Newsletter - 7th September 2018

Friday, 7^th September 2018

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Welcome Back! I am glad to see so many of you have returned safely after the summer holidays. A very big welcome to our Reception children and to their families. At St Joseph’s we have had a productive first week. The children have been getting used to their school routine. Our after school clubs offer is in the process of being sent out to you and the teachers are preparing ‘Termtalk’ and the RE Newsletter so you know what is being taught this term. You will be able to find this on our website. Also please label the children’s clothing – so much goes missing; this is expensive and irritating for you as families.

I am thrilled to say that I will be at St Joseph’s full time so I look forward to seeing you all on a more regular basis.

During the summer Camberwell made the news for some very difficult reasons. We pray that our community will remain strong in the face of all adversity and that those affected by life’s challenges are safe in the knowledge that the St Joseph’s community will look after them as best it can.

Safeguarding the children is our first priority. Our children need to be kept safe at all times. Please make sure you tell us when your child is absent- giving us the reason and letting us know when they are likely to return to school. Also, a reminder that holidays are not to be taken in term time. Holidays in term time cannot be authorised so please do not buy the tickets and then let the school know you are going! If there is a genuine family event or tragedy the school will always show compassion. If your child requires medication notification to the school needs to be updated annually. Please make sure you tell the office if there are any changes to your child’s medical history/medication.

At the end of last term I sent a letter to parents saying that St Joseph’s has committed leaders, teachers, governors and clergy who are dedicated to the school and I repeat, now, at the beginning of the new academic year that we expect everyone in our midst to treat each other with respect, have tolerance for each other’s differences and not to bring discord into the school environment where your children are at the centre of our work.

We ask you, the parents and carers, to support us by making sure your children are school ready. You are their primary educators in Faith and in life: Make sure

• You read with your children daily and take them to the library regularly

• They have their PE kits

• They attend school on time every day

• You don’t take holiday in term time

• If there is something going on at home that may affect them in school you let us know

• If you are concerned about your child’s progress you come and talk to us

• When the school is concerned about your child’s progress you work with us to support your child even if it challenges your pride

• You respond to all school communication - however small the issue.

• You tell your child to use good manners and work with the school to ensure your child’s behaviour is impeccable and meets the expectations of the school

Parents’ Behaviour

In order to support a peaceful and safe school environment I am sure you will all agree we cannot tolerate parents, carers and visitors exhibiting the following:

• Disruptive behaviour or disorderly conduct which interferes or threatens to interfere with the operation of a classroom, office or any other area of the school grounds.

• Using loud/or offensive language, shouting, swearing, cursing, using profane language, attempting to physically intimidate, use of aggressive hand gestures or displaying temper

• Threatening to harm a member of school staff, visitor, fellow parent/carer or pupil regardless of whether or not the behaviour constitutes a criminal offence.

• Damaging or destroying school property

• Sending abusive or threatening e-mails or text/voicemail/phone messages or other written communications

• Defamation of the school or staff character, on Facebook or other social networking sites

• The use of physical aggression towards another adult or child. This includes physical punishment against your own child on school premises

• Approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them because of their actions towards your own children

• Approaching somebody else’s parent/carer in order to discuss or chastise their child

If any parent/carer exhibits any of the above the school will have no hesitation in seeking further action. Our school policy will be on the website next week and notices will be placed around the school.

Reflection

‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’

‘If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.’

Mother Teresa

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Wednesday 12^th September 3.30pm:

Secondary Transfer Evening (For Year 6 Parents only)

Friday 28^th September 9 -10am:

MacMillan Coffee Morning - All are Welcome

Wednesday 17^th and Thursday 18^th October:

Parents Evenings - you will have further information by letter

Anita Gallagher

Executive Headteacher