letter from the principal - st...

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Volume 2

Friday

19 December 2014

Letter from the Principal

Dear Families and Friends

Christmas time is here – only 5 days until the big day! The learners have been extremely

restrained until this week, when their Nativity Service was as

wonderful as ever. The retiring collections raising over £290 to

support pupils at St. Mary’s School in

Yola, Nigeria. This is a fantastic - thank

you.

The other highlight of this week was the Germans (Care staff) v British

(Education staff) football match to commemorate the 1914 Christmas

Truce (see inside for further details).

I hope all families received a copy or St. Joseph’s Outstanding Section 48 Report last Friday. ‘The spirit of joy and strong sense of the worth of each individual as a valued and loved member of God’s family,’ as mentioned in the report, has been evident in abundance this week! The report will be available for all in the New Year at the following address:

http://www.abdiocese.org.uk/Schools/section23reports

Thank you everyone who joined us for events over the past three weeks Christingle, FestiviTea and Carol Services and for your Christmas good wishes. I hope some of you will find time to join us for our Epiphany liturgy at the beginning of next term. We look forward to welcoming your son/daughter back to school between 10.15 & 10.30 on Wednesday 7

th January 2015.

All good wishes for a joyous Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year. With our love and good wishes,

Amlets Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7DH

Tel: 01483 272449 Fax: 01483 276003

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.st-josephscranleigh.surrey.sch.uk

A Christmas Poem

There's more to Christmas...

There's more, much more to Christmas

Than candle-light and cheer;

It's the spirit of sweet friendship

That brightens all the year;

It's thoughtfulness and kindness,

It's hope reborn again,

For peace, for understanding

And for goodwill to men! (& women!)

http://www.abdiocese.org.uk/Schools/section23reports

St. Joseph’s Specialist School & College Newsletter

Contents

Page 2 Staff News

Page 3 Staff Profile: John Wright, Chaplain

Page 4 App of the Week

Page 5 Christingle & Advent Liturgies

Page 6 Christmas Fayre

Page 7 Key Stage 4 Presentation and Display for Families

Page 8 Football Remembers, Match Report

Page 9 Residential Learners enjoy the Pantomime; FestiviTea

Page 10 Christmas Tree Festival; Children’s Commissioners research launch

Page 11 Residential Christmas Party; News in Brief

Page 12 Dates for the Diary

Saul Brignell

52 Week Care Worker Franziska Achenbach

52 Week Care Worker

Ricky Jemmott

52 Week Care Worker

Alice Harland

Occupational Therapist (Part time)

Karen Lucas

Teaching Assistant

Cheryl Robinson

Receptionist

Helen Derwent

Speech & Language Therapist

Jessica Kerbey

Care Worker

Jeffrey Bowlin

Care Worker


What type of person are

you?

Describe yourself in five words: Joyful, Musical, Generous, Compassionate & Funny.

What’s top of your to-do list? Long term: Move house and write a book. Short term: Make coffee!

What’s your favourite biscuit? Dark Chocolate Hobnobs

What’s your top holiday destination? I would love to go to Morocco.

What wouldn’t you do for £1 million? I really dislike snakes, so anything to do with snakes!

Who would play you in the film of your life?

I’m not a big film buff so had to take some advice; my wife said Jude Law, but I think that might be a little optimistic!

Complete the following sentences

The celebrity I’d most like to have as a teacher at my school is:

Michael Jordan (Space Jam was a childhood favourite!)

As a child I wanted to grow up to be: An architect, sportsman or be in a famous band.

My most embarrassing moment in school:

I missed a goal from one metre away once playing for the school team!

If I’ve learned one thing, it is: God is always accepting, compassionate and forgiving. You can go to Him for anything.

I shouldn’t be telling you this, but …..

I went to see Earth, Wind and Fire last week!

Tell us your best Joke

What do a church and a helicopter have in common? You avoid them so you don’t get sucked into the rotas!

John Wright Chaplain


App of the Week - IXL® Fun Maths Practice

From Kial Hounslow, Senior TA, Numeracy

Over the last few weeks we have been trialling a new web based

maths programme. This system is separated into year groups and

covers all the main areas you would expect . Each topic (Numbers, Adding Patterns, etc.) are split into a

number of more specific skills. For each skill a learner must get 100 points to pass that topic. Each

question they answer is awarded points in a decreasing amount. They are then awarded picture prizes on

an awards board in the programme every time they master a skill, for every 100 questions they answer,

every half hour they practice, etc.

So far, we've trialled this system with six learners for the last four weeks. Whilst most of these learners

have enjoyed the time on IXL and we've begun to see real progress in their progress, we will be moving

forward with this programme slowly, so that we can fully explore the benefits and issues of introducing the

IXL programme for the school and college.

Over the next week, 30 learners will be given accounts, and class

teams will be shown how best to use the system, and what re-

ports exist. Because it is a web based programme there is nothing to

download, all that is needed to access this system is a learners ac-

count details. Class teams will distribute all care staff and families

know what the usernames and passwords for learners are.

In the meantime, if you wish to have a little look at the system, go to IXL.com, and have a look at the site.

If you want to have a go at a few questions yourself, go to 'Maths' at the top left hand site of the menu

bar. Down the left hand side of the screen the Year Groups will be arranged. Click on a year, and then

click on a skill. A pop up will appear regarding membership. Click on 'Continue as a guest'.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My e-mail

address is [email protected].

IXL - New Maths Programme

for Learners

mailto:[email protected]


- Chaplain’s Report

This section from Isaiah (one of our Advent readings) is quoted by Jesus at

the beginning of his public ministry and is often understood as his

‘manifesto’. When we contemplate these promises, what is our response? I

think it touches deeply upon what Advent is about. It creates a deep yearn-

ing for God, a desiring for His presence. The offer of ‘healing’ for our

‘broken hearts’ and ‘favour’ from God cannot go ignored. But these are the

very gifts that are on offer. If we trust and believe in these promises, there

can only be one response...

“Rejoice always!” says St. Paul. And rejoicing was certainly the theme for

our recent liturgies. Making our ‘Christingles’ is always a very special way

of remembering the Christmas mysteries, as well as being very engaging

for our learners. The candle in the top (or the glow stick we use in school!)

reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, the one who fulfils all of the

promises above. We sang, we prayed, and as a special way of remember-

ing what Advent is about, we offered each other the ‘sign of peace’ (a

handshake or a St. Joseph’s hug), as being good friends and saying sorry

are important ways to come close to each other and to God.

“The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me;

he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,

to heal the broken-hearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives

and release to the prisoners,

to announce a year of favour from the LORD

and a day of vindication by our God.

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,

in my God is the joy of my soul” (Isaiah 61)


Christmas Fayre

A huge thank you to all those who made the Christmas Fayre such a

success. It was lovely to see so many families past and present. We raised

an impressive £991.28. We will be donating £100 of the takings to Misso.

Mission Together is the Catholic Church’s official children’s charity. They

have been helping children for over 170 years and the majority of money

raised is used to support overseas projects.

The enterprise groups had a lovely selection of bird boxes, mug trees, bracelets and Christmas decora-

tions to name a few. The café was well supported with a delicious supply of biscuits and cakes made by

parents, group and our own kitchen staff. Thank you to the residence of Springvale who kindly offered

their services.

The bric-a-brac tables were piled high with toys, gadgets and home wares. These flew off the table and

bargains were had by all.

The horticultural department gave a festive feel with their Christmas themed planters and wreaths. The

tombola was a sell out and as popular as ever. The raffle was very well supported and the top prize of

two nights in a London hotel was won by Martin, one of our key stage 5 teachers. Martin was delighted!

Thank you to Mann’s of Cranleigh who donated a model band made up of Father Christmas’ They

serenaded and amused us all morning. I think they will now be a regular feature of Christmas at St.

Joseph`s.

Thank you to all for your generous donations

and continued support.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

Helen Van-Mol


Last Friday after the Christmas Fayre, Key Stage 4 families had the

opportunity to find out how the curriculum is delivered through various displays

and a presentation.

There was much interest in the specialist

equipment used to prepare food, such as the ‘L’ handled knives and the

sandwich maker. The scrap books were also very popular, as was the

food provided.

Learners prepared power point presentations for the families and each learner brought out their work files

for the visitors to look at. These were very well received. The week’s timetables were

on display and the families were taken through the reward charts and record of

achievement files. The Oscar films were also made available to families and friends

to look at. Those learners undertaking work experience placements also had their

files on display. It was wonderful to see the learners sharing their skills and

accomplishments with those attending.

Learners also made and served their own food and were responsible for ensuring that every visitor was

offered drinks.

Refreshments served by the learners included:

Dips with crudités and tortilla chips

Cheese straws

Fruit juice

Flapjacks

Cup cakes

Tea and coffee

A tour of the school included a look at the:

Magic Carpet

Graffiti Wall

Sunken trampoline

and the Silver Bullet (the rebuilt car) and trailer

It is planned for other key stages to do this in the future.

Report by Elizabeth Lickiss and Fairley Allan

Key Stage 4 Presentation and Display for Families


The Christmas Truce of 1914

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. By December that year hundreds

of thousands of soldiers and civilians had already died been killed, and countless injured.

At Christmas, however, at various points along the front line, British, French and German soldiers stopped fighting and held an informal truce. They sang carols to each other and climbed out of their trenches to share Christmas treats and souvenirs. In some places they also played football.

St. Joseph’s Remembers

On Monday 15th December we at St. Joseph’s com-

memorated this event with our own game of football, Education staff versus Care staff. Care played as the Germans and Education as the British. We sang Silent Night and the German version Stille Nacht before the kick-off, and ended with a Minute’s silence and the lay-ing of poppy wreaths in the two goal mouths.

The match was fast and furious, but Care eventually prevailed, winning on penalties.

‘Frohe Weihnachten’ to you all.

Report by Fairley Allan and Jonathan Rodell

Football Remembers:

Match Report


Our regular Coffee Morning for families became a FestiviTea this week as we turned our attention to raising funds for the local NAS Surrey Branch. Sadly Emma Whitfield NAS Surrey Chair couldn't join this year but governors, parents along with former learners and their families joined with staff and raised funds through a raffle and the sale of mince pies!

To boost our support a Cake Sale is planned for the New Year (when all post Christmas diets are over) to enable more learners and staff to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause, which is close to all our hearts.

Last weekend a number of residential learners enjoyed attending North Heath Hall Pantomime to watch Sleeping Beauty. All the learners thoroughly enjoyed the performance and particularly enjoyed seeing our very own Charlotte McCulloch (School Nurse) perform. Everyone enjoyed getting involved in the theatrics of the Panto and were able to get up on stage for a dance at the end.

A big thank you to all the staff at North Heath Hall who made the out-ing extremely enjoyable.

Residential Learners go to

the Panto


St. Nicolas Church,

Cranleigh, Christmas

Tree Festival

Thirty eight gleaming Christmas trees were already in situ

when St Martha’s class arrived with the St. Joseph’s tree for

decoration. The standard was high but that didn’t put them

off. Thanks to Jayden, Hannah, Anna and George the tree

was soon in place and decorated.

The learners considered the environment when they decided on a theme for their tree. Taking their

inspiration from the hymn ‘All things bright and beautiful’ the tree was resplendent with brightly coloured

paper chains, corks covered in glitter and topped with angels. Every decoration from baubles, (made of

wool) to robins, made of papier-mâché was handmade from left over materials. Everything will be

recycled after the big day.

On Sunday evening many of our residential learners went to the Carol

Service and were thrilled to learn that their tree had won the best in

Schools Category.

Well done to all the learners who made decorations and the staff that

supported them. One of our Governors also lent a hand to add that

finishing touch. Special thanks to the St Martha’s team who, with

sheer muscle power (thanks dynamic Dorek) lugged the tree into place

and the maintenance crew who brought it back!

Elizabeth Lickiss

Terry & Max are invited to contribute to the

launch of new research initiated by Maggie

Atkinson Children’s Commissioner for England

Baroness Doreen Massey invited us to a meeting in Committee

Room G, in the House of Lords. Sarah (HSLW), Mary (Principal),

Max and Terry travelled to London on the 7.30 am train and then

walked over Waterloo Bridge to the Houses of Parliament for the

9.30 am meeting. They were asked to sit round the main table,

with students from Oak Lodge School in Wandsworth and the

Research Team from the Institute of Education. They all felt very important. Other invited guests were

sitting on three rows of chairs behind them. Part way through the meeting Terry and Max were asked to

give their thoughts on life in a residential school. Both rose to the occasion and did this amazingly well.

The research aimed to address Article 12 of the United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child, which gives every child

the right to express their views and for their views to be taken

account of when decisions are made that affect them. The

research found that this is not always the case and the findings

make a number of recommendations to the Government.

If you would like to read the report and booklet, My Life at School, you can find it on:

http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/ under publications.

http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/


News in Brief

A big thank you to everyone who supported our Phil The Bag appeal. The 50 or so huge bags were collected on Tuesday. We will let you know how much we managed to make for our World Book Day puppet workshop as soon as Phil the Bag has confirmed the weight of the bags.

On Friday the 12th December we really got into the Christmas

spirit by wearing our Christmas Jumpers in support of Save the

Children Fund. With everyone's kind donations we raised over

£140.

On Wednesday evening Residential learners and staff

enjoyed a delicious Christmas meal prepared by the kitchen

staff. After a traditional turkey dinner, a very special guest

arrived - Father Christmas - who gave out gifts to leaners, staff and even

two of our governors (can you spot them?) who joined in the fun.

As you can see from the

photos a good time was

had by all.


The next newsletter will be published

on 16th January 2015

Dates for the Diary

Spring Term 7th January Learners Return to return to school between 10.15-10.30am

7th January 2.45 - 3.15pm - Epiphany Liturgy (All Key Stages)

21st January 10.30am - 12.00 noon - Family Coffee Morning - aromatherapy hand massage

10th February Internet Safety Day

11th February 2.45 - 3.15pm - Ash Wednesday Liturgy (All Key Stages)

13th February Last Day of Term, Learners finish at 1.00pm

25th February Learners Return to return to school between 10.15-10.30am

12th March 7.00pm Full Governing Body Meeting

13th March Red Nose Day

14th March Grounds Day

w/c 16th March Work Related Activities & Work Experience Block - Week 1 (for KS 4/5 learners)

18th March 10.30am - 12.00 noon - Family Coffee Morning

19th March St. Joseph’s Day

9.00 - 9.30am St Joseph’s Day Mass (All Key Stages)

w/c 23rd March Work Related Activities & Work Experience Block - Week 2 (for KS 4/5 learners)

23rd March 2.15pm - Palm Sunday Liturgy (All Key Stages)

25th March 2.30 - 3.15pm - Last Supper Liturgy (All Key Stages)

7.00pm - Work Related Activities & Work Experience Presentation Evening

26th March Last Day of Term, Learners finish at 1.00pm

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A

MERRY NEW YEAR

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