News: Updates

St Joseph's School are currently offering 2 financial awards for pupils entering Year 3 in September 2010. If you are interested in sending your child to St Joseph's and would like to find out more information about the financial offers available for this year group, please contact the Registrar, Miss Rebecca Walker or the Bursar Mr David Mitchell on 01566 772580.

On August 11, 2010, in London, dancers from the English National Ballet's production of 'Cinderella' attend a photo call to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the English National Ballet at The London Coliseum in London, England. St Joseph's pupil Nico Gruzdev and his father Dmitri Gruzdev are two of the stars of the show.

Superb Science Day

The whole school were privileged to welcome scientists from the Chemistry Department of Bristol University visit us for the day to give children from the early years up to year 11 and truly magnificent science day.

The children watched in amazement as colourless liquids were mixed turning them yellow; as igniting dragster fuel fumes caused jets of powerful blue flames; they saw the scientists make their own oxygen;  eggs being “fried” in liquid nitrogen; as well as freezing flowers, rubber tubing and  bananas.  We observed bubbling liquids changing colour through a spectrum; we even held the most coldest substance causing it to heat up and make a gas. But what the children enjoyed best of all was seeing individuals jump out of their skins when the hydrogen explosion resounded throughout the school hall.

Year 5&6 also spent time experimenting in the lab mixing liquids to make solids and mixing exact quantities of liquids to predict the timing of a colour change.

We are delighted that Tim, a lecturer in Chemistry at Bristol University and Ben, a research scientist, were able to spend time at St Joseph’s in between their busy schedules.

A very big thank you to Mrs Marks, Junior Science Coordinator, for organising the visit.

On Tuesday 20th October, Year 5 visited Buckland Abbey to study Sir Francis Drake as part of our history topic this term.  When we arrived we were amazed at how beautiful it was and although it was raining hard, the buildings were still breathtaking.
The barn was the School Room, as well as the clothes room and after putting our stuff away we met our guide June.  June asked us lots of questions before we had our snack. 
Because it was raining we when into the clothes room first and tried on some beautiful Tudor dresses. We wore shifts that are like long white skirts that go under your dress and jacket.  Ladies wore stockings under their dresses as well as hats and bonnets on their heads.  Boys would put on baggy puffy shorts with a jacket and a lovely long cloak.
The big barn was our next stop.  It was huge with a massive cider press.  The monks would store their food and carts here.  Next, after lunch, we visited to the house were Sir Francis Drake lived.  We watched a video about his life and travels, it said that he died of the Bloody Flux and was buried at sea in a lead coffin. We also saw his drum and his treasures.  In the Great Hall were some spy holes high up on the wall were the monks use to watch people.  The second floor had been made to look like a ship with the food the sailors would have eaten.
The strangest thing we saw was a portrait of the last of Drake’s family to live in the house.  Where ever you walked the eyes of the lady followed you.  Despite this spooky lady we all had a great time at the Abbey and learned lots about Sir Francis Drake.
Amber, Gisele, Pearl , Holly, Imogen, Kate, Grace F, Grace W and Tanna,
Year

Year 4 had a fantastic day learning all about the Egyptians and their way of life. It was very exciting when Ceri Bryant was transformed into a mummy. Children looked on in amazement to see the body cleansed and prepared for the afterlife. The children all looked very realistic in their costumes. A very special thank you to Exeter Museum for being it all to life.

St Joseph’s School, Launceston is extremely proud to announce its 2010 Key Stage 2 results and, again they were significantly above the national averages.  

All our Year 6 pupils sit the Key Stage 2 exams and 100% achieved Level 4. With nearly 60% achieving a Level 5.  Over the last 4 years about 60% of results have been at the upper Level 5.

It should be noted that St Joseph’s aims to achieve excellent results, in a non-selective environment, in the firm belief that pupils should have time not only to enjoy what they learn, but to enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular activities too.  

Headmaster Mr Graeme Garrett said:“This outstanding news consolidates our position as one of the Southwest’s most successful independent schools.  We’re very proud of all the hard work which has made these fantastic results possible, our staff are to be congratulated as are the parents, but the day belongs to the pupils, it is wonderful to see them justly rewarded for their commitment and endeavour.  It is a privilege to have been part of their success.”    

For more information please contact Rebecca Walker, Registrar & Marketing Co-ordinator01566 772580, registrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk  

St Joesph's School have 3 places available for pupils entering Year 10 in September 2010. If you are interested in sending your child to St Joseph's School to complete their GCSE Course, please contact Rebecca Walker on 01566 772580 or registrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk

Smile! A very big thank you to MR and Mrs. A. Crighton who helped organise an educational visit for years 2 and 3 from St. Joseph’s School to their Dental Practice ‘Dental Dimensions’ for a dazzling dental dimensions denticulation day.  The children were split into three groups and given a range of tasks to complete. The first group had to search for dental abnormalities using small observation mirrors while carrying out dental charts in detail. The children loved wearing the masks and using the very expensive equipment. The next group had to look closely at a range of different teeth; wearing gloves and masks, they discussed why the teeth had to be removed. Drawings of these teeth helped children to understand the structure in greater detail. They also learnt about gums, dentine, roots, enamel, nerves and many other dental terms. Lastly, children had their toothy grins photographed using some of the very latest technology in dentistry, after chewing on disclosure tablets of course. They then learned how to brush their teeth and keep their gums healthy.  Mr. Newton, year 3 teacher, had his teeth cast with a moulding compound called Alginate. He looked really funny and it was great when he couldn’t speak! Thank you to all the staff for your help. We all had a first-class visit and hope that in the future we may come back to you again. Mr E Newton - Year 3 Teacher

Everyone at St Joseph’s School would like to say a huge thank you to The Friends of St Josephs who organised the most fantastic Christmas Fayre last week raising an amazing £2,188.The day started at 8am when the hall was a hive of activity as the stallholders arrived to set up everything from the most delicious Baileys Brioche pudding tasting to jewellery stalls and tombolas galore.  The Junior choir entertained everyone with their rendition of Christmas Carols while the Seniors Wii bowling caused many giggles and not too many strikes !  A fantastic morning was had by all, thank you to everyone who supported the Fayre, and thank you to everyone who gave their own time to ensure it was a success.  

In the ISA Art Competition, Natasha Routly (Year 11) won 1st Prize in the under 16’s Textiles category. Her felted and stitched 3-d landscape incorporates a variety of techniques and is based on her own photograph. Well done Natasha!

We are currently offering financial awards for children entering Year 1, Year 3 and Year 8 in September 2010. If you are interested in sending your child to an independent day school and would like to find out how these awards could benefit you, please contact Rebecca Walker on 01566 772580 or regsitrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk

St. Joseph’s School in Launceston has taken delivery of a new 17 seat Ford Transit mini bus supplied by local Ford dealership, Tregoningford of Wadebridge.

The purchase of the new mini bus is but a small part of exciting plans at St Joseph’s School which includes the expansion of teaching and recreational activities to include the admission of year 7 boys from September 2010 and plans for a brand new Sixth Form facility in the future.  St Joseph’s School is a private school currently catering for a mixed age range of boys and girls from pre-school age upwards. The School Bursar, David Mitchell said “ The School Governors have sanctioned a plan for the School to include an upgrade and expansion of facilities to enable us to move forward whilst still providing an environment in which our young people can develop both academically and socially. Included in our plan is the replacement of our current mini bus fleet. Having previously dealt with Tregoningford on a personal and professional level over many years I had no hesitation in contacting them again. We were able to agree on a joint sponsorship arrangement whereby Tregoningford have contracted to replace our current fleet of vehicles with a Ford Transit mini bus fleet and to also provide servicing and maintenance. Tregoningford have provided us with excellent service and peace of mind – there is always somebody on hand to answer and deal with any questions we may have”. 

St Joseph’s School runs its own mini bus fleet covering, not only local transport needs, but wider educational needs to include an annual trip to France for its students and attending other venues and events, notably in connection with its award winning choir.

Chris Hawke, Director of Tregoningford responsible for commercial vehicle sales, said “Tregoningford is pleased to assist St Joseph’s School in provision and servicing of a mini bus fleet. It is evident that St Joseph’s is a forward thinking school with big expansion plans and we are pleased to play a part in those plans. The School has impressed us all at Tregoningford as a progressive educational establishment where emphasis on social skills and values is paramount alongside educational excellence. St Joseph’s is a great school with a lovely atmosphere where all children are actively cared for in a safe, friendly but challenging environment.”  

Pictured above is St Joseph’s School award winning choir, which has been featured on BBC Spotlight, with proud Director of Music Elisabeth Mann standing next to a new Ford Transit 17 seat mini bus just delivered in St Joseph’s School livery with Tregoningford sponsorship logo.

Please contact Rebecca Walker for more information about St Joseph's School or contact Chris Hawke on 01208 812026 for more information about Tregoningford or visit www.tregoningford.co.uk

SPORT RELIEF MILE RUN

Children, staff and parents had a fantastic time helping those in need by running a mile at St Joseph's School on Friday 19th March 2010. Most children just kept going!! We all had a great time and are now looking forward to next year.

Please keep donating!

Thank you all for your support!

 

For St Joseph's School current bus routes and prices please look under 'About St Joseph's'

  On Monday 14th June, Years 5 and 6 travelled to Plymouth Pavilions to see ‘BBC Concert Orchestra Learn’, a program designed to introduce the orchestra to students in Cornwall and Devon. The orchestra played some pieces of music that many of the children recognised; such as the theme tune for the Simpsons, the Imperial March and the theme from ‘Merlin’.  They also played some slightly less well known pieces such as ‘Spin Round Moscow’ composed by Demitri Shostakovich and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons played on the electric guitar. All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed their trip out.  Seeing and hearing Kirstin O’Brien introduce and explain each piece was a treat for everyone. We learned a lot about the music and the instruments that the orchestra played.  Hopefully after our wonderful experience many children will start to play an instrument or practise even harder if they already play one. We would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Smith for organising our trip. Pearl Bamford and Annie Westlake. (Year 5) 

Over £1000 pounds was collected in one day at St Joseph’s School when Senior and Junior pupils joined together to raise money for the victims of the devastating Haiti earthquake. The day was planned by the pupils who came to school in mufti or fancy dress in return for giving a donation to the appeal. The parents and pupils also made cakes and biscuits which were sold during the morning break and this added to the amazing total raised. The £1151.35  has been donated to the Shelter Box Appeal which is actively involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of the many children and adults who are without food, water and shelter in the earthquake area. It is hoped that the money from St Joseph’s will enable two more fully equipped boxes to be sent to Haiti.  

Mr Colin White, Head of Maths here at St Joseph’s, is holding the letter inviting him to be Chief Examiner for OCR Specification B. Colin is already Principal Examiner for this specification and now he will be responsible for the quality of all the examination papers for this specification as well as setting the Higher paper throughout the World. Well done Colin.

World Book Day

Thursday 4th March was World Book Day and everyone dressed up as book characters.  Members of the Junior School watched World Book Day authors reading online. These authors included Kaye Umansky, Darcy Bussell and Dan Freedman, not forgetting the Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank Engine! We raised around £70 to send to Book Aid and will also be sending the senior’s book mark designs to enter into the national competition. 

Quiz and competition results

Senior Character Parade 

1 Mia Parnall - Year 7 - Northanger Abbey

2 Holly Fanshawe and Georgia Harding Year 8  Red Riding Hood and Granny 

3 Grace Hocking - Year 10 Alice in Wonderland  ( Mock Turtle)

Commended

Rosie O’Connell Year 8 Poirot, Abby Logg Year 10 Alice in Wonderland( Jack of Hearts), Anna Tetley and Penny Tilsley Year 10 Alice in Wonderland (Tweedle dum and Tweedle dee)

Junior Character Parade  

Nursery - Charlotte Wilson - Cat 

Reception - Catherine Finn - Witch on a broom 

Year 1 - William Heard - Peter Pan 

Year  2 - Nico   Gruzdev - Beast Quest 

Year 3 - Ava McDiarmid Hall - Puss in Boots 

Year 4 - Hallie Richards - Oliver Twist 

Year 5 - Annie Westlake - The Wizard of Oz ( Tin Man) 

Year 6 - Torin Gillies - Wolf Brother (Torak)

Favourite Authors Quiz

Sophie Jarvis   Year 8 and  Mary-Ann Screech  Year 10  

Book Character Colouring Competition

Nursery - Woody Watson 

Reception - Samanta Age

Year 1 - Darcy  Courtney-Bridgey  and  Yael Lyshkow 

Year 2 - Izabella Turner 

Year 3 - Sam Luckhurst 

Year 4 - Isobel  Fisher

Year 5 - Gisele  Parnall 

Year 6 - Jessica Young

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Children Win The Inter-School Swimming Gala.

Below are listed the positions of each child taking part.

         Event                   Name of swimmer        Place    PB

Girls Open 50m F/S     JESSICA YOUNG      1st       

Boys Open 50m F/S     TORIN GILLIES         3rd       PB

Yr 6 Girls 25m BC       AMY SEARLE            4th       PB

Yr 6 Boys 25m BC      EDWARD CLARK     3rd       PB

Yr 5 Girls 25m BR       PEARL BAMFORD    2nd      PB

Yr 5 Boys 25m BR       JIM LUCKHURST      3rd       PB

Yr 4 Girls 25m FS        BETH CHADBURN    3rd       PB

Yr 4 Boys 25m FS       ALEX HELLYAR        1st       

Yr 3 Girls 25m BC       AVA McDIARMID-HALL     3rd       PB

Yr 3 Boys 25m BC      SAM LUCKHURST   2nd      PB

Girls Open 50m BR      JESSICA YOUNG      2nd      PB

Boys Open 50m BR     JIM LUCKHURST      3rd       PB

Yr 6 Girls 25m FS        MADDY BENYON    4th      

Yr 6 Boys 25m FS       TORIN GILLIES         2nd     

Yr 5 Girls 25m BC       ANNIE WESTLAKE  2nd      PB

Yr 5 Boys 25m BC      JIM LUCKHURST      1st        PB

Yr 4 Girls 25m BR       BETH CHADBURN    4th       PB

Yr 4 Boys 25m BR       ALEX HELLYAR        1st        PB

Yr 3 Girls 25m FS        AVA McDIARMID-HALL     2nd      PB

Yr 3 Boys 25m FS       SAM LUCKHURST   1st        PB

Girls Open 50m BC      JESSICA YOUNG      1st       

Boys Open 50m BC     JIM LUCKHURST      2nd     

Yr 6 Girls 25m BR       EMMA GILLARD       2nd      PB

Yr 6 Boys 25m BR       EDWARD CLARK     3rd       PB

Yr 5 Girls 25m FS        LAURA SANT            1st        PB

Yr 5 Boys 25m FS       JIM LUCKHURST      2nd      PB

Yr 4 Girls 25m BC       BETH CHADBURN    3rd       PB

Yr 4 Boys 25m BC      JAMES LAW  1st        PB

Yr 3 Girls 25m BR       AVA McDIARMID-HALL     2nd      PB

Yr 3 Boys 25m BR       ARCHIE SPARROW  1st        PB

Girls Open 50m FLY    JESSICA YOUNG      2nd     

Boys Open 50m FLY   JIM LUCKHURST      3rd       PB

8 x 25m Cannon           AVA,       HALLIE,      LAURA,      JJ                       

                                   

Girl/Boy yrs 3-6           SAM,         ALEX,        JIM,        TORIN         

The children all performed so well on the day. Their personal best times being smashed showed how much they wanted to win.

 

It would be great to see all these children and many more joining the swim club with John Rhodes at the local swimming centre.

Please speak to the office for further details.

 

Congratulations to Year 9 who successfully completed their Training Day for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.  They endured a rather soggy day at Minions but came through relatively unscathed.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and they are all now looking forward to the real thing!

Tuesday 18th May 2010 - 10am - 12noon - Everyone Welcome

Just arrive at the school & our pupils will give you a guided tour, whether it’s the nursery, junior or senior school you are interested in. After this they will take you to the school hall, where you will be able to meet our teaching staff and ask any questions you may have. Refreshments will also be available.

You do not have to make an appointment, however, if you know you are attending please RSVP to Rebecca Walker on 01566 772580 or registrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk  

St Joseph's School Annual Nursery Cream Tea.

Friday 18th June 2010 - 2pm - 3.30pm

Come and enjoy a summer's afternoon in the Nursery with a traditional Cornish Cream Tea. Meet the Nursery Team and find out all about what St Joseph's School could offer you and your family.

RSVP Rebecca Walker on 01566 772580 or registrar@Stjosephscornwall.co.uk

The uniform shop will be open in August 2010 by appointment only contact the school office on 01566 772580 to book your appointment.

Paper Plane Challenge
The Paper Plane Challenge was a simple and fun-filled fundraising event.

Children contributed £2 each in order to design, construct and decorate their own paper plane.

Once the planes were ready it’s “chocks away” and time to hold your very own air show.

Certificates and a range of other prizes were presented to the children in each class or group whose planes flew the furthest, and the prettiest or have the most exciting design also received a prize.

The Challenge was open to children of all ages taking part as a class, year group or with the whole school

We would like to thank all the parents for their support.

A massive thank you to all the year 4's who helped organise the event. (Mrs. Ferguson too)

Mr Newton

Please visit the Vacancies Page for more information about Jobs at St Joseph's School.

Closing date 18th June 2010

Interviews either w/c 21st June or w/c 28th June 2010

  The musicians of the Senior school have had a very busy time over the past term.The summer season began with the ever-popular Music for a Summer Evening, in which our most experienced  soloists had a chance to perform to an appreciative audience. Highlights as ever, were performances of the girl’s GCSE compositions, and this year was no exception.   Heather Sampson’s Remember, for SSA choir and Polarity for clarinet and piano, together with Josie Kane’s Cascades and Contrasts,  were stunning -and would not have been out of place at an ‘A’ level performance evening.  Our soloists in our two private pupils’ concerts (Years 7 and 8, and Years 9 –11), were also every well received and over £96 was raised at these two concerts for our ‘Piano Appeal’.Members of Cantabile and Canzonetta enjoyed a day at the Royal Cornwall Show… and managed to gridlock the area by the School stand several times as they gave performances of their most popular pieces.   This was swiftly followed a day later by a concert at Altarnon church (so much warmer this time round!) in which over £400 was raised for the local church, and last week saw our annual concert in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West.  We were delighted to welcome Judy Pride, the CHSW area coordinator  to our concert this year. The Chamber Choir as always, excelled themselves, and Canzonetta had a chance to perform their pieces before their appearance at the National Festival in Birmingham. During this concerts – also our Leavers’ Concert,we thanked our superb outgoing Head Chorister (Josie Kane) and her Team (Natasha Routly, Amy Marks and Anna Tetley) and welcomed our new Leaders for 2010/2011:   Head Chorister – Grace Waterhouse, Deputy Head Chorister – Abi Logg and our new Team Leaders – Bethany Hulme-Teague, Amy Marks and Mary-Ann Screech.      

Team Leaders – Bethany Hulme-Teague, Amy Marks and Mary-Ann Screech.   Our soloists were also fantastic in both the Altanon and CHSW concerts and deserve a mention: Bethany Hulme-Teague, Lily Robinson, Heather Sampson, Josie Kane, Penny Tilsley, Estelle Langthorne, Katy Benyon, Grace Waterhouse and Abi Logg.

Although it’s nearly the end of term, we still have performances at the National  Choral Festival, the Launceston Show and the Whiteford Festival to come – no doubt this concert on Saturday, 17th July, will be a highlight for another extremely successful year for the Senior Chamber Choir in which over £3,000 has been raised for local charities and churches.   Very well done, everyone - and many thanks too, to all the parents who have made it possible for the girls to attend these concerts this season.  

St Joseph’s School, Launceston has once again achieved GCSE examination results that are well above the national average and we are very proud of our pupils hard work. 

100% of our year 11 pupils achieved 5 or more A* to C grades, (including Maths and English). With over 60% of the grades at A and A* , approximately three times the national average.  

As St Joseph’s continues to develop, welcome boys into the senior years, and invests in its infrastructure it is important to note that we aim to achieve not only excellent results, in a non-selective environment, but also happy, confident and hardworking young people who can enjoy a range of extra-curricular activities as well as the academic essentials.  

Headmaster Mr Graeme Garrett said:“These fantastic results reflect the endeavour of every pupil at throughout their years at St Joseph’s.  Everyone who works at the school is very proud and it is a definite team effort between the teachers, the parents and the pupils that ensures our successes.  Our pupils deserve these results for the commitment they have shown and it has been a privilege to help to nurture that success.” 

For more information please contact Rebecca Walker, Registrar & Marketing Co-ordinator01566 772580, registrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk