St Joseph's College Lent Term Newsletter 2017

Lent Term Newsletter 2017

2014 –2017

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AWARD

Message from the Principal It is hard to believe that we are now two thirds of the way through the academic year. To mention all of the College’s activities and events over a single term would be impossible, however, a flavour and sample of our students’ endeavours and achievements are highlighted in the pages which follow.

Easter is, of course, a key period for our Year 11 and 13 students as they revise for their GCSE and A-levels. Their effort, self-motivation and tenacity will prove the key determinants in achieving what they each deserve in August.

It is always with great sadness that we say good-bye to long-standing College staff. Mr Squirrell, groundsman at St Joseph’s since September 2003, will be very much missed by staff and students when he retires at the end of April. He has worked tirelessly and will be especially fondly remembered by our youngest children in the Prep School, who have worked alongside him learning about the wonder of life and nature through their activities with seeds, plants and vegetables. We do wish Mr Squirrell a very long and happy retirement.

Counselling Theory courses. She is also a fully qualified primary school teacher and spent 10 years working as a class and specialist dyslexia teacher. As a former St Joseph’s parent, Mrs McCahon has a sound knowledge of and real affinity for the College’s ethos and culture and will add another layer of support to the pastoral structures and personnel already in place at St Joseph’s.

We are very much looking forward to seeing our newly refurbished classrooms and corridors in MFL and Mathematics after the break, as we continue our programme of Building for the Future at St Joseph’s College.

Finally we wish all students and staff taking part in DofE bronze and silver practice expeditions and the College’s annual ski trip, an enjoyable and successful time.

I wish all St Joseph’s families a fabulous Easter break. We look forward to seeing students when they return to College on Tuesday 25 April.

After Easter, the College is very pleased to be welcoming into its community, Mrs Shuna McCahon. Mrs McCahon has been appointed to the role of Student Counsellor. A fully qualified counsellor, holding an MA in Psychology, Mrs McCahon is also BACP registered and accredited and teaches Level 2 Counselling Skills and Level 3

Mrs Danielle Clarke Principal

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Focus on a Teacher Mr Guy Layton Director of Music Mr Layton’s musical career began when he started piano lessons aged 5 and won a choral award as a chorister (‘Quirister’) for the choir of Winchester College, which involved several recordings, television and radio broadcasts. Subsequently, he won a full fees music scholarship to Radley College as a pianist, viola player and singer and gained his grade 8 piano (Distinction) aged 13. While at school, he played rugby for the 1st XV as loose-head prop, was musical director for school musical theatre productions and started several rock bands, playing gigs in the local area.

After school, Mr Layton won an English-Speaking Union exchange scholarship to study at American high school, which was a fantastically broadening experience. He then took a degree in Music at Goldsmiths’ College, London University, a PGCE teaching qualification at Sussex University, and a Masters degree in Musicology (specialising in Philosophical Aesthetics and Historiography) at Christ Church, Oxford University.

Teaching posts followed, including Assistant Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral School and Assistant Music Master and Head of Music Technology at Harrow School. At Harrow, Mr Layton was musical director for all school musical theatre productions, including shows such as ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Oklahoma!’, ‘Guys and Dolls’ etc. Mr Layton even managed to persuade Billy Vunipola to join one of his choirs!

After a number of years at Harrow, Mr Layton was keen for a new challenge and was particularly attracted by St Joseph’s smaller, close-knit community and the musical talent and enthusiasm of the students here. Mr Layton has a strong vision for developing Music further and broadening musical opportunities at St Joseph’s.

Outside of school Mr Layton is likely to be found walking Lily, his retired racing greyhound, along the banks of the River Deben. He is a keen supporter of rugby, cricket and tennis and enjoys cooking, studio and live sound engineering as well as attending live music events in a wide variety of styles.

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Focus on a Teacher Mrs Martine Simmonds MFL/Head of Lower School Have I really been here 29 years? That sounds like a long time...

I remember coming here with my brand new teacher kit. I was full of ideas, things to do to make a difference. I thought I was the teacher and you, the students, were my pupils. How wrong I was.

My head was so full of how things 'should be', there was very little room for how things 'were'. The gap in those early days between what I thought I needed to teach and what the students actually needed to learn was wide. There were times when bridging it was difficult. There were even times when it seemed impossible and I thought I had made a mistake.

I have been privileged to have had in my classroom many, many fine young people. Twenty-nine years ago some of them began to teach me how to teach. From then I learned true teaching is a special partnership. I look back with gratitude. I entered a profession dedicated to assisting young people to achieve their potential, revealing or finding the best in themselves. As I leave it, I am taking many of you with me. You will live on in my memories. I'll always remember the things we achieved together.

As a teacher, you get the opportunity to interact with multiple students on a daily basis. While some of these students may be the most frustrating part of the job, they may also be the most rewarding.

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Everyone knows that you don't go into teaching to make a lot of money - people become teachers to make a difference to the students that are in their class, to teach them that they can accomplish their goals and become whoever they want to be in this world, and I hope I achieved that goal.

My fondest memory would be the special relationship between the students and teachers and that is why St Joseph’s is so unique.

Coming to school in the mornings did not feel like going to work, but rather the place I was missing during my summer holidays!

What memories should I share with you? I find it difficult to choose.

They are so many. Of course they are the big events like when St Jo’s won the Rugby Festival for the first time, when I first attended a school musical, or Xavier (my house, then) won their first Sports Day… But my best memories are the little everyday gestures, the ‘Hi, Miss’ I hear all the time as I walk through the school or being offered a cake made in Food Technology , the Old Birkfeldians coming to have a chat during the Rugby Festival. One of the boys giving me (when I went on maternity leave) a sign saying: ‘Baby on board’ to put in my car, when at the end of the Five Nations Tournament every single boy from my Year 8 class put a wooden spoon without a word on their desk! (France surely did not lose the tournament that badly!) , the embarrassing time on St Joseph’s Day when my hair caught fire, and not a single pupil took the mickey out of me but everyone asking if I was alright. ( It was not the case in the staffroom where I heard all sort of jokes such as: ‘You’re the hottest teacher ha ha, ha’). I think all of you know I can talk, so I could go on – but you’d get bored.

Careers Fair Highly Successful Careers Fair More than 30 exhibitors filled the Sixth Form Centre and gave students of various ages a valuable insight into the world of work and Higher Education. The students were thoroughly attentive, taking the opportunity to learn about the routes into accountancy, law, architecture, IT, marketing, retail, financial services, sport, logistics, telecommunications, the Armed Forces, engineering, hospitality, property, the public sector and more.

Apprenticeships and universities were both represented in a truly comprehensive Futures event. We were proud of our enthusiastic students and extremely grateful to our wonderfully upbeat, patient and engaging visitors.

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‘Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.’

Cast and crew lived up to the school motto, ‘Be Your Best’, for the sell-out production of Fiddler on the Roof at Jerwood Dancehouse. The company sang and danced with passion – delighting the audience with show-stopping numbers, including ‘Tradition’, ‘If I Were a Rich Man’ and ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’.

Among the principals there were some excellent renditions of Jewish village characters, scraping a living and holding onto traditions in rural Russia at the turn of the last century.

The College is fortunate to have in its number the outstanding talents of Wilfred Kemsley (Year 10) and Aimee Butcher (L6), who took on the leading parts of Tevye and Golde. They gave superlative performances and were roundly clapped and cheered as the curtain came down.

But credit all round for a memorable show. L’chaim!

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Come into my Parlour…

Prep School Council representatives from Years 3 to 6 were invited by the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Roger Fern, to visit his Parlour and learn a little about his civic role and the accoutrements of his office – including a mace, a tricorn hat and the golden mayoral chain.

The children discovered the Mayor has completed 480 engagements since taking office, heard about his efforts supporting Alzheimer’s and homeless charities, and were taught how to ‘knight’ one another.

They looked at the signatures of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in the visitors’ book, and then signed themselves.

News from the Prep School World Book Day Shakespeare was celebrated in all his glory at the Prep School on World Book Day with many recognisable characters and a good number of Bards in attendance. The Senior students celebrated the lure of the written word by setting tasks aside for a little while and reading books of their choice.

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Digging and Delving into Science During Science Week, Year 5 and 6 were delighted to welcome Mr Fletcher from the senior Science department and Mr Alex Fisher, from Suffolk Archaeology, who brought an archaeological dig to the Prep School.

Mr Fisher’s workshop began with the children handed bags of items, including a range of bones, china, metal and coins. They sorted the items and fragments into piles and tried to identify them.

Buckets filled with dried mud and artefacts were then brought in for the children. They poured the grit through a mesh to extract items of interest. An identifying board was placed on a bench for the children to see exactly which era the items were from. One pupil was especially excited as he was able to experience his dream job.

Later in the week a carousel of activities relating to fossils and rocks was organised in the hall, with Year 3 together with our Year 5 science ambassadors running and explaining the tasks for fellow pupils from Nursery through to Year 4.

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Inspirational Visit by Blind Paralympian We welcomed Paralympian Roy Turnham and his dog Pudsey to the College. He spoke of his athletics background and his pathway into playing blind football. Everyone who attended the assembly, staff and students alike, found him inspirational.

A KS1 and KS2 fitness workshop followed, after which participants regained their breath making a fuss of Pudsey. Our scholarship students then had a small Q&A session with Mr Turnham, where he spoke in depth about training and what he’s done to get where he is today. The students were engrossed and asked some very interesting questions afterwards.

The day ended with Mr Turnham visiting one of our Year 11 GCSE PE lessons and introducing the class to blind football. The students loved this opportunity and were amazed by his skills. One student said at the end of the session: ‘It really does show what we take for granted doesn’t it, but he has inspired me to follow all my dreams!’

Describing St Joseph’s as 'an amazing school', Mr Turnham thanked everyone for a contribution of £330 for his ‘road to Tokyo’.

Vibrant Floral Art The Art studio was happily abuzz – if a little messy – when Year 6 used painting to depict flowers of the Victorian Empire.

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Stepping into the Spotlight The Lent term has presented a host of performing opportunities for pupils in the Prep School. We had great successes during the Sudbury Music Festival, with all entrants performing well. Archie Will gained first place in the string class and Freya Ollason gained first place in the woodwind class. Our own Prep Music competition was a highlight of the term with 78 entries across six classes. All of the pupils took part in the first round of lunchtime concerts, with 19 pupils making it through to the final. Emilia Nicholson won the Absolute Beginner class on the clarinet; Alexander Taylor won the Pre Grade 1 class on the guitar; Grace Bestley won the Grade

1 class with her vocal solo; Harry Willetts won the Grade 2 class on the clarinet; Jasper Platt won the Grade 3 class on the drums; Archie Will won the Grade 4 class on the trumpet, with Jasper named the overall winner for his performances on drums and cello.

Our Easter Extravaganza saw the whole Prep School celebrating the performing arts. All Prep School ensembles took part, alongside performances from individual year groups. The afternoon was brought to a close with all pupils joined by parents in the hall singing ‘Our World’ by Lin Marsh.

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Prep School Sport U11 Netball

U9 Hockey

We have enjoyed a really successful season again this term as the U11 girls built upon their games and team skills on the netball court. We are proud to have such depth to our game now with county level players Olivia James and Caitlyn Wright inspiring and continuing to develop in the A Team to intrepid and committed girls like Anna Simpson-Jacobs and Georgia French who train each week with the team squads in the weekly Club with Mrs Bestley. We have won and drawn the majority of our A, B and C team matches and have been developing our hosting and match report skills in the process too. All girls have conducted themselves with the utmost grace and decorum at all times and are showing values of true competitive, mature sportswomen. Many of the girls have joined the Civil Service Netball club that runs at the school on Mondays and this has given extra opportunities for competitive play and development. Our Gap student, Miss Nutt has run extra weekly sessions for girls on the netball courts. All girls have taken as many opportunities as they can and the enthusiasm and motivation has been evident during such a successful season.

Following on from their successful netball season, the U9 hockey squad have been busy learning new skills to ensure that they were match ready. The children have benefitted from both their Games lessons and Hockey club with Mrs Hughes where they have developed their ability and game play. They have played competitively winning more matches than they have lost. Margot Richards has consistently made an excellent Goal Keeper making numerous saves. George Klingsick-Greig and Tiffiny Mazur-Leach have made a super duo in defence developing their ability to clear wide out of the D. Chloe Davey, Isobel McNicholas and Poppy Swinbourne have enjoyed learning a new game and building their confidence. Bonnie Bolton, Catie Lloyd and Evie Wicks have dominated the mid field with strong runs into the attacking D. Sofie Simpson-Jacobs and Esther Sheldon have demonstrated great skill to dribble around defenders to take strong shots on goal. A highlight for the team was the matches at Ipswich School where the team beat both the Ipswich School and I.H.S. 3 -0. A tremendous end to their successful season.

Cross Country Mrs Bennett has been leading the mixed cross country and we were delighted to take the mixed Prep Team to Moreton Hall for their first competitive race. Our runners proved to be in a league of their own, winning eight of the twelve available medals; Bonnie Bolton and Joe Lansley won their U9 section with Gracie Fielden and Connor Holdcroft winning the U11 section.

In addition to this children competed at the IPSAA Cross Country Championships at R.H.S.

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Table Tennis

Rugby

After winning the South Suffolk U11 Table Tennis Regionals, St Joseph’s College progressed to the Suffolk Finals, where Connor Holdcroft, Jimmy Holdcroft, Eddie Patterson and Archie Will won all five of their matches to become Suffolk Champions.

U9 Opponent

Result

Moreton Hall Prep School

Won : 6 - 4

They represented Suffolk in the East of England Finals in Grantham. To help bolster the team and cope with a very full on day of table tennis, Rozario Lewis also fought his way into the squad after a week of hard practice and technical work with Mr Bloore.

Finborough School

Won : 7 - 0

Moreton Hall Prep School

Lost : 7 - 10

Ipswich Prep School

Lost :12 - 8

The boys performed fantastically on the day, at times against some specialist table tennis schools with nationally ranked players. They came third overall, narrowly missing out on qualification for the National Finals but still finishing in a best ever position for St Joseph’s College.

Holmwood House Prep School

Lost

Littlegarth School

Lost : 7 - 4

South Lee School

Cancelled

Connor and Jimmy were invited to represent the College at the Suffolk Individual Championships. They faced a lot of tough competition but kept their cool and climbed their way into the finals. Jimmy successfully won the battle for third place and Connor, having made his way into the final play off, finished second. The boys are now ranked 2 and 3 in Suffolk U11s – a fantastic achievement!

Orwell Park School Tournament St Felix School

Won 3 - 0

Orwell Park School

Lost 7 - 2

Ipswich Prep School

Lost 7 - 0

Holmwood House School

Won 3 - 2

U8 The U8 boys have had an exciting term with their first competitive game of tag rugby for the College.

The U8 team travelled to Moreton Hall to play against Finborough School. A very cold and excited team took to the pitch with all eyes on the opposition. Finborough made a flying start to their season with a fine 12-6 win. Our U8s worked hard on their defence to become more competitive. The next two games produced impressive wins, 10-7 and 16-14. With growing confidence and determination the team’s fixture with Littlegarth was one of the most competitive of the season. All Year 3 boys played in at least one fixture during the season and are all pictured below at the Holmwood House fixture.

Sportshall Athletics

Football

This year St Joseph’s hosted the IPSAA Sportshall Athletics competition.

Five local primary schools came to St Joseph’s to compete in this Under 11 event, but the hosts proved unstoppable and St Joseph’s won overall with truly impressive performances by both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams.

The U11 team has had an outstanding season, winning all but one game.

Playing with pace and accuracy, the team played the first six fixtures without conceding a single goal whilst scoring 29! Even at the Finborough tournament the team went unbeaten to the semi-final which they drew 1-1 and then lost on penalties 7-6 to the eventual winners, Oakfields from Dulwich, London. Congratulations to all the boys.

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Blessing of the Sixth Form Centre The new Sixth Form Centre was blessed by the Rev Canon Pat Prestney – a former member of staff at St Joseph’s. As part of a special service, candles were lit by students to represent 12 core values associated with the College. The students shared a range of readings, including Psalm 127.

If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks.

If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.

News from the Senior School Infra-Red Spectroscopy Workshop Upper Sixth Chemistry students took part in a session led by a visitor to the College from the University of East Anglia. The session was on Infra-Red Spectroscopy, and they got the chance to analyse samples using this technique. They also analysed samples they had made in previous lessons to see if they had made the right molecule. They found out they were particularly successful in making cyclohexene!

Hard Work Recognised A buffet lunch with College Principal, Mrs Clarke, and senior staff was held in Birkfield House to recognise and celebrate academic effort and achievement by students in Years 7 to 11.

Leadership Skills Honed Thirty-five sixth formers spent a Saturday sharpening their leadership and presentation skills, as they begin to prepare themselves for life after St Joseph’s. The course, helping the students to fulfil their potential, was run by the Montium Training Group and led by founders, Colonel Rolf Kurth and Mr Richard Jacobs. We were particularly proud of the students’ enthusiasm and engagement on the day despite it being the weekend!

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Work Selected for Royal College of Art Congratulations to Xavier Baker-Woods and Eleana Marshall, both Year 7, who have had their art work selected by ‘Young Art’ to be displayed at the Royal College of Art in April. Xavier and Eleana created highly skilled and dramatic drawings in response to the theme of ‘Journey’.

Taking Care of Business Performance Poet Inspires Students Adisa the Verbalizer inspired students with his performance poetry during an interactive and inclusive workshop. Interesting questions from the students included 'Have you ever made a poem about Donald Trump?' No, was the answer...but Adisa said his poem 'Don't Hold Your Tongue' was appropriate.

Adisa’s watchword is, ‘I strongly believe freedom lies in the quest for our artistic voice.’

BASE is a national business and accounting competition for students aged 16-19 and the team from St Joseph’s College has taken the Suffolk winners’ title. Our students will now go forward to the national final in Birmingham at the end of June.

The competition provides students with an exciting business challenge that enables them to develop key employability skills and understand what it’s like to be a chartered accountant.

St Joseph’s was represented by Sixth Formers Alex Wykes (captain), Edison Marshall, Chowa Chanda, Zoe Asbury, Ben Chalmers and David Codjoe.

They very ably made a presentation to the judges, suggesting future strategy options for a fictitious internet-based company and came first ahead of nine other Suffolk schools and colleges.

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Aboriginal Art and Artefacts Recreated Year 7 has made a study of Aboriginal artwork, which is a language in itself, communicated through beautiful patterns. The students constructed and decorated boomerangs of various sizes and tried them out in the College grounds – without bringing down any passing wallabies.

Lights, Camera, Action One hundred and one students took part in a day of filming with the highly acclaimed Young Film Academy. The day included an introduction to the history of film making, taking part in a fight choreography workshop and script writing. Students then assumed the roles of directors, cameramen and actors. Ten short films made it into the can and were screened in the afternoon. ‘Saviours’ won the Oscar.

Poetry, Plots and Police Procedural A fiendishly designed and carefully crafted board game was one of the highlights of a presentation made by Altius students, who have been working on the theme of Murder Mystery.

The academic high fliers regularly take on extra work to stretch and enrich their studies and for a recent topic they have been turning their minds to murder most foul. Their responses included a live performance whodunit, interactive computer games and a recreation of a police murder enquiry HQ. They presented their work to College Principal, Mrs Clarke, senior staff, other visitors and one another.

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Fabulous Fashion Show a Triumph of Compassion and Community It took months of planning and the goodwill of hundreds, but all was worthwhile when St Joseph’s College hosted its second charity Fashion Show in aid of East Anglia Children’s Hospices.

The evening was a triumph – with students and staff of all ages taking to the catwalk with aplomb.

Organised by Mrs Harvey, Director of Creative and Performing Arts, assisted by Events Coordinator, Mrs Bolton, the show’s success was due to exceptional levels of kindness and generosity from students, staff, governors and friends of the College – including those showing their fashion ranges.

Raising £5,000 for EACH, this event brought together compassion and community, underscoring the St Joseph’s College ethos. Huge congratulations to everyone who took part.

Too many photographs to choose from but our selection shows guest star Jade MayJean Peters; Miss Smith rocking the polka dots; Kirsten Snook (Y10) in prom gown splendour, little girl chic in Thea Lily Loves couture; Callum Hempstead (U6 ) and Caretaker Supervisor Mr Harris looking suave; and co-comperes Ruthie Henshall and Wayne Bavin, auctioning Ed Sheeran’s shirt.

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Senior School Sport Girls’ Sport this term has consisted of Netball, Trampolining and Indoor-Cricket matches and tournaments, with the girls displaying great adaptability across the various sports and excellent commitment at training sessions.

Netball Early-January saw some very cold Netball matches, which seemed to set the trend for the remainder of the season.

The girls were certainly tested by the elements through cold, wind, and rain and we’re holding out hope for some summer sunshine to end the season on a high. Despite this, their workrate has been second-to-none with some good quality netball being demonstrated on a weekly basis. The highlight of the season was 4 of our students being selected for County squads, joining the 2 already present. This bodes well for the future and emphasises the high-level Netball the girls have been producing this season. Our links with Civil Service Netball Club have certainly helped the girls achieve this, and we hope that with this external support alongside school training, we may see more girls enter the County Pathway in the near-future.

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U12A: Player of the season: Jessica Logan

Most Improved: Sophie McAlpine

U12B: Player of the season: Dara Davies

Most Improved: Katie Rolph

U13: Player of the season: Immy Cerely

Most Improved: Ella Bartholomew

U14A: Player of the season: Lily Fielden

Most Improved: Lauren Roberts

U14B: Player of the season: Rosie Hope

Most Improved: Sydney Taber

U15: Player of the season: Safia Ludlam

Most Improved: Kirsten Snook

U16: Player of the season: Phoebe Hutley

Most Improved: Connie Hughes

U18: Player of the season: Ella Snowdon

Most Improved: Katie Rowe

Trampolining

Cricket

Our mixed Trampolining teams displayed fantastic performances at their respective tournaments with the U16 A and B and U14 teams qualifying for the County Finals. Some high-tariff routines were performed with great style to an exceptionally good standard.

During the second-half of the term, the girls had the chance to compete in the nationally-run Indoor Cricket tournament, Lady Taverner’s. The U15 team narrowly missed out on the chance to proceed to the Finals, but played superbly well and set this squad in good stead for the upcoming fixtures during the summer term. The U13 team had an outstanding tournament and went on to win their final match 100-88 and have proceeded through to the County Finals.

Rugby As the rugby season comes to a close, we use this time to reflect on the successes and near misses of the 2016-17 season; this year’s challenges have not been confined to the field of play. The RFU competition and age grade review saw the U13s withdrawn from the national cup due the competition not meeting national governing body expectations. Undeterred, the U13s have enjoyed a mixed season, ending with the annual tour to Belfast. This tour proves beneficial way beyond the game and serves as opportunity for participants to grow as young men; a challenge that they accept and excel in.

With a winning average across the whole college of 48.6%, I am happy that the changes in culture and play are taking seed and growing.

The U15s performing admirably in the NatWest Cup, losing at Stage 4 against The Perse School. A small age group, they were up against it from Day One but have played some very exciting rugby and we look forward to their progression into College Senior rugby next year.

The U14s have enjoyed a hugely successful season, with a 62.5% win rate catching the attention of many a school and rugby professional and setting high expectations for their NatWest Cup run next year.

The U12s continue to develop under the guidance of Mr Woodley, often setting the standard in training and games lessons. It has been a hard fought season, but with that said, the can-do attitude and resilience demonstrated by this group of young men is outstanding.

The Seniors’ season has also proved challenging, in part due to the engineering of a new style of play introduced by staff this year.

Having reached the Plate final against Hampton in this year’s Festival, the players knew they had wrongs to right and that they did, ending Hampton’s unbeaten sevens season at Surrey 7s in March.

The U16s, who form part of the Senior set up, have produced some outstanding results – a highlight coming at Langley School on a very cold and wet day. Again they produced the goods at Rosslyn Park 7s, playing a most inspirational 7s game at school boy level.

The U18s unfortunately were knocked out by Cardiff Blues Academy at RP7s. Cardiff Blues went on to reach the semi-finals, beating Harrow and Hartpury College by greater scores than we conceded.

The season of 2016-17 has seen the links between us and Northampton Saints grow stronger, with the Developing Players Programme hosted at St Joseph’s College. St Joseph’s students took pride of place throughout the varying age groups.

Academy and International honours are commonplace at St Jo’s but not to be taken for granted; Samson Va’masi continues his International career with England and Northampton Saints, Marshall Sykes continues to pursue his early career with Scotland and Northampton Saints; whilst Josaia Wacokecoke looks to follow a trodden path over to France, joining Adrian Sanday at Oyonnax.

The future of St Joseph’s College Rugby is still burning bright and we look forward to growing and developing together as we continue to strengthen our reputation.

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Warming up for Summer with the PTA The end of the Lent term comes with lots of excitement for the Prep School children and this year has been no exception. In the last weeks of term they were busy working to produce some beautifully colourful decorations - from bunnies to chicks. We’ve once again been blown away by the creativity and imagination coming out of the classrooms and from home. A big thank you to parents, staff and, of course, the children for supporting such a lovely event.

As we step into the Summer term and the weather starts to warm up we have lots to look forward to.

Our fantastic outdoor play area, which we know looks so tantalising for the Prep School children, has been on hold as we wait for a series of dry days to allow the astroturf it sits on to be safely glued into place. We’re really looking forward to seeing the children enjoying the equipment in the summer sun when it comes into commission next term.

On 16 June we’ll be running our annual Prep School Camping Night for the younger students and their families. This year we’ll also be supporting Save The Children’s Den Day and the children will have the opportunity to build a shelter together and to support charity at the same time. Our twilight nature trail, a barbecue dinner and cooked breakfast will all also feature.

The Lower School Ball and the Year 6 Moving Across Disco will also both be taking place in June, and once again we’ll be helping to make these Senior School events special for everyone. Plus, plans are already in the pipeline for our annual Summer Fete.

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Visit the second hand uniform shop – for summer uniform to see you through to September Whether you need a replacement blazer or some extra sports kit, our second hand uniform shop is well worth a look. We have a wide range of very good quality stock available for students of all ages, from blazers and anoraks through to trousers, skirts, shirts and sports equipment.

The shop is open on Mondays from 8.15am until 9.15am and on Fridays from 3.30pm until 4.30pm. With all items costing just a third of the Coes price, it’s worth popping in to see if we can help…it’s a great opportunity to catch up with some of the friendly PTA team too.

Get in Touch If you’d like to help us with the events and activities we organise, or if you’d like to know more about joining the PTA, please do get in touch.

You can email us at PTA@stjos.co.uk or have a chat with one of the committee as you see us around the school.

Old Birkfeldians Remember What Makes us Feel Different…

Thank you for your support in the relaunch of our special community thus far; talking with people on a daily basis and hearing their love for our school has been a total privilege.

We welcome any thoughts, feedback or contributions you may have at any time; our community is very much led by us all and anything that can help strengthen it is warmly invited. Please get in contact with any stories, memories, pictures or ideas you have.

We are always looking for Old Birkfeldians to come back to school and speak with current students about their journeys and careers.

Nothing is more powerful for our students than hearing fellow Joeys’ love for their school and what it has taken them on to do. If you feel this is something you would be interested in, please get in touch, you would be so very welcome.

Joanna Davey obs@stjos.co.uk

Summer Term

Christmas Term

50th Anniversary of the Chapel 29 April (time tbc) Old Birkfeldian Ball Saturday 27 May The evening will consist of arrival drinks and canapés, with a local saxophonist providing background music.

This will then lead us into a celebratory three course meal, followed by dancing with a live band, 'Motown Gold'. There will also be the fun of a photo booth to capture memories of the evening.

7:00pm for 7:30pm Carriages 12:30pm Black Tie and Ball Gowns Tickets £50 - obs@stjos.co.uk

Old Birkfeldian Rugby Match 20 October National Schools Rugby Festival 21 – 22 October Christmas Quiz December (date tbc)

Arts Festival ‘Unplugged Celebration’ 2 July, 5:00pm until late This event will include a hog roast and bar, charity cake sales and lots more!

The Arts Festival is a week-long celebration of the Arts. Old Birkfeldians are welcome to perform and share their art with us, too.

Old Birkfeldian Cricket Match 2 July, 1:00 pm

We are working hard to develop our calendar of events at the College. Any ideas or input are very welcome at any time to help us to continue to strengthen our community and build connections for us all to enjoy.

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Boarding News

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The Lent term has been one filled with joy, excitement and apprehension. We have had a very full calendar with trips or activities every weekend, cinema visits every other weekend and basketball fixtures aplenty.

some outstanding scores; particular mention goes to Reagan Hao, Hannah Hao and Jessica Wang, all Lower Sixth students, who have already reached or exceeded this benchmark and are looking to achieve higher grades yet to enable them access to Oxbridge.

We have been proud of our Sixth Formers, who have been receiving positive responses following their UCAS applications, with offers coming from a range of well-regarded universities, including Bath, Nottingham Trent and Loughborough. Our examination students have all completed mock exams and not only gained experience of the examination process but benchmarked their current progress and set themselves targets for the coming months. Our international boarders in the Sixth Form have also sat the rigorous English language IELTS tests, in which they need to gain an average of 6.5 overall to access a good university course. We were delighted to see

In between studies, our boarders have been very active. Our younger students enjoyed a fun-filled weekend with a special Saturday meal out at Mizu with Miss Jesenaiova and Miss Nutt, followed by a Sunday afternoon stroll along Felixstowe beach and an ice-cream. It may have been a chilly day in February but the youngsters were aglow with energy and enthusiasm. We also spent a lively couple of hours tobogganing at Suffolk Ski Centre and it was truly delightful to see the older students enjoying themselves away from their books and roaring with laughter as the younger boys and girls raced them down the slopes.

The St Joseph’s College basketball team has been busy playing both friendly and competitive fixtures. We are fortunate to have a professional basketball coach, Mr Hoey, train the team every week and all the hard work has borne fruit. Fitness levels and skills have improved over the season and teamwork has risen to a new level.

The competitive season came to a close in mid-March when, after a hard-fought tournament, the captain Joel Sou led the team to be crowned Suffolk Independent School Champions 2017. We are very proud of each member of the team and those who have supported them throughout the season. We also wish all the best to Mr Hoey as he looks forward to impending fatherhood.

The highlight of the Lent term was, however, as always, the Chinese New Year celebrations, otherwise known as Spring Festival. The young people in the CNY team, led by Mrs Smith and Mr Walkinshaw, worked tirelessly throughout January to perfect their pieces and prepare with costumes and props. We were wowed by some beautiful singing and dancing, along with some wonderful story-telling. The students particularly enjoyed the Dragon dance and the Prep School students were also amazed by a visit, along with gifts of red envelopes for all the boys and girls. This year is the year of the rooster and we wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year: 新年快乐.

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How to talk to your child about drinking alcohol Start Talking Early

Discuss the Risks

Children are inquisitive, so it’s likely they’ll ask you lots of questions.

But talking about alcohol early can prevent your children binge drinking in their late teens.

It is inevitable that your child will be offered alcohol at some point.

But there are things you can do to prepare them:

It’s better to have a few, brief conversations over time. Try not to lecture your child. Just saying it is bad and not for children will not stop them taking risks.

• tell them there's a link between alcohol, anti-social behaviour and sexual activity - and how they can keep themselves safe by drinking in moderation

Speak openly and honestly together. If you are not sure how to start, take a look at the NSPCC’s advice on talking about difficult topics.

• make them aware of the risk of drinks being spiked and how to keep themselves and friends safe

Find out what they Know Ask them what they know about alcohol. Make sure they: • understand what the effects are • know how much is too much • know the law around drinking It is important to try to be a good role model in front of your children. If they see you drinking heavily, they could be encouraged to take risks.

• ask them what they would do in this situation

Set Boundaries If your teenager is going out with friends and you think they may be drinking: • set a curfew for when they should be back • discuss how they will be getting home • keep in contact, making sure you both have enough phone battery, credit and reception • if possible, make sure they eat something substantial before they go • make sure your child knows what to do if they or a friend become unwell or put themselves in danger

Disturbing YouTube videos that are tricking children BBC Trending has found hundreds of YouTube videos of children's cartoon characters with inappropriate themes. The videos, aimed at teen and adult audiences, feature characters from the Disney movie Frozen, Peppa Pig, the Minions franchise, Doc McStuffins, Thomas the Tank Engine and many more. Brief clips may be seen here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-39381889 and the supporting article has helpful advice for parents.