September 24th parent news 2014

Ben Davis, Acting Headteacher Grassyards Rd Kilmarnock KA3 7SL

ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY Weekly Newsletter

01563 526144 www.saintjosephsacademy.co.uk Twitter: @StJoAcad

ISSUE 4.3 SEPTEMBER 24TH

2014 INSPIRE AND TRANSFORM: NURTURING FAITH-FILLED WORLD CLASS LEARNING

FOR PARENTS, CARERS, FAMILIES & PARISHES

DEVELOPING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP Inside this issue //Pupil Leadership recognised //STEM work //Miss Fulton in Sri Lanka //Home Room focus on character, values and gratitude

T H E W H I T E H E A T O F L E A R N I N G Last week we were lucky enough to borrow a thermal imaging camera for use with the 2P7 rotation of the 2J STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) class and the S5 Steps to Work. Both classes are looking at Heat energy and Transfer and are about to embark on investigations into heat loss and insulation in buildings and other systems.

SRI LANKA On this page: Pupils from Holy Trinity School, Pussellawa, Sri Lanka (our British Council partner school) working with Geography teacher Mrs. Fulton on a project

which sees them in partnership with pupils from St. Joseph’s studying for the John Muir Award together.

RUGBY A ND MODERN LANGUAGES Last week we were delighted to welcome David McCrae to the school to work with one of our S3 interdisciplinary classes. He was invited in by teacher Miss McDaid as two of the boys in her class (Jack Burns and Jamie Wilson) are doing a project on the difference in coaching rugby here and in France.

David has just completed a two year modern apprentice course on coaching through Scottish Rugby. During the course he spent time at college, but he spent most of his time in primary schools in East Dunbartonshire, coaching p3-7 in rugby. Both he and his brother have played rugby since they were 6 years old and their father and uncles before that were also devotees of the game First of all, David answered many questions that the pupils asked him, including 'why did you choose coaching?' and ‘how long have you been playing for?' He also asked them questions, about what they would expect a coach to do for them. This allowed the pupils to use their own skills to come up with their expectations.

Lastly, the pupils were keen to see how David would go about coaching a group of young people. The class played a game, where they were split into two teams. They had to practice passing the ball to each other, with a catch - if you had the ball, you couldn't move with it!

After the first round of playing the game, David gave some good advice. He pointed out that for your team mate to know where you are, you need to get their attention - shout! Not only that, but you have to tell them where you are - 'Behind!' 'Left!' 'Right!'

Initially, some of the girls in the class were not overly keen on getting involved - but as more time passed they became more interested and were soon running about with the rest. All of the pupils had a great time and the pupils who are doing their project on rugby have some good information to use. (picture below)

THIS WEEK IN HOME ROOM...

Pupils have focussed on two issues over the past two weeks. The first was the second part of our character education programme; the second, taking place this week, was European Day of Languages, with a dose of gratitude thrown in.

CHARACTER EDUCATION Reflect on our eight school values statements and consider the links between them and the character traits you looked at two weeks ago. Later on, you will also reflect on leadership, particularly your expectations of leaders.

Discuss in groups the links between the school values and the character traits. What do you understand is our expectation of people from these statements?

SCHOOL VALUES • Be curious • Be open to inspiration • Working together makes great learning • Take part • Aim high • Make your mark • Think of others • Make a difference CHARACTER TRAITS • Trust • Responsibility • Respect • Understanding • Tolerance • Fairness • Honesty • Integrity • Determination Yesterday we appointed your Pupil Leadership Team.

Think about the lists above, what do you expect of them?

And how can you help?

GRATITUDE Things to consider: • What are you grateful for and why?

• How often do you think about the things for which you are grateful?

• What do we take for granted?

• Is being ‘grateful’ enough?

Watch this TED talk and either in groups or as a whole class discuss your thoughts and reactions to it: http://www.ted.com/talks/ david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful? language=en# Produce a visual presentation of the things for which you are grateful in life for display in Home Room.

STUDENT COUNCIL We are delighted to announce that our latest Student Council is now up and running. Overseen

by Miss Lindsay, this important forum for pupil voice and leadership has a full membership and will be taking forward an ambitious agenda this year. Our student councillors are: Jason Gallagher, Ruairidh Heron Cunningham, Ali Lymburn, Robert Murray , Laurie Rowan , Aidan Shearer, Petras Vinciauskas, Lewis Mackenzie, Kieran Fenton, Dillon Murray , Rebecca Bunten, Sarah Iles, Olivia Gater, Nicole Rowney, Alex Matheson , Mark Rumball , Patryca Wirkus, Natalie Jamieson, Jennifer O’Rourke, Michael Merrick, Scott Dipiazza, Paige Scobie, Declan McCluskey, Samantha Whyte, Ava Hepburn, David Brown, Matthew Gordon, Jamie Byrne, Matthew Craigen, Keagan Hynds, Katie O’Kane, Kym McNaught, Marcus Robertson, James Krokowshi, Thomas Inglis, Cairragh Melaugh, Shahzeb Mirza, Kellen Gallacher, Dionne Smith , Jack Burns, Justin Murphy, Aiden Cameron, Ellie Moore, Amelie Davidson, Hildah Mtawali, Jude Gater, Matthew Cowan, Matthew Cameron, Sarah Stewart, Gordon Stirling, Carly Murphy, India Anderson, Ashton Little, Grant Morrison, Niamh Murray, Josh Baird, John Nimmo, Declan Testo, Jason Wilson

LE AU D EP RSIH IL P P LEADING THROUGH SPORT A group of senior pupils is taking part in the St. Joseph’s Academy Activity Leaders Course.

Part of this experience entails them attending the East Ayrshire Special Games at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena as helpers. The pupils involved are; Chloe Armstrong, Victoria Atkinson, Abigail Barr, Louise Boland, Sarah Connell, Paytn Courtney, Michael Custodio, Harry Dean, Natasha Halliday, Connor Houston, Natalie Jamieson, Chloe Martin, Caitlin Milloy, Jack Moran, Jason Murray, Amy Park, Lachlan Shirkie, James Watson.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASS There are twenty nine S6 pupils who are pursuing a course in Personal Development this year.

For all this will result in them achieving a Higher or Intermediate 2 equivalent qualification that tests their leadership, collaboration and organisation skills. At the moment they are engaged in a considerable project that culminates this week. Some have organised a football tournament for Macmillan Cancer, whilst others have been overseeing a bouldering competition for pupils and staff. Other members of the class have run a knock-out quiz event that sees the final take place this Friday and there has also been the now legendary bake sale to raise funds for Macmillan. This is only the start - there are many more projects to come as the year goes on.

The pupils will also be reflecting on their work in a future issue.

FOCUS ON: PUPIL ATTENDANCE As we come to the end of the first full month in school we take stock of a number of pieces of data and pupil attendance is a key measure. Pupils who are struggling to maintain 90% or greater attendance will receive contact from staff and support.

S1: 94.9% S2: 93.2% S3: 92% S4: 88.8% S5: 95.7% S6: 92.8% OVERALL AVERAGE: 92.9%

PUPIL LEADERSHIP TEAM MASS OF COMMISSIONING Last week we were delighted to invest formally our ten senior pupil leaders in a Mass said by r.

Chambers. Music was provided by Mr. Cowan and Matthew Cowan (S5). All the pupils were issued with a certificate in recognition of their commitment to serve the school. After the Mass staff, parents and pupils enjoyed a social reception.

BULLETIN BOARD

Ayrshire School Cross Country This event takes place on Wednesday, October 1st at Magnum Beach Park Irvine. Pupils who have qualified to represent the school have been notified and must attend a meeting during interval on Friday, September 26th.

Credit Union Opportunity Any senior students interested in lending a hand to implement the ‘Credit Union Saving Scheme’ in St Joseph’s should contact Mrs Kirk in the Support Base.

This is an excellent opportunity to accumulate hours towards ‘Service in the Community,’ broaden your horizons, have fun getting to know new people while playing a leadership role within the school. It is hoped that the saving scheme will be up and running as soon as possible.

In addition, some of you might consider volunteering in the Credit Union in The Foregate, Kilmarnock.

Contact Mrs Kirk ASAP for further details.

Skiing We are looking for pupils to represent the school on October 4th at the East Ayrshire Skiing championships.

Pupils interested should see Mr. Ritson.

NHS Careers Day All senior pupils interested in finding out more about a career in the NHS should put their name down to attend an information day at Crosshouse Hospital on November 25th.

London Trip The next payment for the London trip is due on Friday, September 26th.

Musical opportunities Any pupils wishing to audition to learn woodwind instruments should see Mrs. Todd. Singing groups run on Tuesdays (S1/2) and Fridays (S3 - 6) in Music at 1.20 pm.

S6 Lockers S6 pupils have been issued with a letter inviting them to rent a locker at £10 for a year.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING WEEK

The annual themed week to raise awareness of mental illness and health challenges takes place from 6th - 10th of October. During this time we will be offering a variety of activities to promote better mental health and wellbeing and will also host a day for all our S6 pupils to look in more detail at some of the issues.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

P7/ S1 Mass of Welcome

S1 Outward Bound Day Trips

26th September

23rd - 25th September

Mini-Trials

European Day of Languages

27th September

26th September

1A1 Retreat

Macmillan Coffee Morning

30th September

26th September

WEEKLY HOME ROOM REFLECTION: GRATITUDE Today is officially the first day of autumn – perhaps you can feel it or smell it. There are leaves on the ground, decay is in the air and in gardens and fields things have a more fungal scent. Scientifically this is a good thing as the dying crops and plant matter creates compost to replenish the soil. This is also a time when we celebrate the harvest in festivals that go back thousands of years when people celebrated the crops they had reaped and stored that would get them through the winter months. It is a time when we give thanks for the bounty produced by the and as such it is a good time to take stock and consider the things for which we should give thanks. Why should the simple act of thinking about who and what we’re grateful for make such a big difference in our lives?

Because it reminds us of the positive things in your life. It makes you happy about the people in your life, whether they’re they’re loved ones or just a stranger you met who was kind to you in some ways. Because it turns bad things into good things. Lost someone close to you? Be grateful you knew them. Be grateful you have challenges, and that life isn’t boring. Be grateful that you can learn from these challenges. Be thankful they make you a stronger person. Because it reminds you of what’s important. It’s hard to complain about the little things when you give thanks that your children are alive and healthy. It’s hard to get stressed out over paying bills when you are grateful there is a roof over your head. Because it reminds you to thank others: the simple act of saying “thank you” to someone can make a big difference in that person’s life. People like being appreciated for who they are and what they do. It costs you little, but makes someone else happy. And making someone else happy will make you happy.

Let us pray: Lord we are thankful that we don’t already have everything we desire, If we did, what would there be to look forward to? We are thankful when we don’t know something For it gives us the opportunity to learn. We are thankful for the difficult times. During those times we grow. We are thankful for our limitations because they give opportunities for improvement. We are thankful for each new challenge because it will build our strength and character. We are thankful for our mistakes. They will teach us valuable lessons. We are thankful when we’re tired and weary because it means you’ve made a difference.We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord, Amen.

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

THIS IS SAINT JOSEPH’S.

Life is what you make it. take time.

All great achievements

Celebrate success - yours and other

people’s BE OPEN TO INSPIRATION love the things you learn.

love others unconditionally.

enjoy peace

and quiet, seek it out from time to time

THINK OF

OTHERS Accept yourself as you are. Everything you do is important. Presume the best in people MAKE A DIFFERENCE

If you want to feel good, do good. We

have diversity in common - embrace it. Everyone is welcome here

MAKE YOUR MARK Ability is nothing

without opportunity. Open your heart, mind and arms to new things. Seize opportunities.

You are

responsible for yourself BE CURIOUS Questions lead learning so ask good ones. No bird can soar on its wings alone. Remember that we can all change and grow INSPIRE AND TRANSFORM A good head and a good heart

are

always

a

formidable

combination.

Education is a conversation - so talk

AIM HIGH

change in attitude can save your life.

Enjoy what

you

TAKE

do

and

pass

on

your

passion

Adventure is the very essence of life.

A

PART

Smile -

everyone looks better when they do.

WORKING TOGETHER MAKES GREAT LEARNING