Summer Term 2018

IN THIS ISSUE...

FROM THE HEAD TEACHER 2 MUSIC CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT 35 EVENTS ON THE RADIO 37 GCSE RESULTS DAY 3 RSCM AWARD FOR MILLIE 53 REMEMBRANCE DAY 8 HARVEST FESTIVAL 9 OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM CHRISTMAS FAYRE 12 ISA NATIONAL SWIMMING 6 SCARECROW TRAIL 17 HEAD PUPILS HEAD TO THE SURF 7 SCROOGE 20 ISA AWARD NOMINATION 13 TASTER DAY 21 WORK EXPERIENCE 14 OPEN EVENING 26 KENYA 2018 15 CHRISTMAS TREE DISPLAY 28 CORNWALL BOOK FESTIVAL 18 FISHING FOR STARS 30 WAR MEMORIAL 19 ISA ART AWARDS 52 FARM AND COUNTRY 22 READING CHALLENGE 24 IN THE CLASSROOM TEN TORS TRAINING 25 SENIOR HEAD PUPIL TEAM 4 LANHYDROCK HOUSE 31 JUNIOR HEAD PUPIL TEAM 5 ISA NETBALL CHAMPIONS 33 EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES 11 U9 RUGBY STARS 34 BLUE SKY CLUB 16 CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 36 YEAR 7 SHORT FILMS 23 PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY 39 KEEP HEALTHY 27 TATE ST IVES 40 TOWER BUILDING 29 YEAR 11 SOCIAL 46 TEXTILES LESSON 38 YEAR 7 TEAM BUILDING 47 PIZZA TIME 41 NETBALL TOURNAMENT 49 YEAR 9 WORKING WITH YEAR 2 42 BUDE ART TRIP 50 PUMPKIN SOUP 43 ROYAL CORNWALL MUSEUM 55 STEM EDUCATOR 48 HISTORY CLUB 51 SPOTLIGHT ON LITTLE ELVES 54 EVA & PHOEBE 44 HARRY BROWN 44 MUSIC OLIVIA SHUTE 45 RSCM AWARDS 10 ELLA SHAW 45 MUSIC FOR A WINTER EVENING 32 ……………………………………………………………………… St Joseph’s School, St Stephens Hill, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8HN 01566 772580 www.stjosephscornwall.co.uk

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Cover image: Fishing For Stars—Key Stage 1 Christmas Play

2 HEADTEACHER

Dear All, I am writing this in my office here at school, The final days of term see us in full festive surrounded as I am by the whirl of activity that mood, and concludes with our Service of marks the conclusion of the Autumn Term. Lessons and Carols at St Mary Magdalene Christmas is nearly upon us, and we have church in Launceston. This is another event that completed the longest term of the school year, allows those involved to shine as we come with all that this entails. together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time to take pleasure in the It has been a delight to welcome new faces to company of friends and family, to reflect on the the school, both in September and throughout year that has passed, and to look forward to the the school year, and this is testament to the spring, to new beginnings and to the rich reputation of the school and the work that the promise of the term to come. staff put in on a daily basis. Every prospective parent I meet comments on the friendly I hope you enjoy this edition of Veritas and the atmosphere here at St Joseph’s, how happy the insight it gives into the daily life of the school. children are in the classrooms and the huge Every member of staff contributes to the myriad variety of activities they see as they tour the experiences that make up a term in the life of school. That this is the daily reality of life at the school, and our focus must always remain school is something I am very proud of, and on achieving excellent outcomes for all of our something that everyone involved with St pupils, both in terms of their personal Joseph’s works very hard to maintain. development and their individual achievements. I am very pleased with the work we have put in I look forward to welcoming all of the St this year with the Parent Forum, and to have Joseph’s community back to school when we Governor involvement with these meetings is return in January. very positive. Mrs Rowe has worked very hard With best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and since taking on the role of Chair of Governors, a Happy New Year, and has provided invaluable advice as well as leading the oversight and monitoring that is Yours sincerely, fundamental to the role of the Board, and to the continued success of the school. Our recent assembly in the Senior School was led by the House Captains, and they chose teamwork and its importance as their topic. This is something we pride ourselves on as a school, and that was exemplified in the recent Junior School productions. It would be impossible to Oliver Scott have watched our Pre-Prep performing Fishing for Stars, or Prep pupils performing Scrooge, and [email protected] to fail to be impressed. The professionalism and pride in performance that shone through both events was a joy to behold, and the happiness of the children was richly evident.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 GCSE RESULTS 2018 3

There was much delight at St Joseph’s, We offer a full range of subjects, from the arts Launceston as GCSE results were published to to the sciences and everywhere in between, and pupils and a fantastic 85% of pupils achieved the the pupils’ successes across the curriculum show equivalent of 5 9-4 or A*-C including Maths and just how important this is. I firmly believe that English despite the huge national overhaul of the confidence, self-belief and sense of self that examinations and the move to what are held to a pupil gains during their time here at St be the toughest GCSE examinations the system Joseph’s is such an important aspect of the St has seen. Joseph’s experience, and these underpin the excellent academic performances we have seen Pupils at the non-selective Cornish school this year.” showed no sign in letting the new “Gold Standard” GCSEs prevent them from finding “Our children are drawn from across Cornwall success: fully 35% of grades were at Grade 7 or and Devon, and represent the full ability range. above or at A and A* – a wonderful While the 7s, 8s and 9s may make the headlines, achievement demonstrating the benefits of there are individual success stories at all levels, small class sizes, excellent teachers and a and we must not forget that so much effort has positive learning environment. The national been put in by pupils for whom examination average for these higher grades was just above success is not easy.” 20%. “There is a clear argument that the changes the Amid many individual success stories, some Government has made may disadvantage some really stood out for both boys and girls, with 9s, pupils, however I and all staff take great pride in 8s and 7s across many subjects. It was very every one of their accomplishments. It is a great pleasing to see the national picture of boys’ strength of the school that these children – success reflected at St Joseph’s, but with some of whom have been here nearly all of their continued very strong performance by the girls. lives – can grow into the young people we celebrate today through their experiences of the Meanwhile, one pupil who had been at St vibrant, happy and caring school our ethos Joseph’s since Reception class in 2006 did describes. I am proud of every one of these everyone proud: a wonderful collection of children, and look forward to September when results showing the benefits of an all-through we begin the next chapter of the St Joseph’s education. With so many pupils having come story.” from the Junior school these were successes for everyone at St Joseph’s to celebrate. Congratulations to the cohort of 2018 for their many successes. Headmaster Mr Oliver Scott said “It is a real strength of ours that as an Independent School, we are able to focus our resources according to the needs of each cohort, and to support a wide range of subjects, allowing children every possibility of success. There has been a suggestion that reforms have led to reduced subject choice for students and a decline in creative arts and technology entries, and I am delighted this has not been the case here at St Joseph’s.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 4 SENIOR HEAD PUPIL TEAM

Following a very stringent application process at Children in Need, the Cornwall Air Ambulance the end of last year, Mr Matthews and I were and The Royal British Legion; Livi and Nico have delighted to appoint the Senior School Head been involved with open evenings and Pupil Team in September for the 2018/19 transition days for years 5 and 6 and transition academic year. They have now had almost a days and Shani and Torin have been canvassing term in post and, I am pleased to report that all material to help run some of the social media is going very well. feeds we have here in school. Our Head Girl, Lucy Dickson has, since her arrival Of course, as well as these specific duties, the at St Joseph’s, been an exemplary student. life of a prefect is never a quiet one. They are all Lucy’s counterpart for the boys is Joe Allen, a excellent ambassadors for St Joseph’s on a daily young man who has addressed the role of Head basis; they lead the way for younger pupils by Boy with a determination he formerly exhibited being positive role-models: each mentors a year in his Ten Tors training. Their deputies are group and they carry out duties, such as Morwenna Parkhouse and Alec Macdonald for supporting prep, to assist staff and develop their the girls and boys respectively; both students leadership qualities. Joe, Alec, Morwenna and ably complement the Head Girl and Head Boy, Lucy represented the school at Launceston’s bringing with them much in the form of town Remembrance Day commemoration, and organisational and personal skills. amongst their additional duties they will be reading in the Service of Lessons and Carols that Supporting the head pupils we have six prefects, brings the Christmas term to a suitably festive each with a particular area of responsibility: conclusion. Millie Turner and Liberty Scott for charity; Livi Bolton and Nico Gruzdev for junior/senior liaison Well done to all of those selected for these and Shani Harbour and Torin Lipscombe for positions of responsibility. They for a key part of media. St Joseph’s life, and serve as role models for pupils throughout the school. Already this term the charity prefects have helped to organise fundraising events for

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 JUNIOR HEAD PUPIL TEAM 5

Each year in the Junior School we select our Indiana and Ella have written a short piece prefect team who are led by the Head Boy and about their initial experiences of being Head Girl Girl and the Deputy Head boy and Girl. After and Boy. much careful consideration from staff We are very proud to be Head Boy and Head Girl throughout the school, we were very pleased to for 2018-2019. It is a great responsibility. We award the role Head Boy to Indiana Worth, Head are looking forward to showing prospective Girl to Ella Hodgson, Deputy Head Boy to Oscar families around the school and doing speeches. Amankwah and Deputy Head Girl to Phoebe We look forward to helping as much as we can Blatchford Cooper. from inspiring people to knocking on the They will be carrying out a wide range of staffroom door at the end of break time. responsibilities throughout the year including We look forward to helping others when they assisting in assemblies, showing visitors around need it the most. Our last event was reading the school and attending many events over the prayers at the Harvest Festival. We are excited course of the year. to help look after new pupils and all the events They have done a fantastic job in the first term to come. The teachers also rely on us to do other and I am extremely proud of all the hard work general things to help out with around the they have put into their roles. In my first year as school including setting up the hall for Head of Junior School I am very lucky to have assemblies and holding open the door and such a strong Head Pupils team to help me out. welcoming people to our events.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 6 ISA NATIONAL SWIMMING

Well done to all those St Joseph’s pupils who As always, it is never just about those who step competed at the ISA National Championships onto the podium, but about every member of this weekend – a wonderful example of pupils the team, and qualification for the National competing at an extremely high level for their Championships is a great achievement in itself, school. Having won through the ISA South West and one we will mark in the summer’s prize qualifiers, the team took to the road to compete giving events. Very well done to Harrison Shaw, in London – and came home with two gold Ella Henry-Brock, Thomas Greet, Theo Marshall, medals, courtesy of Olivia Shute in Year 7. Louisa Smith, Sapphire Bhatti, Marlo Downs and Jack Joshua, all of whom represented both St Olivia managed to achieve the exceptional Joseph’s and the South West in the water. double of the Year 7 50 metre Backstroke title, along with the 50 metre Freestyle title. That she Headteacher Mr Scott said “It is wonderful to was able to achieve so highly was quite see sporting success at such a level. Following remarkable given the level of the competition, our recent national success in the ISA Art and a credit to the time and dedication she puts Competition, it shows just what a standard the into her training and swimming out of school. children here can reach. All of our swimmers have all done exceptionally well to qualify, and She was not the only Shute to have medal for Olivia and Hollie to gain the medals they success, however, as her younger sister Hollie have is just brilliant. Well done – very few was a key member of the squad that won Bronze children can say they are double ISA National for the South West in the 4x50m Freestyle title winners and it is a great achievement for category – a wonderful tribute to the sisters’ Olivia to join such a select band. Very well done talent in the swimming pool. to all – everyone at St Joseph’s is very proud of them.”

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 HEAD PUPILS HEAD TO THE SURF 7

It was fantastic to see two former St Joseph’s Head Pupils side by side in the waves recently as they taught surf skills to current St Joseph’s pupil Max Green. While Celyn Ensell-Bowen was Head Boy from 2015-2016, Beth Leighfield was Head Girl in 2014-2015 and it is very apparent that neither has lost the skills of empathy, communication and leadership that made them ideal choices for their prestigious positions as Heads of School. Over the course of the summer holidays, both pupils have taken time out from their studies to coach surfing on the renowned Bude beaches. Mrs Green, mother to Max and current St Joseph’s parent as well as Head of Art, said that “It was rather special (to see them) as they are both previous Head Pupils and just thoroughly great role models.” Beth is no stranger to the waves having twice been Under 18 Girls British Longboard Champion, as well as coming 4th in the Under 18 mixed English Nationals. Her love of the waves has even affected her place of study: she has transferred from St Andrews University to Exeter University’s Penryn campus in order to be closer to the best waves. Celyn’s love of the sea is evident too, as he is starting a Marine Photography degree at Falmouth University in the Autumn of 2018. Both Beth and Celyn have worked all summer sharing their skills with the children of Bude and teaching countless holiday makers how to surf. Mr Oliver Scott, St Joseph’s Headmaster, said “It is always a pleasure to hear how well our Alumni conduct themselves. Beth and Celyn were a pleasure to teach, and I am delighted to hear of their current successes. They are a credit to themselves, and really demonstrate the values we speak of here at St Joseph’s. Well done to them both.”

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 8 REMEMBRANCE DAY

While Remembrance Day is always a moment for reflection and commemoration, 2018 had added poignancy as it marked the centenary of Armistice Day. Remembrance parades and services were held around the world, and here in Launceston many pupils of St Joseph’s School paid their respects to those of the town who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War and subsequent conflicts. Pupils from Year 3 to Year 11 we involved in the parade, and were proud to take their part in the community’s display of remembrance. Head pupils Lucy Dickson, Joseph Allen, their deputies Morwenna Parkhouse and Alec McDonald and Year 10 pupil Chloe Smith read the names of many of those immortalised on the town’s War Memorial. In doing so, they followed pupils from Launceston College who similarly paid their respects. All pupils did extremely well. The decision to have the voices of the children of the town’s schools read the names of men who were not much older than children when they died was a moving moment for all in attendance. As Headteacher, I am very proud of all of those who took part. Remembrance Day shows such a strength of community in Launceston, and we are honoured to play our part in ensuring that those who lost their lives in the mud of Flanders and beyond are not forgotten. Through acts such as this, with so many of our pupils taking part, we can make sure that, as Binyon urges, ‘at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.’

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 HARVEST FESTIVAL 9

St Joseph’s Junior school celebrated Harvest Thank you also to all the children and parents Festival in style once again last month. who have made donations to the Launceston Food Bank and, although a representative was The children of the school shared songs, poems, not able to attend on the day, they were again stories and even a rap with an audience of overwhelmed with your generosity when they friends and family and staff. Every child in the came in to collect the goods. Well done to our Junior School did themselves proud as they charities prefects, Freya and Lydia, for performed with confidence, style and plenty of organising the collection. enjoyment. A huge thanks must go to Mrs Smith, our Director of Music, for compiling such It was a truly fantastic afternoon and we are all a fantastic show. already looking forward to next year’s rendition of ‘Big Red Combine Harvester’.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 10 RSCM AWARDS

Many congratulations to members of the Senior Choir who were successful in their Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Dean’s Awards examinations and who were presented with their distinctive green ribbons by the Dean at a special service at Truro Cathedral on 6th October 2018. Lucas Drayton kept the flag flying for the Head Choristers of the Boys’ Choir, being the second young man in that position to have passed the examination. Mair Attwell, Maddie Marsh, Lucy Rowe, Chloe Smith, Issy Thorns and Millie Turner kept the tradition up for the Girls’ Choir and all passed with Distinction. This national examination tests a wide range of knowledge and understanding. Not only did everyone have to perform three pieces of music, perform aural and sight-singing tests, but they had to undertake a very rigorous and lengthy viva-voce exam, answering questions on the Church’s calendar, liturgy, suitable music for the different services and seasons within the church, compare, contrast and analyse anthems and discuss their musical experience and contribution within the choir too – no mean feat. St Joseph’s has been entering candidates for the Dean’s Award since 1995 and the Bishop’s Award since 1999 and, according to RSCM Headquarters, has had the highest total number of successful RSCM Dean’s and Bishop’s Award winners in the whole of the South West. Well done to them all!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES 11

On September 26th, St Joseph’s celebrated European Day of Languages across the whole school and all departments got involved. There was a competition between form groups who had to answer a cross-curricular quiz about Languages. All year groups took part from Year 2 to Year 11 and the winners were the Year 6 group who were – appropriately – rewarded with the aptly titled German Kinder chocolates. In their Modern Foreign Languages lessons, younger pupils played some games using the Linguascope App on their iPads, while Year 11 students worked on some Spanish songs and enjoyed the Karaoke version of a Rap. Year 7 languages, not just French, with which they were pupils wrote their first letter to their French already familiar. penpals and enjoyed rock painting with a In the English Department, Mrs O’Brien did some linguistic theme. concrete poetry in different languages. The In Biology, Mrs Godwin greeted her classes in resulting poems subjects varied from dogs to Spanish and used Spanish language to give music – quite a melting pot of new experiences. instructions or comments throughout the To mark European Day of Languages, Year 10 lessons. Her classes looked at the contribution Further Maths students tried to solve a linguistic made by European Scientists over the years in problem, working out the translation of the Cell Biology, while Year 9 and 10 students Aymara language to find the solution. Mrs enjoyed watching a BBC programme which went McLean was impressed with her students’ to Holland, Germany, Paris and Berlin going excellent mathematical logic. through the stages of Cell progression. Mrs Warren put a notice on the door, written in Showing great enthusiasm as well as musical French, inviting students into the Library. All the ability, Year 7 pupils learnt and sang a French books displayed on top of the shelves were song about morning routine in their Music written in a foreign European language. Bi- lesson. Mrs Betambeau even taught them all the lingual readers were also on display. A quiz sheet actions that went with the song: the resulting based on titles of books written in French was performance was great fun both to hear and available at lunchtime. Mrs Warren went participate in. through the quiz with the Year 6 pupils during their Library lesson and she showed them how Year 2 did the quiz as a team which meant they to use an online translator. got to have a great discussion about different countries. They also did some lovely colouring of Even the catering staff got involved by cooking a pages with images and words from different Hungarian goulash, delicious French onion soup languages; they will soon be making this into a – complete with croutons – and a British trifle! welcome display for their classroom. We are all looking forward to next year when we The registers were taken in French in several hope to be holding a Bake Off competition and lessons, including PE, and in Year 4. Pupils in doing still more to participate in this multilingual Year 6 went further by using different European celebration of cultures.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 12 CHRISTMAS FAYRE

On Saturday the 24th of November, St Joseph’s played host to a spectacular Christmas Fayre that brought together both members of the school community and those from further afield. The school’s newly formed PTA did an outstanding job organising everything from the wonderful array of stalls on show to the food, drink and activities that made the day go so well. The school Hall hosted the majority of the stall holders, selling everything to make Christmas opportunity to Win Christmas (a package that such a special time of the year. Games, goodies, included a tree from Homeleigh Garden Centre, clothes and stunning art of all varieties, as well a splendid hamper and vouchers for Philip as local wine, books, and flowers meant there Warren Butchers) amongst many other prizes was something for everyone, ensuring all those that had been generously donated, the winners in attendance left with smiles on their faces. all left happy. Local pasties and other foods were also on offer, The final draw for the Barrow of Booze was along with delicious mulled wine that lent the awaited by a packed hall: £1 tickets meaning the dining room a very festive aroma. Meanwhile, lucky winner went home with a beautiful bright the children were entertained in all manner of pink wheelbarrow, filled to the brim with wines, ways: face painting, candle making, biscuit port, champagne, fizz and all manner of other decorating, teddy tombola, lucky dip and more drinks that would last through any festive besides. Sweetie cones ensured energy levels season. The prize was won by a very happy St were maintained for the younger members of Joseph’s parent – one of many who went home the school community, while a spectacular array already looking forward to next year’s event. of cakes ensured parental appetites were similarly sated. Artisan breads, homemade jams, Headteacher Mr Scott said “The success of the chutneys and more meant everyone had the Fayre is a real tribute to the hard work of the opportunity for a yuletide taste sensation. PTA and the many parents and staff who freely gave of their time to make this happen. The hall filled at 12:30 for the prize draws, with Particular thanks to Mrs Cara Amankwah for her the raffle having proven the hottest ticket in hard work as acting Chair of the PTA, and Mrs town. With prizes including a stay in a luxury Dickson and Mrs Weymouth for their roles on shepherd’s hut at Landrend’s, a spectacular Jo the committee. It is wonderful to raise funds for Downs mirror, £100 in Tesco vouchers and the both the Cornwall Air Ambulance and play equipment for the children. Nothing succeeds without hard work and careful planning, and I was delighted to have so many lovely comments about the Fayre. Quite apart from their purchases, the friendly family atmosphere and sense of teamwork is what I want people to take away from today, something I want the children to experience every day in school. St Joseph’s is a special place to work and learn, and I am very proud of everyone involved in making the Fayre such a success.”

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 ISA AWARD NOMINATION 13

Community and partnership are key values at St pre-school children, and allows children to Joseph’s School, Launceston and all involved in develop in the outdoor setting of the orchard the Junior School are delighted this has now and outdoor classroom. Meanwhile, use of the been recognised on the national stage with a school mini buses, hosting multi-skills and pre- nomination for Excellence and Innovation in school sports days and hosting maths teaching Partnership at the Independent School’s workshops, as well as science outreach and MFL Association Annual Awards. offerings are key to community involvement. St Joseph’s is one of only three schools to have Seeing the maturity with which Year 6 help made the final in this important category, one children from local preschools and younger that shows both the value Independent Schools primary children at these events has been can bring to their community, and the value of inspirational. working with others. The nomination recognises Headteacher Mr Scott said “I am delighted to the hard work of the teaching and non-teaching see the hard work of so many outstanding staff in engaging with the local community, and members of staff recognised with this working far beyond the classroom. nomination. Whether we win at the Awards The school has worked hard over the past year Ceremony or not, it is a credit to the willingness to increase community access to resources and of those involved with St Joseph’s to go that talents during the school day and beyond, extra mile that is recognised here. Well done to something that is set to develop further in the everyone involved. My thanks to the good coming year. Stand and Play, managed by the people at the Independent Schools Association outstanding Mrs Hampton, has become a highly for recognising their hard work and passion.” popular addition to the community offering for

St Joseph’s School Summer Term 2018 14 WORK EXPERIENCE

Our current Year 11 completed their Work Max Darwall spent a week with the architects Experience placements during the school CatchFrench Designs and came second in a summer break. It is always enjoyable to listen to competition to design a community area for them enthusiastically relating their experiences. recreational use. It was a real achievement to Before commencing the placement, many felt present and finish the drawings in just one apprehensive and unsure about spending time week. with unfamiliar professionals in a working Issy Potts was very fortunate to secure a environment. placement working with PHD students at the However, as always, the companies, Queen Mary Hospital, University of London and organisations and schools who welcomed our another placement with an emphasis on science students ensured that their time spent with was acquired by Alec McDonald, who spent a them was both informative and enjoyable. All week with a chemical engineering company. students felt a sense of achievement upon I would like to take this opportunity to thank all completing the placement. the parents who made this effort to secure It is interesting to see how the placements vary placements for their own children and for other from year to year. Shani Harbour managed to students from the school and once again to secure a week long placement at Treliske especially thank Jo Downs for the exceptionally hospital. The organisers informed me that over high quality of the Work Experience that she five hundred applications were received for always provides for our students at her glass about fifty placements. Shani is now considering studio. following a career path that will lead her to And so now to our current Year 10, our largest become a qualified paramedic. year group! I am fortunate this year to have Mrs Emily Tucker successfully completed a week with Toulouse assisting me. Castle Vets which involved observation in the operating theatre. She says that it wasn’t as bad Kathryn Warren as she thought it would be! She is now looking Careers Coordinator to complete a second placement during Year 11 at an equine surgery. Lily Truelove worked in the patisserie section in one of Rick Stein’s restaurants and other placements were completed at the National Trust, Nirvana Salon, Penmoor Nursery, NFU Launceston, Athelston’s and Cowslips craft centre. Millie Turner, who is currently taking Photography at GCSE level, travelled to Birmingham to work in a studio with a professional photographer.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 KENYA 2018 15

In an exciting addition to St Joseph’s school, 5 pupils and 1 member of staff had the amazing opportunity to spend 4 weeks of the summer holiday in Kenya, Africa. They travelled with the renown Camps International, an organisation who work in 9 different countries throughout the world with the aim to build strong links with the communities with whom they work, setting up infrastructure and other projects to help long term, sustainable improvements for the community. The group St Joseph’s pupils joined consisted of 17 pupils from 6 different schools, and they left the UK on Friday 20th July and flew into Nairobi airport to begin their adventure. In total, they visited 5 different camps across Kenya, each with a vast variation of local life and facilities: in fact, the first camp had no electricity and cold water bucket showers! This camp also presented the group with a their first challenge of climbing Mount Kasigau which reached a height 1650m; this took 3 days and the group camped at the top on day 1 enjoying some amazing views. Throughout the expedition, the team took part in many projects, working extremely hard in the hot weather; they contributed to projects such as school improvement, wildlife conservation and re- forestation. They also experienced cultural activities such as Swahili lessons, basket weaving, cooking traditional Kenyan food and making paper out of elephant dung. The pupils really enjoyed meeting the locals and especially the children who took every opportunity to socialise and interact with the team. Mo Parkhouse, Marlo Neikes, Harry Whelan, Georgia Bolton and Elspeth Crozier were outstanding ambassadors for all things St Joseph’s. The group had a few days of rest in which they spent on Diani Beach, with clear blue water and white sands it’s no surprise it has been voted the best beach in Africa three years running! A local guide took the group on a sea safari, discovering amazing sea life and gaining an understanding of local life at the major tourist destination. They were extremely lucky to have a very successful safari visit at Tsavo East National Park seeing lions, elephants and giraffes amongst many more. They also met a local Maasai tribe and were welcomed with a traditional dance where they watched the tribesman jumping amazing heights; they were taken around the village and learnt about the traditional of the Maasai and taught how to make fire (without matches!) The trip was an amazing experience which really educated the pupils about the hardships of life for others around the world. It was an eye opening time which made them even more grateful for what they have and further developed their empathy for others. The pupils should be commended on their behaviour, attitude and the contribution they made over the 4 weeks to help improve the lives of others .

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 16 BLUE SKY CLUB

This term the Prep School Blue Sky Club have been working with Mrs Houghton and Mrs Hudson in the DT workshop. The children from Years 3 to 6 have enjoyed creating key rings and are now designing packaging for their Christmas Cakes!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 SCARECROW TRAIL 17

The Junior School Scarecrow Trail took place on Friday 19th October. The children enjoyed following the trail around the school finishing in the Outdoor Classroom. We saw some wonderful scarecrow creations and the children enjoyed playing games and toasting marshmallows. Well done to our Pumpkin Carving Competition Winners Russell Stevens, Teagan Perry and Reuben Bayles.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 18 CORNWALL BOOK FESTIVAL

In what was a brave new chapter in the lives of and words of advice of the experts provided many children from St Joseph’s School, inspiration to these writers of the future. Launceston, an excited group from years 3-6 got the chance to meet some of their favourite Listening to the first-hand experience of authors at the North Cornwall Book Festival. This professional writers will prove invaluable as the festival, now in its sixth edition, took place in the children develop their own writing skills, and lovely surrounds of St Endellion Hall, very close served as a vital reminder to them to explore to the stunning North Cornish Coast, a their creative sides, and to take every spectacular landscape that has inspired writers opportunity that comes their way. for centuries. The children of St Joseph’s were inspired to The children enjoyed attending inspiring come back to school and put what they had sessions hosted by writers and literary figures learned into their own writing – another including Laura Wood, Ross Montgomery, Vivian example that at school learning should extend French and John Dougherty, and the thoughts far beyond the classroom door.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 WAR MEMORIAL 19

On the 13th November the Year 6 and Year 1 pupils visited the War Memorial in Launceston. The Year 6 children recorded names from the memorial and the wreaths to research as part of their topic on WW1. Both Year 6 and Year 1 also sketched drawings of the War Memorial. All of the children enjoyed their morning trip into Launceston to learn and research WW1.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 20 SCROOGE

On the 6th December we enjoyed a stunning performance of Scrooge – A Ghost of a Chance by the Key Stage 2 children at St Joseph’s. All the children performed amazingly and the audience were bowled over by their singing and acting skills. St Joseph’s is certainly now full of Christmas Spirit. A huge thank you must go to our wonderful children for their hard work, dedication and commitment to such a fantastic performance.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 22 FARM AND COUNTRY

On Tuesday 20th November the junior school were lucky enough to be visited by the Farm and Country caravan, which travels around schools in Cornwall educating children about farming and the countryside. All the classes in the Junior School visited the caravan, where they learned about the different crops that are grown on farms, their uses and what they look like just after they have been harvested. They also found out about the animals that farmers rear and their end products. All the children thoroughly enjoyed their time in the caravan and showed real interest in all the presentations. St Joseph’s send out a great big thank you to the Farm and Country caravan and the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 YEAR 7 SHORT FILMS 23

Year 7 have been working on short films this term in English. We have looked at the poem The Pied Piper of Hamelin and were staging a chat show where the host was interviewing the ‘lame boy’ who was left behind in Hamelin. As well as acting and filming, students were honing their editing skills, adding sound effects and music. Well done Year 7.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 24 READING CHALLENGE

Congratulations to Junior School pupils, Beth, Jack, Marlon, Oliver, Demelza, Teagan and Russell who all completed The Summer Reading Challenge – Mischief Makers. This is a national reading project which requires children to read at least six books during the Summer holidays. The children received their certificates from Launceston Library.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 TEN TORS TRAINING 25

On Saturday 10th November Ten Tors training for the challenge in May 2019 commenced. Thirteen pupils from Year 9 and 10 walked around 10 miles across a very wet Dartmoor! All pupils did very well in the testing conditions. Thank you to Year 11 pupils Max Darwall and Joe Allen for helping on the walk.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 KEEPING HEALTHY 27

Reception Class and Year 1 have been talking about keeping healthy this term. A visit from Hannah the Nurse gave the children the chance to ask questions and test her equipment We have also been tasting fruit from around the world. Pictured below is Mia tasting a lime (she loved it!). We also made and enjoyed fruit kebabs.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 28 CHRISTMAS TREE DISPLAY

A spectacular display of Christmas Trees are on display at St Mary Magdalene Church in Launceston. The festival of Nativity Cribs and Christmas Trees was opened by the Mayor and Mayoress on 30th November. The St Joseph's tree decorations are mini landscape collages designed by Year 8 art pupils. They look fantastic!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 TOWER BUILDING 29

Year 6 were challenged by Mrs Hudson to build a metre high tower that could hold a Rubix cube. The children worked in teams to design and build within a budget and time constraint! The winning tower was built by Oscar, Lydia, Sam and Ella. Well done to you all!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 30 FISHING FOR STARS

On Monday 3rd December, parents, grandparents and friends were treated to a spectacular performance of 'Fishing For Stars' by our Pre-Prep department. The children from Years 1, 2 and Reception Class sang, acted and narrated perfectly. Well done to all of our Pre-Prep children.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 LANHYDROCK HOUSE 31

On the 5th December, Years one and two enjoyed a day at Lanhydrock House finding out about a traditional Victorian Christmas. Pictured below are Dexter and Freddie making a wish as they stir the Christmas ‘plum pudding’.

In the afternoon the children met Lanhydrock’s resident archaeologist and handled real Bronze Age artefacts found on National Trust land. An inspiring experience kindly organised by Mrs Liz Nelstrop. Thank you.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 32 MUSIC FOR WINTER EVENING

Congratulations to all those who performed in the Music for a Winter Evening. We raised an impressive £163.05 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance. It was a wonderful evening with fantastic performances from all involved.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 ISA NETBALL CHAMPIONS 33

Huge congratulations to all 3 St Joseph's Netball teams who competed in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) South West tournament on 21st November (Years 9, 10 & 11) The teams played fantastically and won both competitions!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 34 U9 RUGBY STARS

PE Stars of the Month The U9 rugby team are our collective PE stars of the month for November. They won the South West ISA Tag Rugby tournament and always work fantastically well as a team. Keep up the good team work boys!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT 35

A fantastic afternoon was had by all fortunate to attend the 2018 Christmas Entertainment afternoon at St Joseph’s. Residents of local care and residential homes joined grandparents of St Joseph’s children for an afternoon of carols and Christmas singing, followed up by a festive quiz and all topped off with mince pies, tea and coffee. The audience were initially treated to music from Canzonetta, the Boys’ Choir and the Chamber Choir, all of whom sounded fabulous. This was followed by a very impressive rendition of The Holly and the Ivy, which showed just how accomplished the choirs were in relation to the less trained singers, and rounded off with carols with which everyone participated. It was also a pleasure to welcome back Janet Worsnip, a teacher who is a very important part of St Joseph’s school history. She taught biology and science at the school for many years, and was very pleased to be back. Mr Scott said of Miss Worsnip “I know how highly she was regarded during her time here from those who taught with her. It was a privilege to see her back in school, and it is because of teachers like her that the school has such a proud past.”

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 36 CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

On the 4th December the Reception Class took a trip to Stacey's Christmas Tree Farm to find the perfect Christmas Tree for their classroom. The children had a wonderful time exploring the farm and deciding which tree would be the right size!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 ON THE RADIO 37

St Joseph's Year 6: Hitting the all the right notes! In exciting news, St Joseph's renown Year 6 Choir, expertly directed by Mrs Nicola Smith, recently entered the BBC Radio Cornwall's Sing Out Christmas competition. The choir had to perform and record a Christmas song that was sent to the expert judging panel and to be marked for technical skill, musicality and energy of performance. The talented children that make up the choir here at St Joseph's were shortlisted - and the choral performance was played on Radio Cornwall. Well done Year 6 and the talented Mrs Smith!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 38 TEXTILES LESSON

Year 6 pupils have enjoyed a variety of Senior School transition lessons this term. Last week they visited our Textiles teacher Mrs Grigg and enjoyed a session making felt flowers, sticking and adding wire stems! They produced some wonderful creations. Great work Year 6

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY 39

Year 8 pupils, Leia, Abby, Thomas, Robert and Daniel spent yesterday with Miss McLean attending a Mathematics masterclass at Plymouth university. The day was run by Dr Jenny Sharp from the University's School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics. Dr Sharp explored different patterns and the students made predictions. They used logic to test their conjectures. The day enabled students to explore sequences using a range of different techniques. A great day was had by all, well done to everyone.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 40 TATE ST IVES

Year 10 students visit to the Tate St Ives.

This trip included all the Year 10 students taking Textiles, Photography and Fine art. The students had a sketchbook tour given to them by a member of the Tate Education Department and also time at the Barbara Hepworth Museum.

It was a great experience for all involved.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 PIZZA TIME 41

Reception Class and Year 1 made face pizzas in cooking club today.

The Year 1 children designed their pizzas before bringing their shopping lists and designs to the cooking table. The results looked fantastic and smelt even better!

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 42 YEAR 9 WORKING WITH YEAR 2

As part of our Senior - Junior teaching collaborations, three Year 9 pupils spent a lesson with Year 2. They used creative writing techniques covered in exam preparation lessons to help Year 2 write a description of King Charles - linked to their work on the fire of London. Well done Joe Mercer, Will Collings and Tom Greet for their help and well done Year 2 for their hard work.

St Joseph’s School Autumn Term 2018 PUMPKIN SOUP 43

This term the Reception and Year 1 classes carved pumpkins and tasted pumpkin soup! They then shared the story of Room on the Broom together by pumpkin light!

What fantastic pumpkins!