A message from our Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you and your families have had a good week?
The end of the school year is quickly approaching and we are working at school to prepare for the end of this year and being ready for a September start. The year has certainly again been challenging in many ways and I think we will all certainly benefit from the long summer break.
We have, over the last 2 weeks, welcomed those who are transitioning to SJV in September and it has been lovely to see the excitement of our new pupils, as they prepare for their new school and friends. Your children have also been told about their new class arrangements for September, so they can prepare for the changes they will embrace, during the summer break. We have considered a range of factors in arranging the new classes and are confident that the pupils are now best positioned for making the most progress possible in the new year. On the final day of term, next Thursday, they will join their new classmates for the final session of the school year.
Next week we have arranged a number of events to celebrate the end of the school and I know the children and staff are looking forward to trips out, our end of year Celebration Assembly and Mass and the KS3 festival that we have planned.
Earlier this week, we sent you the Annual School report for your child. I do hope you found the format easier to read and understand and have been able to talk through the successes and areas for development with your child. If you have any feedback please do let the class teacher know. I was however, really pleased to read of the many achievements made by every pupil in school, which bodes well for the new academic year.
Can I remind you please that School closes for the summer break on Thursday 21st July at the earlier time of 1.30pm? We have informed transport teams of this earlier finish. We reopen for the new academic year to pupils on Wednesday 7th September 2022 at 9.00am.
Best wishes for a great weekend.
Mr A Moloney
Headteacher
Stars of the Week
Each week a 'Star of the Week' is chosen by the class team to celebrate achievements; both academic and pastoral.
This week we are celebrating the following achievements:
- Arshvin - For trying really hard during sports day.
- Charlie - For trying hard in maths and helping others in his class.
- Katie - For her excellent effort and focus during a challenging week.
- George - Great participation from George this week well done.
- Kyan - For having a good week in all his lessons.
- Jay - Jay has been so helpful in class and with his friends. He likes to tidy the classroom and always put things away for everyone. Thank you, Jay.
- Hassan - Hassan had a great sports day and worked well with Ayla!
- Leah - For being fabulous at sports day, especially with the javelin and running!
- Amy - For her unfaltering enthusiasm, engagement and resilience in being an active and willing participant in all her P.E. lessons.
- Rome - For being kind and caring.
- Andrew - For trying hard to improve his work & listen to feedback.
- Chael - For supporting younger pupils on the playground!
Post 16
Post 16 pupils have been taking part in the second week of their NCS programme. This has been taking place at the Stretford Civic Hall. While there the group had to plan and complete a community activity. All the students worked hard and completed this and raised money. Well done everyone.
Class 12
Class 12 have thoroughly enjoyed their 2nd week, at NCS (National Citizen Service)
Today they raised money in Victoria Park, Stretford, for 'Coffee4Craig', which is a homeless provision in Manchester. They had stalls, sold sweets, did some busking and sketches for a donation. Fantastic work and participation everyone
Sports Day 2022
Million Minutes Award
I felt so grateful for the opportunity to accompany Mrs Garfin and Chaplaincy member Sadie to the “Million Minutes” award ceremony, last week. Sadie’s work in lockdown was rewarded with a High Commendation ‘St Josephine Bakhita Award’, in recognition of young people who have enabled others to live a life of dignity. It was quite evident that Sadie and her fellow award recipients, clearly reflected the Holy Spirit; in their smiles and modest pride, as they humbly accepted their certificates. It was a privilege to meet and hear from his Eminency Cardinal Vincent Nichols – Archbishop of Westminster, paying tribute to all the young people in attendance and the ‘Million Minutes’ Charity.
As a result of Sadie’s endeavour, we were able to experience a fast paced, fun adventure to the House of Common's, Terrace Pavilion to share in the warmest hospitality and delicious refreshments with the other Young People being awarded. Sadie was equally impressed with views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Bridge and the River Thames from the balcony [despite a very anxious moment, when the Uber nearly didn’t make it to the venue in time! Oh, the experience of a typical central London rush hour!!] Sadie expressed that she much preferred the Underground/Overground train transportation mode for the journey, where she was able to put into practice her life skills of money managing, timetables and map orienteering, all learnt at SJV.
Mrs Foden – Chaplaincy Team Assistant.
Our Catholic School
I really cannot believe that next week is our last week! It only seems two minutes ago since the start of the year. SJV is working right up to the last moment as always, getting reading for our new classes and making sure everything is in place so our learners have a safe and successful summer holidays.
I said last week that I would tell you about how we got on at the ‘Million Minutes’ award ceremony in London. I very proud to say that Sadie got a highly commended award and did our chaplaincy team and SJV proud. It was an amazing experience and the event was held at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Siobhan McDonagh MP. It was to celebrate those young people who think of others. I nominated Sadie for the work she had done in her local community in lockdown and for her work with our chaplaincy team. It was wonderful to see her and so many other young people celebrated.
This week at SJV we are focusing on thinking of others. Pope Francis; ‘To live as true children of God means to love our neighbour. Like the Good Samaritan, let us try to heal those who suffer’. Pope Francis reminds us to help and think of others’ is the cornerstone of our belief and what we stand for at SJV. It is part of our life and our vocation to keep our school a safe and welcoming environment.
Within our Catholic school we are busy putting the final touches to the end of year Mass. The Chaplaincy teams are busy rehearsing, learning reading, practicing bidding prayers and their liturgical dance and drumming. Making sure everything is perfect and having their vital input and say on the liturgical life of the school.
With RE this week we have looked at the importance of faith in our life, why we need to trust God and allow that strength to help us in our day to day lives. We have been looking at British Values alongside faith and investigating what faith and British Values means to people. Also, why it is important to uphold British Values and practice your faith.
Another full busy week at SJV once again. I not sure how we fit it all in 😊
By Mrs Garfin
School Uniform Orders
Mrs Fitzgibbon would like me to draw your attention to the link below. This is the simplest way to order your child's uniform. The school office will be closed during the summer break and calls will not be answered. Any queries can be emailed to the Admin team, who will monitor the emails over the summer break.
St John Vianney School uniform order form.
A few tips from our emotional and mental wellbeing team here at SJV.
This week we will take a look at the Yellow Zone, this zone covers more intense emotions and states, but with the ability to maintain control. You may be feeling worried, frustrated, silly, excited, scared or overwhelmed. Your body might be feeling ‘fizzy’ or running faster than it should. There is no 'bad' Zone, everyone experiences all of the Zones at different times and in different ways.
To get back to the Green Zone, you could try some calming activities such as meditation, yoga, going for a walk, taking a sensory break or doing anything that helps you to feel calm.
A word from our Safeguarding Officer
National Autistic Society (NAS) Preparing for the summer holidays
Published on 10 June 2022
Author: Matthew Swindells
The summer holiday can be a difficult time for autistic people and their families. Whether going away for some of the summer or staying at home, the change in routine can be a challenge.
For those going away, everything from travelling to a holiday destination to using public transport and getting used to a new place and routine can prove difficult and create a great deal of anxiety. There can also be a number of sensory challenges with the change of weather, different smells, different noises, applying sun cream, wearing different clothes, all of which can be stressful.
For some, the summer may also be a time of transition - from primary to secondary school, school to college, university or to the adult world. Autistic people and their families may need support to manage this.
Here we link to resources that offer advice on managing these issues.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/summer-holidays
Mrs Griffin
Safeguarding Officer & Family Liaison
Enjoy your Weekend!
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