Thursday, 17 February 2011

Thursday 17th February 2011

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, 11 February 2011

Friday 11th February

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, 4 February 2011

Friday 4th February 2011

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

Friday, 28 January 2011

28th January 2011

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, 21 January 2011

Friday 21st January

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, 14 January 2011

Friday 15th January 2011

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

Friday, 7 January 2011

Special Announcement - for Y6 Parents

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.”