St. Boniface's College Head teachers Blog 25.10.13

Well we are at the end of the term when pupils get a chance to stop and reflect on all they have done over the past seven and a half weeks. It certainly seems to have flown by again. There have been many lovely moments here in school where I have felt immense pride at what the huge majority of pupils have done and how they have portrayed themselves in the community. Pupils talking of a pride in their College at the whole school photograph, parents comments about returning to values and standards of the St. Boniface’s of old and staff talking of various methods of teaching and learning to excite pupils, all helps me feel that progress is being made. We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do and I am confident that with your continued support we will quickly once again regain our spot as a leading educational establishment within Plymouth and beyond… please forgive me but there is a passion!

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the pupils and staff for all their hard work this term, the College is about people and encouraging them to be the best they can. On a sad note we say goodbye to Mr. Matson in the Science department after securing a teaching post closer to home and Mr. Griffin from technology in securing promotion. Both colleagues will be sorely missed but we wish them well and thank them for what they have both brought to the College. On the upside we are very excited to announce the arrival of Mr. Polson into Science and Mr. Chapman into technology to replace our departing colleagues. I was very impressed with both these new colleagues in their interviews and feel confident that they will help ensure that St. Boniface’s continues to move forward.

 The College has a trip to New York taking place next week and I hope that all those involved have a wonderful time exploring The Big Apple – I look forward to hearing the stories on their return

 Year 11 mock exams start on Wednesday 13^th November and I would ask that year 11 parents encourage their son’s to utilise the week break to do some revision for these. The more work put in now the easier the Summer exams will be.

 

Mr. Baines has been hard at work overhauling the Blue Card system with the new much improved version coming out initially via the Sims Learning Gateway, SLG, but then via paper to you. I hope that you will find the Blue Cards of use in supporting your son with his academic studies.

 A note of thanks for those who have returned the paper regarding free school meals, service children and Ever 6 – if you have not yet done so could I ask you to please return by Friday 8^th November. Also a reminder about ParentMail – if you have lost the information or haver had any difficulty the please contact S. Purdy here at the College, spurdy@stbonifaces.com

 

I wish you all a very happy half term and look forward to seeing bright cheerful faces on Monday 4^th November at 8.45am.

 

Year 7

Well, the year 7’s have made it to the end of the first term at St Boniface’s! I do hope that your sons have had a smooth transition and that they are enjoying the time here at the college.

I thought I would take this opportunity as we head into our half term break to remind you that any concerns or worries you have, please don’t hesitate in contacting either myself directly or your son’s tutor. I do find myself repeating this very regularly, but I really am very proud of my extremely skilled transition tutor team here at St Boniface’s. The tutors are specialised in dealing with a range of Year 7 pastoral issues and are very keen to build that ever so important link between home and school.

 On with the Year 7 notices for this week! Well, it’s been an extremely busy one! Following the mufti day on Friday for Motiv8, the students were straight back into learning on Monday morning and focussing on their final week of the term.

This week’s assembly was presented by Miss Heduvan and 7E and it was a lovely, thought provoking assembly. At the end of the assembly, I was delighted to present some awards for the Year 7’s first term at the college. I am so incredibly proud of the effort and achievements of the boys in my year group and they have had over 500 entries onto SIMS from teachers for this! I rewarded 26 students with a writing pen for over 5 entries onto SIMS for effort. There were so many students that were almost there, so I really hope to be able to give out more awards leading up to Christmas! 7 students received certificates and a writing pen for academic awards, again entered onto SIMS at least 5 times by teachers. Finally, I gave out certificates and pens to 5 students, one from each of the tutors, for effort during tutor time. This was the “Tutor Award”. The students selected by the tutor, were recognised for going above and beyond for not only the tutor, but the tutor group. Well done to all of those who received awards.

Just a last reminder, we will be welcoming the students back on Monday 4^th November.

I hope you all have a very happy and restful half term break.

 

Miss Beales

Head of Year 7

 

Y7 Rugby

The boys completed their first term of rugby yesterday with a draw against Hele's and a hard-fought win over Coombe-Dean. Congratulations to all the squad for their enthusiasm and commitment over the last couple of months. We will have a couple of weeks when we return to continue with training and then the season comes to a pause until the lighter evenings return in February.

B.Tucker

  

Year 8

Many congratulations to the Year group for a very productive term. I have been really impressed with the boys' attitude and approach to school life. Thanks, in particular, to those who have made me smile!

It has been great to get to know the Year group better over the last two months. Many thanks to my team of tutors and mentors who work really hard in order to ensure that their charges are happy and achieving their potential.

May I respectfully remind parents, carers and guardians that the school guidelines on haircuts ask that the boys keep to single-grade haircuts, with the shortest grade being

grade 2. 

I led the assembly last week where we looked at the importance of taking heed of the warning signs around us. This involves all of us taking note of advice and guidance when it is offered.

 Good luck to Chris Hill, Josh and Dayne who have Devon rugby trials this weekend. Callum was also due to participate but, unfortunately, he has damaged his hand.

 Finally, well done boys, have a great break. We look forward to an equally good term upon our return.

B.Tucker   

 

Year 9

 A message from Miss Sanford:

9L produced some outstanding pieces of home learning this week on the Five Pillars of Islam, especially Elliott, Tom, Tom P., Adam, Matthew, George, Louis and Danny- well done!

 Thanks this week go to Mr McKenna LSA who has been doing a lot of work with some of our lads and HMS Heroes.

As a Naval port Plymouth has a lot of connections with the services and therefore it is inevitable that as a consequence we have a number of students from service families.

HMS Heroes , Her Majesty's Schools Heroes is a unique student voice group formed in the City of Plymouth for the support of Service children and young people   Members of HMS Heroes are ambassadors and young advocates for Service families. Most importantly, they are friends for each other, especially in times of need. If your son is from a service family and they want to get involved perhaps they can make themselves known to Mr. McKenna or I as there are several things in the pipeline.

Can I take the time to wish everybody a well-deserved, and a happy and relaxing break, this has been a long term and it is now time to charge up the batteries for another busy term in the lead up to Christmas. For those travelling afar, take care and enjoy yourselves.

Mrs. Mcloughlin

 Year 11

Year 11s Assembly with Babcock Friday 8^th November – Online Applications are now active please prepare CVs and Personal Statements in preparation to apply to the various Apprenticeships that are available.

Please see Mrs Hudson.

 

 

Prayer of Mother Teresa

 

Dear Jesus, Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go, flood our souls with your Spirit and life. Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours. Shine through us and be so in us that every soul we come in contact with may feel your presence in our soul. Let them look up and see no longer us but only Jesus. Stay with us and then we shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be light to others. The light, O Jesus, will be all from you. None of it will be ours. It will be your shining on others through us. Let us thus praise you in the way you love best by shining on those around us. Let us preach you without preaching not by words, but by our example by the catching force the sympathetic influence of what we do the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.

Amen

 

St. Boniface's College Head Teacher's Blog for wb 21.10.13

Welcome to my blog for the week beginning 21^st October 2013

Thank you to students and parents for their support of our recent mufti day in aid of our Motiv8 gym project. A significant contribution has now been made to the purchasing of new equipment for students to use.

Could I remind all parents that the school is closed for pupils on Friday 25^th of October, along with other secondary schools in the City, for a Plymouth wide Secondary school staff training day.

We have just had our first data capture exercise looking at pupil progress for this year. Once all the data is in we shall be looking to see if class adjustments are appropriate based upon academic ability and be in a better position to provide focussed support for those pupils who may be struggling with their studies at this time. New and improved Blue Cards will be coming home after half term with changes suggested by parents included. In an attempt to encourage parents in the use of the SIMS Learning Gateway, SLG, reports are posted on the site prior to being sent home. Our aim is to eventually become a paper free society.

Could I encourage those parents who have yet to subscribe to our free parent texting service, ParentMail, to please do so – we have about 290 parents involved in the programme to date. Could I ask those parents who have subscribed to please help inform other parents of this free to use service.

A “heads up” for your diaries please regarding Parent/Teacher evenings

3.30 to 6.30pm:

November 26^th  post 16

December 10^th  Year 11

January  21^st Year 9

January 28^th Year 10

February 11^th Year 7

March 4^th second Year 11 meeting

April 1^st Year 8

April 29^th second post 16 meeting

June 24^th second Year 10 meeting.

All meetings will use the College hall and canteen area.

I hope soon to seek the views of parents regarding a number of issues we have been working on in the College post Ofsted, this will take the form of an electronic survey – I shall let you know more once the survey is ready but would ask that you do please try to complete it. The aim of the survey is to give parents and pupils a greater say in the direction that they would like to see the College move in as well as feedback for the changes that have been put in place, as I say more to come closer to the time.

Mr. Davies

 

Year 7

As we head towards the last week of our first term of Year 7, I am extremely proud of the hard work and achievements of the out year group. All of the boys have settled well and are really starting to feel part of the St Boniface’s community.

This week’s assembly was presented by Mr Ramage on the theme of preparing for learning. The students were treated to an exciting clip of the Isle of Man TT and thoughts explored the preparation of such an event and likened it to that of being prepared in the class room. It was certainly an inspiring assembly, thank you Mr Ramage. We are very much looking forward to the next tutor’s assembly with 7E and Miss Heduvan.

Friday 18th we had a mufti day in school. This was a follow up to the KS3 disco last Friday night. Both events were to raise money for “Project Motiv8” This ia project that is being organised by our fantastic PTFA to refurbish our Multi Gym in school. We are still trying to raise as much money as possible so please feel free to support us and donate anything you can. Project Motiv8 is a project that will benefit all of our students, whether it is in PE lessons during the school day or the use of the gym during free leisure time.

  

To ensure the extremely high standards that Year 7 continue to demonstrate, please can I ask parents to make a note of the following;

·    Students should adhere to the hair and uniform requirements at all times. Please ensure that the correct outer wear garments are being used as the weather starts to turn towards winter. Students should only be wearing black or navy blue coats, thank you.

·    Mobile phones should not be on during the school day. They should be switched off and in bags so that learning is not disturbed.

·    Home learning should be completed for all subjects in a timely manner. Please can parents insist on checking planners and guiding the students with their organisation.

·    Please can parents ensure their son has a reading book in his bag every day to support our reading scheme. This is to further help and improve literacy standards whereby all students will undertake 30 minutes of silent reading each day.

I am still awaiting some students to bring in their email parental contact email address. This is by far the most convenient and quick way for me to keep in touch with parents. Please can I ask that if your son has given you a slip that you either complete and return as soon as possible or alternatively, send me an email directly to confirm your address at kbeales@stbonifaces.com . I will be sending out regular emails with updates on year 7 information.

Finally, I know I repeat this weekly, but I really am very proud of my extremely skilled transition tutor team here at St Boniface’s. The tutors are specialised in dealing with a range of Year 7 pastoral issues. Please do not hesitate in contacting either your son’s tutor via email, or me directly, should you have concerns or questions. Our email addresses are available on the school website www.stbonifaces.com or in the parent diary.

I wish you all a lovely, relaxing weekend with your families

Miss Beales, Head of Year 7

 

Congratulations to Sam who won the cross-country race at Eggbuckland on Tuesday. Good luck to Sam, too, on Saturday when he competes in his first Triathlon. Sam met James (Year 11) on Wednesday so that James could pass on some advice and guidance. James was recently selected to compete for the British Triathlon team. Well done to all who competed so well.

Rugby training went ahead as usual on Wednesday but there were no matches due to the school being closed on Thursday. We look forward to resuming the Central Venue fixtures at Coombe Dean next week.

B. Tucker

 

Year 8

Congratulations to Lewis, Ben and Owen who competed in the Plymouth and West Devon cross-country event at Eggbuckland on Tuesday. Lewis was 4th, Ben 7^th and Owen 9^th.

Mr Weaver continues to be impressed with the rugby team who maintained a fantastic start to the season when they travelled to Hele's on Tuesday afternoon. Here they had comprehensive wins over the three teams they played.

I've been really pleased with the way that the boys have been looking after their appearance, with uniform and hairstyles following school guidelines. For the odd student who has overlooked the advice on haircuts can I respectfully remind parents that we ask boys to have single-grade haircuts with the shortness of the hair not going beyond grade 2. Thank you!

Dr Trimming led our assembly last week on the theme of those people who have an influence on our lives. A very thoughtful presentation that made us all consider how we are affected by those around us and the real values that we should be adhering to.

B. Tucker 

 

Year 9

Well here we are at end of another week, what has been a charitable week, with the boys raising money for a number of good causes, Cafod, the homeless and raising money to equip the new fitness suite. Well done and thanks for all your help and support.

This week we also had visits from the fire safety officer from Crownhill educating the boys on the dangers of fire and the injuries it can cause along with a talk on road safety and again the potential dangers.

As the weather is being more inclement can I remind students that when school coats are worn they are black or navy without large logos.

It is always nice to know what the boys are up to out of school; this week saw Wesley completing his cadet course badges, Billy joining Plymouth Rowing Club, and a number of other boys having successful seasons for their football teams.

Well here we go on the last week of the term, one last weeks’ push before the half term holiday and a school trip to New York. Have a good week and stay safe.

Mrs. McLoughlin

 

Year 10

As we prepare to say farewell to Mr Griffin next week, I'm inviting parents of 10E students to thank him for his unending support of the boys in his care. We wish him luck for his new career at Plymouth University.

Year 10 helped raise lots of money for CAFOD during Fast Day last week. The boys gave up their break time snack and donated the money instead. Mr Ousey recently led us in a fantastic assembly about the work of the Catholic charity.

With winter approaching - please could parents ensure their son wears a suitable waterproof jacket - it should be a dark colour. Hoodies are not to be worn to school as per our uniform guidelines.

With just a week left until half term, I'd like to thank you for your support for your son's learning.

Over half term I'll be leading a trip to New York City. The next trip (a year from now) is available to book soon. If you'd like a letter - please email me or ask your son to collect a letter.

Mr.  Scott

Head of Year 10

 

Year 11

Thanks to the group of year 11 boys that helped out at the key stage 3 disco last Friday and to the boys that escorted the candidates for teaching vacancies that were being interviewed this week. Thank you also to the students that gave their valued opinion and comments on the prospective candidates to the selection panel.    The year 11leavers   hoodies will be available to order by next week.  The hoodies have proved to be very successful with both staff and students, so order yours in time for Christmas.  The preparations for the Christmas pantomime are well advanced so don’t forget to order your tickets before they’re all sold out.  Just a gentle reminder that the information and guidance evening is scheduled for next Wednesday the 23^rd of October for both years 10 and 11.    The year 11 examinations are due to commence on Wednesday the 13^th to Tuesday the 26^th of November, 2013.  Needless to say this is an extremely important time for your son as it is a valuable opportunity for both you and your son to gauge his progress in preparation for his final examinations   starting in May 2014.    The examinations will be sat in strict examination conditions.  Your son will receive the mock examination   timetable and a letter by the end of this week outlining the JCQ examination regulations and rules.  Please take time to read the rules and regulations with your son to ensure he fully understands his responsibilities.

Mr. Redfern

 

The mock exams will be run under the strict rules used in all public exams and you will find a copy of the JCQ regulations attached to this letter. You must read through the rules with your parent and make sure that you understand the importance of adhering to them.

You must be on time for each exam. You will need to arrive with the correct equipment for the exam in a clear plastic bag. This will include black pens, pencils, ruler, eraser together with calculator and other Maths equipment necessary.

If you are not well enough to attend school please phone as soon as possible and inform the school so that we are aware of this. If you have a problem and will be late arriving again you should phone and tell us what the situation is.

You will have a desk allocated in the Gym or in learning for life where you will be for all of your exams except for French, Product Design and Engineering.

If you do not have an exam you will be in your normal lessons and if the exam ends before the end of the period you will be expected to return to your normal class.

Mrs J Gimblett (Exams’ Officer) jgimblett@stbonifaces.com

 

Post 16

Congratulations to Desmond for his epic cycle ride in aid of St Lukes last Sunday. He assures me that the second half of the ride was much worse than the first half. He was in some discomfort on Monday morning but luckily his Public services course were out and about doing fitness.

UCAS entries from Year 13 have gone off to the Universities for the students who have completed them. A number of students still need to complete and see Mr Tew. There is a Finance evening at the University coming up for all interested parties. More information will follow as soon as I have it.

Maculay is making a recovery from his accident a few weeks ago. His strength is returning. The sixth form have raised some money towards a new suit, as his had to be cut off allowing the knee to be put back into place.

WE are in the process of trying to improve our sixth form facilities.  If you are able to donate in any way - paint, or materials or want to help out in any way in its redecoration can you please email me. We all want a facility that enables them to study and achieve. Donations of furniture must comply with the safety standards please.

Big Brothers are making a real impact on the year 7 yard. They are helping organise games and keeping the younger students occupied. We also have Brian volunteering in the Care section at Derriford and other students going into multiple lessons. Our Sports Leaders held a training workshop at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School on a Wednesday where they have trained younger students in how to become leaders. This involved many aspects from organising into teams, to running the activity.

Our Duke of Edinburgh course is gathering pace and a number of students are looking to gain the awards. If any parents is interested in helping then please  email Mr Calicoates, dclaricaotes@stbonifaces.com.

We are also beginning plans for our traditional sixth form OAP party, again any donations of decorations etc would be welcome.

Thank you all and have a good week!

Mr. Tew

 

“I still have a number of certificates from 2011 and 2012 which have not been collected by students who have left the College?  If  “bloggers” are in touch with any ex-pupils who have not collected their GCSE, BTEC or GCE certificates can they please email me or phone and arrange to come in and collect them.” 

Mrs. Gimblett  jgimblett@stbonifaces.com

 

PE Extra-curricular Clubs Timetable

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNEDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
BEFORE SCHOOL 0730 - 0815			Breakfast Club Fitness, Basketball and Badminton (all years)
LUNCH TIME 1345 - 1415	Fitness Suite and Basketball (all years)	Fitness Suite and Basketball (all years)	Fitness Suite and Basketball (all years)	Fitness Suite and Basketball (all years)	Fitness Suite and Basketball (all years)
AFTER SCHOOL 1530 - 1630	Rugby (Years 8 and 9) Basketball Year 7		Rugby Year 7 Circuit Training (all years)	Table Tennis (Years 7 and 8) Rugby (Years 10 and 11)

 

Monday 21st October 2013   Fitness Club (lunchtime) STEM (after school) -  (Mr Smart) Geography Clinic (lunchtime)  - (Miss Beales) 13:35 – 14:20 – Christian Union – (Chapel) 13:35 – 14:20 – Quiz in the Library – Years 7, 8 and 9 13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club – (Back room in LfLC)                                15:00 – Maths Drop in Session Room A37 – (Mr Allerton) 15:00 - Year 11 Higher GCSE Homework , Catch up and Revision - (A29)

Tuesday 22nd October 2013   13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club – (Back room in LfLC) Drama Club (lunchtime) – (Mr Trimmer)       Workshop Sessions Catch up (lunchtime) – (Mr Griffin) Geography Clinic (lunchtime) – (Miss Beales)

Wednesday 23rd October 2013   13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club – (Back room in LfLC) 13:35 – 14:20 – Panda Knitting Club – Miss Gosling’s room 15:20 – 17:00 Year 7 Rugby Club School Play – Lord of the Flies (after school) – (Mr Trimmer) Workshop sessions catch up (lunchtime) – (Mr Griffin) Geography Clinic (lunchtime) – (Miss Beales)

Thursday 24th October 2013   Year 9 Rugby (after school) Geography clinic (lunchtime) -  (Miss Beales) 13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club – (Back room in LfLC) 13:40 – Year 7 Inter-house Football 15:20 – 16:30 Miss Gosling’s Art Club

Friday 25th October 2013                                                               Android Club (lunchtimes for Years 9 -11)- (Mr Neethling) Geography Clinic (lunchtime) – (Miss Beales)

 

Year 11 Mock Timetable November 2013

Date	Subject	Start time	Length of exam
Wed 13th	Maths Paper 1 Non calculator	08.50am	1 hour 45 mins	Period 1 and 2
	History Paper 1	11.35am	2 hours	Period 3 and 4
Thurs 14th	Geography Paper 1	08.50am	1 h 30mins	Period 1 and 2
	PE (GCSE only)	11.35am	1 h 30mins	Period 3 and 4
Fri 15th	French Listening and Reading exams	08.50am	2 hours Higher 1 hour 15mins Foundation	Period 1 and 2 in Sixth form study
	Product Design Engineering	11.35am	2 hours 1 hour	Period 3 and 4 in Sixth form study.
Mon 18th	English	08.50am	2 hours 15 mins	Period 1 and 2
	Geography Paper 2	11.35am	1 hour	Period 3 and 4
Tues 19th	Religious Studies	08.50am	1 hour 30 mins	Period 1 and 2
	Science	11.35am	11D 1 hour 30 11 LOP 1 hour 11 T 45 mins	Period 3 and 4
Wed 20th	Maths Paper 2 Calculator	08.50am	1 hour 45 mins	Period 1 and 2
	History Paper 2	08.50am	1 hour 30 mins	Period 3 and 4
Thurs 21st	ICT	08.50am	11DLOP 1 hour 30 mins	Period 1 and 2
Friday 22nd is mentoring day for all students – no exams
Mon 25th	Art	08.50am	All day	Mrs Wills’ room
Tues 26th	Art	08.50am	All day	Mrs Wills’ room

 

Lord Jesus Christ,

You lived in the home of Joseph and Mary at Nazareth:

Make our homes places of love and peace.

Deepen and sweeten every relationship of family life,

So that all our earthly love may be gathered up into the love of God,

For your name’s sake.

Amen