2 and Y4 with 99% attendance last week.  Also Y1 with 98%.

Celebration Assembly

There will be no celebration assembly on Monday 15^th February.

Friday 5^th February                           -                       End of Term 3

Monday 15^th February                    -                       Start of Term 4

Monday 15^th February                    -                       E.Safty KS!     

Tuesday 16^th February                     -                       E.Safety KS2

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

Have a lovely half term.

Mrs McCarthy,

Headteacher

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