February 24th parent news 2014

ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY Weekly Newsletter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pictures from around the school

ISSUE 18.2 FEBRUARY 24TH

2014

How Good is Our School?: publishing the views of parents, pupils and teachers

FOR PARENTS, CARERS, FAMILIES & PARISHES

Ben Davis, Acting Headteacher Grassyards Rd Kilmarnock KA3 7SL 01563 526144 www.saintjosephsacademy.co.uk Twitter: @StJoAcad

INSPIRE AND TRANSFORM: CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK Shining the Light of Faith

SHINING THE LIGHT OF FAITH ‘Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey.’

This week sees all Catholic schools in Scotland celebrate Catholic Education Week. The theme of the week this year is Shining the Light of Faith and it has been inspired by the first Encyclical from Pope Francis, ‘Lumen Fidei’ (The Light of Faith).

We began our celebrations with pupils and staff attending and speaking at Masses across East Ayrshire this weekend.

The message was very clear: Catholic education is a partnership between home and school, between primary and secondary that supports, nurtures and realises the potential of young people. This can be seen in the ethos of our schools, our excellent results, the first-class conduct of pupils and their relationships with teachers and in the wide range and high number of positive destinations amongst leavers.

During Catholic Education Week 2014 We intend to do the week justice. For this reason we were delighted to welcome pupils and teachers from all of our learning community primary schools to a special Mass on Monday organised by S6 Caritas pupils and celebrated by Fr. Martin Chambers. We are also focusing

on Catholic Education Week in Home Room and have set out a Catholic Education Week Challenge for pupils, staff, parents, carers and the wider community.

We will be using Catholic Education Week as the time to begin gathering views and ideas on the future direction of the school building on the great number of successes that are part and parcel of daily life at St. Joseph’s.

Inside this issue you can read more about what our pupils and parents think. Our Catholic Education Week Challenge will be issued separately this week to parents, carers, pupils, staff and the wider community.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE WEEK ..........................

This week we feature a striking coastal shot from Lewis McKenzie in S4.

ART WORK OF THE WEEK ..........................

A thought-provoking piece of great precision and style from Bethany Dick in S5.

HOW GOOD IS OUR SCHOOL?: Almost every day of the week Acting Headteacher Mr. Davis meets with a different group of pupils to seek their views and ideas. The first question he asks is, ‘Which teacher has inspired you?‘ Already pupils, since January, have named 24 different members of staff. Below are the reasons they gave.

[OUR PUPILS’ VIEWS]

She’s nice

He always encourages you, even when you’re struggling

Inspired me to use different techniques in Art

She keeps on pushing me

She’s fun and different

She speaks to you like you’re a person and not a kid

He’s just brilliant and motivates everyone

She makes me want to learn

She seems to genuinely care for pupils

She makes me want to do my best

He’s good and not crabbit

He’s fun and funny

He gets the best out of me

She makes stuff fun

She always wants you to do better and pushes you to the limit

She knows I don’t have great ability, but gets me to do the best

She would do anything for you and want the best for everybody

She’s good and helps you if you get stuck

He gets the best out of you He is helpful and encourages me She talks to us like she knows us (2 pupils) Helps me in Maths so I achieve He is full of enthusiasm and pushes you to do things She is helpful and pushes me

She takes a personal interest in my career It’s just the way be talks and teaches I love Art and the way she does it She makes sure we’re all doing our best and she’s great at her job He asks me what I want to be in Home Room and has guided me

She is patient and explains things properly

She gets us to do experiments, listens to our opinions and creates good discussion

He is helpful

He helps and explains well so I get it

She always makes you want to work even harder

In Home Room he makes wee speeches and tell us stories that teach us right from wrong

He pushes you to do your best She is always helping and doesn’t move on until everyone understands He understands your point of view and joins in with the chat He explains really well and pushes you He explains things really well If you’re stuck she takes time with you If you don’t understand she’ll speak to you and she cares I like the way he teaches She teaches differently If you’re stuck, he’ll help She’s a nice teacher He chats to me about my learning He’s not strict, but you do learn

She helps you if you’re stuck She’s really good, pushes you to be our best and gives us courage

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An interesting thought: The most common answer to the question ‘What stops you from learning?’ was: ‘Other people’s behaviour’ (55% of pupils said this).

So my questions to everyone reading this are: Is that good enough? What are we all going to do about this? ............................................................................

HOW GOOD IS OUR SCHOOL?: The final question Mr. Davis asks is ,‘How good is our school?‘ The pupils are then invited to rate their school and provide a reason for their comments. Here is

[OUR PUPILS’ VIEWS]

what they said.

Excellent, because of the level of support

Very good, even when I can’t be bothered

Great, because Pupil Support fix problems

S’alright

Good

Good, it’s got pros and cons

Very good, because most teachers are nice and help and Pupil Support is good

Very good because teachers help you

Excellent, because we’re one big family, kind and helpful Usually brilliant because of good friends and I look forward to some classes

Really good, there is a great atmosphere here Really good because we get to do loads of stuff

Alright, but some teachers are crabbit

Really good because learning is better and we are confident in our learning, it’s well run and there are no fights

Really great because of the variety of teachers and classes

Very good because we get to do lots of things and teachers involve you

Good, because some teachers get on with you fine

Fantastic because the education here is really good

Great (sometimes)

Very good or good

9/10, it’s one of the best schools I know

Very good

8 or 9/10 great

Very good

Very good, perhaps we’re trying too hard to be amazing and we don’t need to try

Very good because the way the school handles pupil support if you’ve got a problem is good and it is sorted easily

9/10 because of teachers helping 9/10 some teachers are good Getting to be excellent, enjoyable, HT and SMT try hard to make things better, we have freedom of choice and good teachers Good or Very Good, because in most classes you have lots to do

Very good and quite interactive in some classes Alright Quite good Good, better people, better teachers Very good, good environment, more optimistic

Good or Very Good

Very good because everyone supports each other

Very Good, because the school tries to inspire you and you’ve got more freedom

Good

Almost excellent

7/10 (better than good) S’alright, I mostly have good teachers

Fantabulous, excellent and awesome because of the teachers

Quite good, good facilities, loads of good teachers

Excellent learning

O.K.

Excellent because of the facilities

Good enough

Excellent because the teachers don’t stop until you get it right Brilliant because there are nice teachers and I learn a lot Excellent because there is so much to do and teachers encourage me Smashing, because teachers say ‘Hi!’ and are nice Very good

Excellent, Very good or Good (or similar) 91%

HOW GOOD IS OUR SCHOOL?: Below are some of the issues raised by pupils in the daily conversations Mr. Davis has with them, along with his responses.

[OUR PUPILS’ VIEWS] 1. Options – not everyone is guaranteed their choice and it seems sometimes that it is only when parents complain that we get listened to. (1 pupil said this)

S1 pupils get limited choice this term. We do not want to narrow your education by forcing you to pick subjects before you have had a chance to find out more about them.

Mr.Davis said: It is not often possible to give every pupil in every year group their first options choice. This is because we only have limited numbers of teachers in each subject and they have to teach other classes as well. However, we do not wait for parents to complain before we act. Before we issue options choice forms we survey the year group to see what they might like to do and we look at what previous year groups have chosen.

We then put together a final options form and do a ‘dummy run’ with pupils after which we make further changes. Even as the options interviews are taking place we sometimes make changes if enough pupils ask for it.

On occasion there are things that we cannot change.

There are also choices that we will not support, such as doing three Sciences in S4 as this is not required for university entrance and narrows people’s education too soon.

6. We would like one period a month of rewards (4 pupils said this)

2. Some people do not go to Pupil Support because they do not get anonymity and parents get contacted.

(1 pupil said this) Mr.Davis said: I can understand that sometimes people feel reluctant to speak to a teacher, although most pupils report that they do feel comfortable doing this. We do not ever offer a confidential service and there are quite strict rules around this which are there for the protection of young people and teachers. Therefore, if we feel it is necessary we will always pass information to parents or carers, but always do so in a sensitive way and in the best interests of the young people.

3. I would like to play more contact sports in PE, such as rugby. (1 pupil said this) Mr.Davis said: The PE department offers a wide range of activities and teams and, through the Active Schools Coordinator, does bring in Kilmarnock Rugby Club. If this is something you want to do and others do as well, perhaps you could go and speak to the department and propose the idea. It is important that pupils take the lead.

4. Why can’t we wear jeans, polo shirts and black shirts? (2 pupils said this) Mr.Davis said: This used to be the uniform, but has not been for at least 6 years. The current uniform policy promotes a sense of identity and belonging. By having high standards it also tries to develop self-confidence and self-respect. What you are proposing, whilst understandable, encourages people to lower the standards they expect of themselves. We have a strong uniform policy (about which are flexible and are not harsh) because we care about how you see yourself.

5. S1 should get double periods and should get to choose subjects (1 pupil said this) Mr.Davis said: It is hard to timetable doubles for all year groups, although for some subjects when we can we do.

Mr.Davis said: This is a very good idea. Please come back to me and explain how this would work. I would like to see this happen.

7. Could break be longer? (1 pupil said this) Mr.Davis said: It could, but only if we removed time from classes and to do this we would need a good reason. Why would a longer break be of benefit? Most pupils seem to get bored in that time.

8. What is the point of Home Room? (1 pupil said this) Mr.Davis said: Home Room is designed to be like a family. It is place you can return to each day to reflect on your experience, discuss important issues, reflect on your learning and set targets, catch up with your Pupil Support teacher and enjoy the company of pupils from other year groups who can help you and guide you. There are obviously things about Home Room that could be improved, as there are in every aspect of school and we have made significant improvement this year.

9. People who misbehave sometimes get rewarded or treated differently. (3 pupils said this) Mr.Davis said: This is not the case. However, I can see why some pupils have this perception. All pupils have different needs and this sometimes means that, when we can, we offer alternative experiences for young people who are finding school hard or who otherwise might not have access to these experiences, such as outdoor learning. However, it is our aim that all pupils get these experiences.

10. Some teachers are crabbit. (2 pupils said this) Mr.Davis said: Yes, some probably are some of the time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care and it doesn’t mean they aren’t good teachers. Remember – we all have bad days.

Some teachers can be grumpy if a pupil has been rude or unco-operative; it is a natural reaction. It is why we must all do our best to respect and listen to one another.

11. Some teachers seem more caring than others (1 pupil said this) Mr.Davis said: Not every pupil will ‘click’ with every teacher and vice versa. This may mean that you see some people as being more caring than others. I am convinced that all the teachers at St. Joseph’s care about their pupils very deeply, but it is true that some will show this more overtly than others. This is because some teachers are more expressive with their emotions and feelings. However, all the teachers here became teachers because they want to do their best for you. You need to make sure that you show them you care about them. As a Catholic school caring for each other and showing love is the very best thing we can do.

HOW GOOD IS OUR SCHOOL?: Over the last few weeks the Parent Council, aided by pupils (especially S5 pupils Monica Ainsworth, Leigh and Ellis Dunnachie and Sarah Iles) have been gathering the views of parents and staff at evening events.

S3 PARENTS’ EVENING (FEBRUARY 18TH)

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Parental Attendance: 53%

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POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE EVENING:

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Appointments worked well and on time All appointments attended without much time delay, good evening!

Good layout within hall, no improvement needed.

Tea, juice etc. greatly appreciated No improvement needed. Came in and saw all teachers, all within time Good time, ran smoothly Like all staff in one location, makes it easy to find teachers Prefer earlier times Early start, great idea!

Surprised that timing went well due to early start Great to get feedback directly from teachers.

Well-ordered system for parents’ night, many thanks Great to speak to teachers and get an update Teachers were all helpful and informative Good feedback, well run. No problems, smooth and efficient. Well done!

Very informative, great to hear how my child is progressing Everyone easy to find, very informative Teachers very informative Good to get an update and find out where parental support is needed It is always good to get feedback and find ways that teachers and parents can help the children Excellent feedback re options to choose going into S4 Teachers welcomed daughter too and spoke to both of us – better information all round Best parents’ evening ever. Fantastic staff and teachers Nice to see Parent Council representation!

Coffee and biscuits lovely Good coffee Good! Great! (child aged 7!)

AREAS OF THE EVENING FOR IMPROVEMENT:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

More chairs More chairs as only in middle section!

More chairs needed Chairs needed near maths section, so parents are not standing over listening Too early start Prefer first come, first served basis First come, first served basis might be better option Was one hour delayed as times not kept to!

Teachers could call out parent names Tell parent to bring child to take part If teacher isn’t available, display notice Notice outside on plasma screen to say teacher absent

[OUR PARENTS’ VIEWS]

Rotational teacher unable to answer specific questions on topic they didn’t teach Would love more home-school communication about study groups etc.

A path is needed coming from car park to the crossing at St. Joseph’s side

Thank you for these comments and to the Parent Council for gathering this feedback.

Our responses: We will make sure that more chairs are available in the future, although this was made difficult because of the prelims.

Whilst some find 4.00 pm an early start there are others who prefer it. Since changing the timing of our Parents’ Evenings two years ago we have noticed a slight overall increase in attendance. If parents or carers cannot attend we are happy to make alternative arrangements.

A first come, first served basis, whilst mentioned twice here, is not really manageable and could mean that some parents who are limited for time do not get to see the teachers they need to speak to.

We try to minimise delays by ensuring that teachers and parents, as far as possible, stick to the allotted five minutes (if more time is required we suggest that a separate appointment is made at another time), but it is inevitable that some discussions will over-run despite the best efforts of all concerned.

Some teachers do call out parents’ names, but this does not make for a very professional and calm atmosphere. We would rather look at using improved signage. We will also ensure that clear signs inform parents of teacher absence.

The plasma screens offer a solution to this.

We have no objection to parents and carers bringing pupils with them so that the conversation is more focussed on the pupil.

Sometimes rotations change just before a Parents’ Evening and this can be problematic. To address this we are improving our reporting procedures and will look at how we can alter the organisation of Parents’ Evenings.

We do publish details of study groups and supported study in the newsletter, but also feel that a letter or communication could be issued regarding this issue particularly.

There pathways used to access the school are well indicated and maintained. We do not intend to add more.

HOW GOOD IS OUR SCHOOL?: Over the last few weeks the Parent Council, aided by pupils (especially S5 pupils Monica Ainsworth, Leigh and Ellis Dunnachie and Sarah Iles) have been gathering the views of parents and staff at evening events.

[OUR PARENTS’ VIEWS]

S3 OPTIONS INFORMATION EVENING (04.02.14)

S5/6 PARENTS’ EVENING (28.01.14)

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE EVENING:

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE EVENING:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Well organised Nice to see pupils perform Good to split into Pupil Support groups Great organisation of a difficult task Particularly value the supportive ethos The school is quite right to make the pupils’ wellbeing fundamental I feel well informed about the process of choices and l am sure that most other parents/carers who were there will feel the same Making pupils aware of their options and letting them know that their wellbeing is just as important as test results Good basic understanding of qualification framework, making it more understandable for parents The importance of the pupils’ welfare when considering educational choices Helped to clear the waters of ‘option choosing’ Very informative

AREAS OF THE EVENING FOR IMPROVEMENT:

• •

Would have been helpful to have options information booklet tonight so that parents/pupils can be fully informed on what the options detailed on the options sheet actually are (ie. 2 year options etc.)

Explain to pupils beforehand how it will affect them before it’s all thrown at them!

Thank you for these comments and to the Parent Council for gathering this feedback.

Our responses: We have, in the past issued an Options booklet on the night. However, we find that this is then the focus of the audience rather than the more important messages we are trying to communicate. We also find that we need to make changes to the booklet based on parental and pupil feedback meaning that the initial draft is quickly outdated and has to be replaced. This is both costly and wasteful.

The purpose of the information evening is to address the bigger issues of choice and transition, rather than the detail of courses.

There is no sense in which we just ‘throw’ everything at the pupils. The options process is carefully planned and controlled and the pupils are able to have an input into the design of the options columns. Thereafter each pupil has a personal interview with Pupil Support or SMT regarding their options.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Teacher explanations were very detailed Appointments ran on time Teachers are friendly and approachable Teachers gave detailed feedback Staff very polite Not long waiting times Timing is easier when it’s earlier All teachers were helpful and supportive Set up was good, easy to find teachers Earlier time more suited to work schedule Relaxed and friendly atmosphere Getting to meet teachers for 1st time Teachers seem to genuinely care about pupils Teachers know pupils very well Clear and detailed advice given Not long waits between appointments Appointments ran on time Provision of seats for waiting Everyone is in the same room Allowing parents to gain better insight into child’s school life Lots of good feedback from staff Appointments did not appear to be rushed as plenty of time for discussion Find out how their child is doing The system ran smoothly English department feedback was very thorough and definitely knew my children well Appointment system worked well tonight Got more information from teachers than from son Staff all very pleasant Teachers know their pupils well Lots of good feedback given

AREAS OF THE EVENING FOR IMPROVEMENT:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Change to later time Seating map of teachers would be useful Clock needed in assembly hall Hall is very warm Timing is not conducive to full time working parents Some form of time keeping would be beneficial (ring a bell!)

Tables are too close together and not very private as others can easily hear Should be a wider variety of snacks and drinks!

Hall is uncomfortably warm Section off departments Departments not well signposted and we were not made aware of seating plan Later appointment times would suit better The soundproofed wall (specifically the pattern created by all the holes) makes people dizzy! Would be better if teachers didn’t have their backs to it so parents didn’t have to look at it Science was the only subject signposted, didn’t know where the other departments were Timing is too early for both parents to attend A form of time keeping would help ( a bell or a clock)

HOW GOOD IS OUR SCHOOL?: Over the last few weeks the Parent Council, aided by pupils (especially S5 pupils Monica Ainsworth, Leigh and Ellis Dunnachie and Sarah Iles) have been gathering the views of parents and staff at evening events.

S5/6 PARENTS’ EVENING (28.01.14) AREAS OF THE EVENING FOR IMPROVEMENT:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Better structure of appointments as pupils end up with appointments all crushed together Longer appointment times are needed Five minutes is not sufficient to have feedback and ask questions System needs more spacing out – five minutes is never going to work!

Teachers in the middle of the room should be better signposted Appointments should be with teacher, parent and pupil Five minutes is not long enough None Clock would be appreciated Make time later for working parents Appointments could be more private Hall is too warm Have parent’s evening after the prelims Not enough seating around the maths department

OUR RESPONSES: As stated earlier there is no ideal time that suits all parents and carers. Indeed, many have stated that the earlier time is more suitable than the old model of 7 pm 9 pm.

We do provide a seating map of the Hall at every Parents’ Evening. It is issued to parents on entry and we are sorry if you did not receive it.

A number of people have indicated that a clock would be of use. There has never been one in the Hall, but we will endeavour to add one for future evenings.

Several comments concern the arrangements for the evening. We do our best to maintain a reasonable temperature in the Hall but this can be difficult given the quantity of people. Likewise the Parent Council do fabulous work providing refreshments, but are limited by cost as to the range they can offer. Finally, we space the tables out as best we can. If you feel you need to have a more private conversation this can be arranged.

A number of comments concern the appointments system. Clearly the evening is very tightly timed and often over-runs. Teachers regularly stay well beyond their allotted times to ensure that parents are spoken to.

If you feel you need to have a longer conversation with a teacher then it may be possible to arrange this.

[OUR PARENTS’ VIEWS]

the evening to have an impact on pupil motivation and performance.

We will add more seating in the future, however the prelims made this difficult due to the requirement for seating in the Games Hall.

This is what staff said about the S5/6 Parents’ Evening: Positive Aspects:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Good at thanking staff Parents are very supportive Always take advice on board Support that parents are giving to their children and to teachers is very high Parents know how their child is doing Parent turnout was good Appointment schedule ran smoothly Parents very pleasant Opportunity to talk to parents Parents are very supportive and listen well Parents usually already have a very good idea of what they will hear Parents are knowledgeable, having read reports already etc Pupil presence appreciated Interested parents Parents seem well informed about pupil progress Most parents adhered to their times Presence of pupils is ‘lovely’

Areas for Improvement:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

We have no objection to parents and carers bringing pupils along to the evening so that the conversation is more focussed on all three partners.

• • • •

We did not have the evening after the prelims (and have not done so for some time) as often it is then too late for

•

Parents are sometimes reluctant to make conversation if their child is not particularly interested in the subject Perhaps would benefit from additional parent’s evening at the beginning of the year in order to highlight expectations etc More beneficial to see parents after prelim Time-keeping of parents could be more efficient Parents should inform school if unable to attend Change of time to either 1630 -1900 or 1700 – 1930 Later start time as more parents turn up to later appointments Parents should turn up if they have made an appointment Parents should provide feedback on the evaluation forms Parents should support the school and their decisions Parents should have specific questions in mind Parents should have conversation with their child before talking to teachers All parents should attend Pupils should attend Higher turnout would be beneficial Parents should speak to their children more. Find out how they are doing, perhaps by having weekly ‘get-togethers’ Parents should come prepared with questions about the subject and how their child is performing

A WEEK IN PHOTOGRAPHS: PICTURES FROM AROUND THE SCHOOL, FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH

S2 Print work in Art & Design: Kiera Ovens, Melissa Smith and Jack Burns.

A WEEK IN PHOTOGRAPHS: PICTURES FROM AROUND THE SCHOOL, FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH

A variety of wall displays from the English department that show the S2 work on genre and Scottish literature and identity.

Left: S1 work on Rainforest habitats by February 18 Petra Kurcikova excellent work. Below: Kuda Tapatapa (S5) with his medal from the Scottish Schools Track and Field Championships where he secured 2nd place in the U-18 200m.

SAFER INTERNET DAY

particular issues. We will be looking at cyber-bullying, online responsibility, and Officially Safer Internet Day took the difficulties around texting and place on February 12th. However, on messaging on social media. that day pupils were not in school.

For that reason, and because for the This is an area in which parents and past week or so we have been carers can play a significant role by holding prelims for S4 - S6, we monitoring the use of social media and delayed Safer Internet Day. the internet by young people, ensuring privacy settings are properly This week we are covering internet established and, most important of all, safety and online advice in Home talking about your child’s use of the Room and will be working specifically internet and social networks so that with senior pupils to address they are aware of the opportunities and risks.

Kuda: 200m in 23.1 sec!

WEEKLY HOME ROOM REFLECTION: CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK Mother, help our faith. Open our ears to hear God’s word and to recognize his voice and call. Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, to go forth from our own land and to receive his promise. Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him in faith. Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to mature. Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One. Remind us that those who believe are never alone. Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path. And may this light of faith always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day which is Christ himself, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Our thanks to the clergy and parishioners from all the East Ayrshire parishes for their ongoing support.

PARISH MASS TIMES St. Matthewʼs: 9.30 am, Fr. Chambers !

St. Michaelʼs: 4.30 pm (vigil) ! !

St. Paulʼs: 11.30 am, Fr. Chambers!

St. Sophiaʼs: 6.00 pm (vigil) Fr. Chambers St. Francis Xavier, Patna: 5.00 pm (vigil)!

! ! ! !! !

! ! ! ! !

St. Josephʼs: 6.00 pm (vigil), 11.00 am Fr. Latham Our Lady of Mount Carmel: 9.30 am, Fr. McGhee Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Patrick: 6.00 pm (vigil), Fr. McGrattan St. Thomas the Apostle: 9.00 am, Fr. McGrattan St. John the Evangelist: 10.45 am, Fr. McGrattan