ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY Weekly Newsletter
ISSUE 16.2 FEBRUARY 5TH
2014 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: The look that tells you learning is taking place
S3 OPTIONS EVENING Tuesday night saw the information evening for S3 pupils take place. Aimed at parents and carers the evening was about providing information on choices and opportunities for all as they move into Senior Phase (S4 - S6). S3 Year Head, Mr. McGinn, was keen to do things a little differently this year. So we started with a piece of drams performed by S3 pupils Callum Hughes, Amy Brown, Conor McNamara and Caitlin Wilson, assisted by S5 pupil Jade Connell and directed by former pupil Yvonne Kavanagh. The short presentation explored the school’s values and the Pupil Manifesto using mime, humour and some wonderful props. Next came a musical performance from from Ross Szumlakowski who accompanied himself on guitar playing a reflective and considered piece. The we moved into the main focus of the evening. Presentations from Mr. McGinn and Mr. Davis provided information about the options process and emphasised the paramount importance of prioritising young people’s health and wellbeing. The message was clear: as a school we must get this right first and then success in subjects and learning will follow. Also discussed was the importance of parents and teachers challenging young people’s choices in this process. This theme was taken up in the next presentation from two East Ayrshire
Educational Psychologists who talked to the audience about developing confidence and resilience in young people particularly at times when they are experiencing change,challenge and greater freedom. Next, the parents and carers met with individual Pupil Support teachers who went through the detail of the options form and outlined the process for young people. The evening closed at 8.30 pm and was well supported once again by members of the Parent Council who provided refreshments. Thanks to all who came along. House Assemblies This week has seen all pupils participate in House Assemblies led by the Pupil Support Team. The theme of the week has been My Story, influenced by National Storytelling Week. Mrs. Cassidy, Dr. Denheen and Mrs. Burnett all shared their life stories with their audiences and on Wednesday St. Margaret House was treated to the unique life story of Miss Horrey, Teacher of Biology. Miss Horrey spoke about her round-the-world trip eating silk worms, climbing mountains and skydiving (without being sick) and encouraged pupils to embrace opportunities and not be afraid of them. She offered a modern version of her Carpe Diem motto: YOLO. At assembly on Tuesday Miss Welsh and Miss Geary presented about the British Heart Foundation Ramp Up the Red activities taking place this week.