Mount St Joseph
Starting at your new school
A Community of Learners, Believers and Friends
CONTENTS
The first day 3 What to do if… 3 The school day 4 Transport 5 Extra-curricular activities 6 Essential Equipment 6 School Uniform 7 Purchasing School Uniform 8 Attendance and Punctuality 9-10 School terms & holiday 2017/2018 11 School Meals 12
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THE FIRST DAY
We realise that you will be very nervous on your first day. You will be making new friends, meeting new teachers and you may not be sure where your lessons are. Everyone is here to help you. Do not be afraid to ask any member of staff for help. Prefects wear white shirts and a house tie – they will help you if you ask them, as will all students.
Term begins for pupils on Wednesday 6th September 2017 at 8:30am
The Head of Key Stage and Pastoral Care Officers will meet all new pupils at the BACK of the school at 8.30am. You will be taken to your form rooms to prepare for your first day. Your form tutor will explain your timetable and take you around the school to help you to find your class- rooms. Your first lesson will take place later in the day. You will be set homework from day one.
WHAT TO DO IF…
As a new pupil you may be worried about all sorts of things. Here's what to do if you have a problem. If you get lost: Ask any teacher and they will show you to the correct room. You will get used to your new school soon. If you lose something: Tell your teacher as soon as you realise its lost. Check with student reception to see if it has been handed in to lost property. The caretakers might be able to help you. If you are ill during the day: Tell you teacher and they will contact your pastoral care officer. If you are very ill your parents will be contacted. If you are late for school: go straight to student reception and report to the attendance officer. If you forget your dinner money: Ask the student reception for help, we will make sure you get something to eat.
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THE SCHOOL DAY
8:30am— 8:50am Form or Assembly 8:50am—9:40am Period 1 9:40am—10:40am Period 2 10:40am—11:00am Breaktime 11:00am—11:50am Period 3 11:50am—12:40pm Period 4 12:40pm—13:20pm Lunchtime 13:20pm—14:10pm Period 5 14:10pm—15:00pm Period 6
Lessons begin at 8.30am. There are 6 lessons in the day – 4 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. The day finishes at 3.00pm.
When you arrive in the morning you should wait on the playground until the bell rings. If it is raining you will be allowed in school to wait in the hall.
Morning break is 20 minutes long. We are a healthy school and have received the ‘Healthy Schools’ Award. You are able to buy toast and other breakfast items in the hall at break.
Lunch is at 12.40pm. The school operates a canteen system. You may bring a packed lunch if you wish. NOBODY IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE PREMISES AT LUNCHTIME.
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TRANSPORT Many of our students walk to school. We also allow students to bring their bicycles to school but do so at their own risk. Bicycles should be locked securely, in the bicycle shed and students should wear a helmet. There are also 2 school buses that run before and after school. Pupils will need an IGO pass to travel for the concessionary fair on buses in Greater Manchester, including the school bus services. Please see bus timetables below. MOUNT ST JOSEPH RC HIGH SCHOOL (0830/1500) YELLOW SCHOOL BUS SERVICE Y41: FOR USE BY YELLOW SCHOOL BUS PASS HOLDERS ONLY HUNGER HILL—DEANE—MOUNT ST JOSEPH HS (YELLOW SCHOOL BUS) Service Y41 Operator Code: STM Operator Code: STM Service Number: Y41 Service Number: Y41
ST HELENS RD/ HULTON LN 0736 MOUNT ST JOSEPH HS 1506 Over Hulton, Four Lane Ends 0741 Morris Green 1516
Hunger Hill, Wigan Rd/ Pendlebury Rd 0749 Wigan Road/ Hulton Lane 1526 Wigan Road/ Hulton Lane 0758 Hunger Hill, Wigan Rd/ Pendlebury Rd 1535
Morris Green 0808 Over Hulton, Four Lane Ends 1541 MOUNT ST JOSEPH HS 0820 ST HELENS RD/ HULTON LN 1546
SERVICE Y41: FROM ST HELENS RD/HULTON LN via St Helens Road, Manchester Road, Snydale Way, Wigan Road, Deane Church Lane, Willows Lane,Venice Street, St Helens Road, Morris Green Lane, Lever Edge Lane, Green Lane, Bradford Road, Minerva Road to MOUNT ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL. RETURNS from Mount St Joseph High School via Minerva Road, Bradford Road, Green Lane, Lever Edge Lane, Morris Green Lane, St Helens Road, Church Avenue, Willows Lane, Deane Church Lane,Wigan Road, Snydale Way, Manchester Road, St Helens Road to ST HELENS ROAD/HULTON LANE.
BREIGHTMET—LITTLE LEVER—MOUNT ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL Service 976 Operator Code: ATG Operator Code: ATG Service Number: 976 Service Number: 976
Stopes Rd/ Bolton Rd 0755 MOUNT ST JOSEPH HS 1506
Little Lever, Coronation Square 0758 Farnworth, King Street 1518
Moses Gate 0806 Moses Gate 0806
Morris Green SJ Little Lever, Coronation Square 1535 MOUNT ST JOSEPH HS 0820 Stopes Rd/ Bolton Rd 1541
SJ Also serves St James’ C of E School,Farnworth
SERVICE 976: From Bolton Road/Stopes Road via Stopes Road, High Street, Coronation Square, Market Street, Church Street, Hall Lane, Loxham Street, Bolton Road, Gladstone Road, Albert Road, Harrowby Street, Highfield Road, Marsh Lane,
Bradford Road, Minerva Road to MOUNT ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL. RETURNS from Mount St Joseph School via Minerva Road, Bradford Road, Marsh Lane, Highfield Road, Harrowby Street, Albert Road, King Street, Market Street, Bolton Road, Loxham Street, Hall Lane, Church Street, Market Street, Coronation Square, High Street, Stopes Road to Bolton Rd/Stopes Road Please note : Y53 withdrawn Y41 extended to start and finish at St Helens Road/ Hulton Lane via Four Lane Ends and Hunger Hill
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extra-curricular activities help students develop their skills and make new friends. There is a wide range of activities and clubs before, during and after school. If you have a musical talent, you can join the band or choir, or learn to play a musical instrument. We also have a wide range of sporting activities and clubs available for the students. Teams and individu- als regularly compete against local schools in various sporting activities. Teams represented are rugby, football, basketball, badminton, table tennis, cross country, netball, girls football, rounders, cricket and athletics.
Other activities available for students include: Writing club Creative arts club Reading club Film club Ukulele club Science club Nurture club Cakes and Classics French & Spanish homework club School Choir Debating club Drama Club Chess club Colouring club Law club ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
The following equipment is essential to support your child with their learning every day.
Students must carry a suitable sized school bag, this is so they can carry their books and PE kit etc.
All students must have a pen, pencil and ruler, however for specialist subjects you may need additional equipment and students will be advised of this e.g. maths—protractor, compass, scientific calculator etc.
Show My Homework
Students and parents will be given login details for Show My Homework; this allows teachers to set homework which will appear on the homework calendar with all relevant details such as deadlines and available resources.
Students and parents are able to log on using a computer, tablet or mobile making homework accessible and trans- parent for everyone.
We ask that parents ensure their child's homework is complete therefore this system will make it easier as all tasks are send to both the student and parent.
If you have any queries about the amount of homework set please do not hesitate to contact the school.
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SCHOOL UNIFORM
It is the policy of Mount St Joseph and the wish of parents that all pupils wear their uniform with pride.
BOY’S UNIFORM Blazer: Royal blue badge MSJ blazer Shirt: Blue shirt – long or short sleeved Trousers: Black tailored—NOT jeans Pullover: MSJ badge dark grey jumper – (Optional item) Tie: Relevant House tie—Mandela/Shakespeare/Jenner Shoes: Plain black shoes (NOT boots or trainers) Socks: Black or grey Coat: Plain black – (Optional item)
PE KIT Compulsory: Mercury polo shirt Multi sport shirt Milan short Sport sock Optional: Trinity track pant Amazon rain jacket Advisable: Gum shield
GIRL’S UNIFORM Blazer: Royal blue badge MSJ blazer Skirt/Trousers: Dark grey pleated Trutex skirt or dark grey Trutex tailored trouser Blouse: Blue shirt- long or short sleeved Pullover: MSJ badge dark grey jumper- (optional item) Tie: Relevant House tie—Mandela/Shakespeare/Jenner Socks/Tights: Black ankle socks or plain black tights (non patterned) Shoes: Plain black shoes (NOT boots or trainers) Coat: Plain Black – (Optional item)
PE KIT Compulsory: Venus polo shirt Trinity track pant Response short Pulse Zip Fleece Optional: S-Tec Netburn skort Amazon rain jacket Sport socks Advisable: Gum shield
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PURCHASING SCHOOL UNIFORM
MSJ embroidered/badged items of uniform can be purchased in the following ways.
Suppliers which are not listed below are not approved stockists of the uniform. Some other local suppliers have unfortunately supplied incorrect items of uniform to our pupils. It is therefore vital that only the following approved suppliers are used:
Whittakers School Wear in Bolton Boys/Girls uniform and PE kit 106 Deansgate Bolton BL1 1BD Telephone 01204 389485
Ziggys Schoolwear in Farnworth Boys/Girls Uniform and PE kit 6 Brackley Street Farnworth Bolton BL4 9DR Telephone 01204 577211
MSJ holds a small stock of school ties
Pale blue shirts and boys black school trousers are widely available at many retail outlets and supermarkets.
If you are entitled to a grant for school uniform, they are available through the one stop shop. If you have any financial concerns regarding the uniform, then please contact the school.
All the above information is available on the school website: www.msj.bolton.sch.uk
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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
ATTENDANCE: ENABLING YOUR CHILD TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Central to ensuring your child fulfils their potential is the recognition that pupils who attend school regularly make good progress. Research has demonstrated that children with poor attendance tend to underachieve compared to those pupils who attend regularly.
As part of our commitment to raising the achievement levels and aspirations of all pupils, we expect pupils to:
Attend schoolevery day and for a minimum of 96% of school days;
Attend school on time. Pupils have to be in school for 8.25am and in form or assembly at 8.30am;
Be punctual to lessons.
Bring all equipment need for the day.
When your child is not in school the absence is recorded as either: Authorised: school has been given an acceptable explanation to justify an absence. Or Unauthorised: no reason has been offered for an absence or where the school feels the explanation offered is unacceptable.
Acceptable Reasons for Absence. Unacceptable Reasons for Absence. Serious illness Cold or sore throat Medical emergency Looking after siblings Admission to hospital Attending a wedding Hospital Appointments Dental appointments Shopping trips Birthdays or Birthday Parties
HOLIDAYS The Department for Education has changed the attendance regulations. The headteacher is no longer able to grant any leave of absence during term time and will NOT authorise holidays of any length. While we recognise that holidays during the school term may appear less expensive, we as a school be- lieve you cannot place a value on the ‘cost’ of missed days. There is a clear ‘cost’ to your child in terms of jeopardising their potential achievement.
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REWARDING GOOD ATTENDANCE This academic year the rewards policy will include an attendance requirement. Pupils who fail to achieve the 96% benchmark will miss out on for example: Trips Activity days Inclusion in the draw to win prizes for good attendance Certificates
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM PARENTS Encourage your child to be in school on time every day. Inform us if you change your contact details. It is important we can contact you easily. Reward your child for good attendance at school – mutually agree a target and stick to it. Ensure your child is only absent if absolutely unavoidable. Contact school on the first morning of your child’s absence and on each subsequent morning. Avoid booking holidays in term time – remember that unauthorised holidays may result in a penalty notice. Help your child develop a good routine. Aim for 10 hours sleep a night for your child; this will make the next school day easier for them. Always try to arrange any medical appointments for outside school hours. Inform school promptly of any issues which may affect attendance. Ask for help if you need it – our Pastoral Care Officers can offer practical advice and support. Know the routines of the school day to avoid issues, e.g. have they got their PE kit or cooking ingredients?
If your child is absent please contact school as soon as possible on the first day:
The school number is 01204 391800 The absence line is option 1.
You can also text the school on 07860002241.
If you need to leave an absence message please give the following information; name of the pupil, form, reason for the absence and the expected duration of the absence.
Contacts in school are: Pastoral Manager – Mrs Burns Assistant Pastoral Manager – Mrs Adamson Year 7 Pastoral Care Officer - Mrs Wolstencroft Mandela Pastoral Care Officer - Mrs Coote Shakespeare Pastoral Care Officer - Mrs Evans Jenner Pastoral Care Officer - Mrs Greenslade Attendance Officer - Miss Ryder
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SCHOOL TERMS & HOLIDAYS 2017/2018
AUTUMN TERM 2017
Monday September 4th Training Day – Non-pupil day. Tuesday September 5th Training Day – Non-pupil day. Wednesday September 6th Term Begins for Pupils. Monday – Friday 23rd – 27th October Half term. Thursday, 21st December Term ends.
SPRING TERM 2018
Monday, 8th January Term Begins. Monday – Friday 19th – 23rd February Half term. Thursday, 29th March Term ends.
SUMMER TERM 2018
Monday, 16th April Term Begins. Monday, 7th May Bank Holiday – School closed. Monday, 28th May Bank Holiday – School closed. Tuesday, 29th May School closed – (Year 11 GCSE intervention). Wednesday, 30th May School closed – (Year 11 GCSE intervention). Thursday, 31st May School closed for Years 7–10. Year 11 in school. Friday, 1st June School closed for Years 7–10. Year 11 in school. Friday, 20th July Term ends.
Summer Term – Examination preparation Please note intervention/revision classes will be held for Year 11 students during Tuesday, 29th and Wednesday, 30th May. All Year 11 will be required to attend school on Thursday 31st May and Friday, 1st June.
Department for Education – Attendance Regulations – TERM TIME HOLIDAYS: The above regulations make clear that “Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.”
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SCHOOL MEALS
The school uses a cashless system for the catering service to improve on the existing high quality of the school meal and dining experience for the students. All new pupils will be registered on the system and be given training on how to use the system on the 6th July when they visit the school.
For your convenience and to assist us in administration of the service, the meals can be paid online using Parent Mail or by cash or cheque.
Online payments can be made using Parent Mail once registration has been completed.
Cheques should be made out to ‘BOLTON MBC’ and placed in the post box outside of the dining hall. If you choose to pay by cheque, please write the full name of pupil and their form on the back of the cheque and place it in an envelope.
The legislation regarding the use of this technology requires school to obtain written permission from a parent or guardian in order for the students to use the biometric system. I would therefore be grateful if you could indicate your consent on the data sheet and return to school or on the consent form on the website link; www.msj.bolton.sch.uk – Parents – Biometric consent.
This permission covers the student until they leave the school. Once your child leaves the school and ceases to use the system his / her biometric information will be securely and permanently deleted by the school.
How much can be spent in one day? A daily spend limit of £5.00 is set for all pupils and no food above that limit can be bought. This includes both school lunch and break time snacks. On request, an individual pupil limit of your choice could also be set.
What if the pupil does not have enough cash to pay for a school dinner? No pupil is refused a school dinner because they have not brought their dinner money to school with them. The school allows the pupil to loan money for one day. However, the pupil would be expected to bring some money with them the next day to repay the loan.
What about pupils entitled to a ‘free school meal’? The system works exactly the same for all pupils whether they pay or have a free school meal. All pupils have their own account to use in exactly the same way. The amount allocated for the free school meal is entered into the system by the software daily and is only accessible at dinner break. Any under spend or missed dinner will not be added to the next day’s balance - it is only available on a daily basis. The pupil can also add extra cash on to his or her balance in the system by using the revaluation station, to be used for break time snacks and to enable a greater daily spend on the school dinner than allocated by their free meal allowance.
What is meant by ‘dietary control’? Should the pupil have a specific food allergy, or be a diagnosed diabetic, this medical information can be coded into the system, preventing foods with allergy ingredients from being served to a particular pupil, by automatically locking out relevant buttons on the keyboard. Parents registered on ParentMail can check what their child has been having for dinner.
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Please use the school website to find all the information you may need regarding your child's transition to secondary school.
Information you will find includes:
Attendance regulations Biometric Consent Bus Timetable Careers information Curriculum Emergency School Closure Extra Curricular Activities House System Inspections Letters to parents Newsletters Parents evening Policies Pupil Premium School Clothing Allowance School Meals SEN information Upcoming events Uniform
http://www.msj.bolton.sch.uk/
If you wish to contact the school, please phone 01204 391800 and choose from the following options
1— Absence Line 2— Reception 3— Finance 4— IT Support 5— Facilities 6— Staff absence
MOUNT ST JOSEPH
Greenland Road, Farnworth Bolton, BL4 0HU Tel: 01204 391800 Email: [email protected] www.msj.bolton.sch.uk