Newsletter - 21st November 2014



21^st November 2014

Dear Parents and Carers,                                                       

We are having a very productive time here at St Joseph’s.  There are lots of new things happening for the children in terms of clubs, enrichment and learning opportunities.  Nationally, the curriculum has changed and there is a greater expectation that children will learn more difficult concepts at a younger age.  Just to give you a flavour of some of the things we will be working towards over the next couple of terms to make the experience of school better for your children.

We will be working towards the following awards:

• Healthy Schools London
• Leading Parent Partnership
• Rights Respecting School

Here are some of the things that are happening:

• Reading Mentors form ‘Beanstalk’
• Maths and literacy intervention in Year 5 and 6
• Phonic Intervention Year 1 and 2
• In the Juniors every child plays a musical instrument
• I Gospel Choir
• ‘CUES-ED’ a well-being programme
• ‘Art-is’ in the infants to teach art and dance
• More Inter-schools sports competitions
• Kidscape anti-bullying programme
• The expectation that there will be a termly visit/trip to support learning for every class
• Links with the Blue Elephant Theatre, Sacred Heart and All Saints Academy
• Southwark RE Coordinator meetings
• Improving our website

Reading Volunteers

Is anyone interested in giving up an hour or two a week to be a reading volunteer?  If you are please let one of us know.  If any Dads are interested we need good male role models – thanks in anticipation!

First Holy Communion

The First Holy Communion Programme will be run in school by Mrs Gallagher and Ms Kirrane.  The first meeting for parents is on Wednesday 26^th of November 6.30pm at Sacred Heart Church.  It is really important that you get to this meeting.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea

As you are probably aware there is a 24 hour sickness bug going around that is quite contagious.  Please ensure your child is properly recovered to come back to school.  The recommended recovery period for vomiting and diarrhoea is 48 hours.  If your child has a temperature and is feeling sick/ sore throat we will be calling you to come and collect them.

Attendance and Punctuality

To become an outstanding school we have to have fantastic attendance and punctuality.  This is where parents especially contribute to the ethos of the school.  Traffic aside, please make sure your children get to school on time every day.

School Dinners

It is important that children experience a variety of different tastes.  The school dinners here are very good. They are nutritionally balanced and healthy but the children are reluctant to try something new.  Please encourage your children to taste and try!  We have been working on behaviour in the dining hall.  Table manners and quiet talking being our priority I’d like you to reinforce this at home.  

Christmas Raffle

Please don’t forget to buy tickets for our Christmas Raffle: they will be on sale on Monday 24^th November and alternate between the infant and junior playgrounds.  And… don’t forget the Christmas Fair on Friday 5^th December!

Dates for your diary

The Reflection this week is the poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley.  Nelson Mandela took great strength from these words during his captivity.

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be, For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning’s of chance, My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears, Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years, Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

We would also like to say a big thank you to Fr. Victor Darlington for saying such a lovely ‘caring mass’ in the infants today and thanks to the parents who came.

Anita Gallagher