St. Boniface's Catholic College Headteachers Blog Summer 2103

Well, the end of the Summer term is upon us. Where has the year gone once again? Can I thank you the parents and students of the College for all your hard work over this past year. It has been rather rocky at times but there is a real feeling that we are moving forward at pace. I am sure that the new academic year will bring it’s challenges but we will meet them head on together and continue to push the College forward in our mission.

 

Examination results days are:

 

15^th August for A and AS levels  - College opens at 8am

 

and 22^nd August for GCSE results – College opens at 10am

 

 

The College re-opens for students in years 7, 10 and 12 at 8.50 on September 4^th

 

All other remaining students are expected in on September 5^th.

 

Ofsted have now confirmed that the forthcoming report will not be published until September from them.

 

Could I urge parents to follow the school uniform code. We believe that St. Boniface’s College stands for quality within the City of Plymouth and I am a firm believer in an outward appearance reflecting an inner self. Smart, well dressed young men indicate to me people who are serious about themselves and their studies. I am aware of the great drive to take into account the present fashion of hanging shirts out but in school we constantly ask the boys to tuck them in, we also do this as they leave the College at three different locations along their way home! It is a battle we will continue to have to drive up standards on all fronts.  

Please ensure that haircuts are suitable, above the collar at the back and out of the eyes in the front – no tramlines etc. please.

Black shoes, preferably leather and certainly not canvas. A rule of thumb I use is that if a shoe has a heel it is a shoe but I am aware that there are varieties of this. Boots are not acceptable.

 

I would also like to bring to your attention a letter I have received this week from the local authority regarding requests for holidays during term time, a copy of which I show below:

 Dear Parent/Carer

 

RE:      GOVERNMENT CHANGES RELATING TO HOLIDAY IN TERM TIME

 

We are writing to inform you that as from the 1^st September 2013, all schools are unable to authorise any requests for absence relating to holidays in term time.  This has been brought about by an amendment to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, which has removed reference to holidays and the ten day period.  The amendments make clear that Head Teachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

 

These changes reinforce the government’s view following the “Taylor Report” on attendance, that regular school attendance is vital and that pupils should only be granted authorised absence by the school, in exceptional circumstances, e.g. illness, exclusions or due to other unavoidable causes.  This view has recently been reinforced by Ofsted who in a recently published report on a school, reported, “Pupils clearly enjoy being at school.  However, overall attendance is no better than average, and this is in part due to some pupils being taken out of school for holidays during term time by their parents, in spite of the fact that the school has a clear and published policy that makes it clear that such absence is unauthorised.  This absence has an impact on pupils’ achievement.  As a result, the overall judgement for behaviour and safety is good rather than outstanding”.

 

We would remind parents that unauthorised absences may well result in the instigation of parent responsibility measures which could be a penalty notice, or a fine of up to 2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 3 months depending on levels of absence.  We hope you will support your child’s school by ensuring that your son/daughter obtains the maximum benefit from their time at school by attending punctually for the 190 days each year that the law requires, unless prevented from doing so by an unavoidable circumstances.

 

 

If you have any questions about the content of this letter then please contact your child’s school or the Education Welfare Service on 01752 307404/05.

 

Education, Learning and Family Support

 

I will of course be following these changes and ask that you do note the first sentence in the letter. It is highly unlikely that I will be able to grant authorisation in the same way as I have been able to in the past.

 

Year 8

As I continue to get to know my new year group I am constantly surprised and pleased at their attitude and approach. A big thank you to all the year and I am looking forward to working with you all next year.

 Mr. Tucker

 

Year 9

 

Can I take this opportunity to thank all the lads in the year group for all their efforts this year,  the year group has really started to gel now and they are showing  a real camaraderie amongst themselves which I am looking forward to building on in September.

Good luck to the lads who due to family commitments are moving on to new schools I hope you will be happy and continue to be successful.

I look forward to seeing the rest of you again on Thursday September 5th in your smart uniforms, (leather shoes not canvas or trainers), suitably short haircuts and NO earrings! Together with the correct equipment for lessons pens, pencils rulers etc.

 

Finally can I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy and enjoyable summer, look after yourselves and stay safe.

 

Mrs Lyn Mcloughlin

Head of Year 9

 

 

YEAR 10

 

As the last line of Cliff Richard’s “Summer Holiday” rang out in yesterday’s assembly, it was clear to all that the end of the year was nearly upon us.  It has been a fantastic year for the lads – they’ve persevered and made a success of their time in Year 9.  The start to Year 10 has been a testament to their hard work.

 

We’ll take with us a wide range of memories from the year – from GCSE options evening to Flambards; sports day to Curriculum Enrichment Week.  Mr Smart’s singing, Mr Tucker’s dancing, and of course the KS3 Awards Evening - where the boys took 11 of the 13 major awards!

 

A big ‘thank you’ to the boys for their hard work, to the parents for their unending support, and to my tutors for their commitment to their groups.  Here’s to the coming two years.

 

School’s out for summer…!

 

 

THANK A TEACHER

 

If you’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to your son’s teachers for their work this year – visit www.thankateacher.co.uk to nominate them for an award.  They’ll receive a nice card in the post too!

 

Mr. Scott

 

 

Year 11

 The end of the year and the springboard to a very important year for the year 11’s. I have been very pleased by the approaches the boys have taken to their studies this year and feel encouraged that with continued effort they will succeed in their GCSEs in the not too distant future – now only 9 months or so away. Have a great Summer all and come back ready for work!

Mr. Redfern

  

Post 16

 Lubomba has won the Plymouth artist of the year, gaining extra tuition and a money cash prize. A lot of time has gone into his development as an artist by all the Art staff here and at Notre Dame.

Congratulations to all our vocational students who have gained vocational awards, from Accountancy to Teaching Assistant to sports coaching to construction. Special mention to Joe and his catering achievement. Well done!

Thanks to all sixth form staff and students for their dedication and help.

 

Mr. Tew

 

 

All that remains is for me to thank you for your continued support and to wish you all a peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable and safe Summer. I look forward to helping move the College forward next year.

A.   Davies

 

 

O God of all beginnings and endings,
We praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings,
With challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.

The days have passed quickly, O Lord.
The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days,
The exams, vacations, breaks, and assemblies,
All have come forth from your hand.

While we trust that your purposes have always been at work each day,
Sometimes it has seemed difficult to understand and appreciate
Just what you have been up to in our school.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion,
And bless us, according to your will,

With the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams.
Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead,
And guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us return to school with a new spirit and a new energy.

May we continue to grow
In age, wisdom, knowledge and grace
All the days of our lives.

Amen.