News and Events
Christmas Holiday 2019
We close for the Christmas Holiday on Friday 20th December 2019 at 1.30pm and we return to school on Tuesday 7th January 2020.
Information about transition to High School
The transition from primary to secondary school is important in the lives of children and their families. We have a robust system to ensure all students will have a successful transition and to help students and parents minimise anxiety about the change. We want all students who are going onto High school to get used to their new routines and school organisation with great ease; develop new friendships and improve their self-esteem and confidence. During their time here at St Joseph’s we have provided them with many opportunities to visit and work with the staff and pupils from St Bede’s to give them confidence, knowledge and skill to enable the smoothest transition possible. We endeavour to ensure that our children will have the tools and emotional resilience they need to manage this transition.
All children will visit their chosen high school for 3 consecutive days in July 2020. Children moving onto St Bede’s will report here on the first day and will be taken by St Bede’s staff via minibus up to St Bede’s for the day and they will be brought back here at the end of the school day. During their first day they will be given timetables and bus Passes for day 2 and 3. On days 2 and 3 children will catch their nominated school bus for both journeys.
Children opting to attend other high schools will report directly to their chosen school for the 3 days.
Holidays in Term Time
Unfortunately, changes in Government legislation means that, with effect from the 1st September 2013, Headteachers are no longer able to grant leave of absence during term time unless there are specific exceptional circumstances. Consequently, taking your children out of school will be regarded as an unauthorised absence and could result in a fine by the Local Authority.
If however, you wish to take your child out of school during term time please contact the office for a form indicating the exceptional circumstance.
Welcome Meeting and Induction Mornings
When your child first starts school, it’s a big change in your family life, especially if it is your oldest or youngest child. You may feel sad and be worried that your child will be unhappy, will not make friends, or will not enjoy schoolwork. You may be trying to support your child to make it all feel exciting while, on the inside, you are feeling just as nervous. Starting or changing schools can be one of the biggest transitions in a child's life, but it's worth remembering that most children love school and go on to make the most of their education. So ensuring your child has a smooth transition into primary school is very important to us.
We will hold two induction mornings for children who have been allocated a place for September 2019. These will take place on TBC . In addition, a welcome meeting for parents and carers will also be held on TBC at 6pm in school.
We will also visit your child at their nursery and meet with parents individually to discuss your child’s likes, dislikes and any worries you or your child have about starting school to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.