Music For A Summer Evening 2018

May 17th, 2018 | Posted by Rebecca Walker in Events | Gallery | Music - (0 Comments)

There seemed to be a sense of déjà vu at this year’s Music for a Summer Evening concert! However for once, the sun came out and it really felt as if the summer concert season was well underway.

Apart from being a great social occasion with the chance of refreshments afterwards, it was encouraging to see a number of pupils (many of whom were Grade 6 standard and above), from Years 7 – 11 taking part.  For such a young pupil base, their performances were outstanding.

In addition to the many superb solo performances, the newly re-formed Wind Band gave their debut performance, playing I dreamed a dream from Les Miserables.  We welcomed a number of new players into the Band, including some pupils from the Junior School.   The Boys’ Choir delighted the audience with their performance of Do you hear the people sing, also from Les Miserables.

 As has been the tradition over the past few years, when we have listened to some compositions from the Y11 GCSE Music group, this year was no exception.   Hattie and Holly proudly presented their Set Brief from the Exam Board to the audience, both of which were very well received.

Members of Canzonetta have also been working very hard throughout the past term and performed A Bunch of Thyme arranged by Michael Neaum, Philip Lane’s Full Fathom Five and Frank Bridge’s arrangement of the tongue twister, Peter Piper, to a very appreciative audience.

The evening ended with Canzonetta and the Boys’ Choir joining forces and performing Rutter’s Gaelic Blessing, followed by Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity. They were joined by former Head Choristers Alina Nuta (2015-2016), and Rosanna Rowe (2016-2017) for both pieces.

A huge ‘well done’  to everyone who took part – especially all the soloists who performed so brilliantly:  Katie Heard (Musical Theatre), Fallon Gillies (Violin), Issy Thorns (Flute),  Darcey Courtney-Bridgey (Piano), Lucas Drayton (Singing), Alec Macdonald (Trumpet), Lucy Rowe (Singing), Holly Whale (Trombone) and Hattie Loe (Singing) as well as members of the Boys’ Choir, Canzonetta, the String Ensemble and the Wind Band.   It was a fantastic evening and £182.50 was raised for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

 

Harrison signs to PAFC

May 17th, 2018 | Posted by Rebecca Walker in In The Press | Sports - (0 Comments)

Congratulations to Year 3 pupil Harrison Shaw who has now officially signed for Plymouth Argyle Football Academy.  Harrison was spotted by PAFC at the after School and holiday clubs that Argyle Community Trust run here at St Joseph’s and was invited to attend the Holsworthy LPTD. His coach said ‘Harrison is always a pleasure to coach’.

We look forward to watching Harrison’s football journey with PAFC ⚽

School BBQ 25th May 2018

May 15th, 2018 | Posted by Rebecca Walker in Events | News - (0 Comments)

Ten Tors 2018

May 14th, 2018 | Posted by Rebecca Walker in Events | Gallery | News | Sports - (0 Comments)

St Joseph’s School Ten Tors team were once again outstanding in their efforts as they completed their 35 mile course faster than any other team assigned the same route. Their blistering pace saw them arrive home at 9:50 am, placing them in the top ten out of over 350 teams competing over the 35 mile distance.

The team was made up of Year 10 pupils Joe Allen and Max Darwall, as well as Year 9 students Olivia Collings, Darcey Courtney-Bridgey, Arlen Morell-Davies and Chloe Smith. They showed a real competitive edge throughout, and a sense of teamwork that had shone through in training. They walked the first 8 Tors before camping on the Saturday evening, ensuring a good night’s sleep before setting off again at the permitted 6am start time.

The team is trained by Mr Sam Matthews and Mr Paul Hine. Team manager Mr Matthews said “This team have worked incredible hard over the training period and I had every confidence in them to achieve this challenge. Whilst the challenge is not a race, finishing so early and being first in from their route shows what a strong group these pupils are in terms of mental and physical fitness. They were superbly led by Joe and had one of the finest navigators in Max to get them around the moor.”

Despite their exhaustion, Chloe and Olivia, and a very proud Mrs Smith, had time to stop for an interview with the ITV West Country news crew on hand, and it was apparent to all ITV viewers just how much the girls – and the whole team – had gained from this unique experience.

Headteacher Mr Oliver Scott said “I am so proud of all the children have achieved, and the efforts of our outstanding staff to provide these opportunities for our pupils. We teach teamwork resilience and independence as key values for at St Joseph’s School, and to see these exemplified by Mr Matthews and his team is fantastic. They deserve every credit for what they have achieved, their success is quite remarkable.”

Sunshine and fun follows an amazing St Joseph’s weekend

May 14th, 2018 | Posted by Oliver Scott in Events | Headteacher Blog | Music - (0 Comments)

It is lovely to be able to walk around the school and see the children enjoying their lunchtime in the sunshine. Whether playing on the grass or the AstroTurf, it is clear that or Junior children are making the most of their time in the sun – as well they might after the winter’s rain. Such days are timely reminders that the sun always comes up again, that there is always a bright side, that good times are just around the corner – and sometimes lots of good things arrive at once.

For me, this weekend has provided many such opportunities. On Friday night, I was delighted to be able to spend the evening in the company of St Joseph’s parents, pupils and supporters as we enjoyed a simply stunning concert at Coads Green Methodist Chapel. We were treated to wonderful performances from Canzonetta, the Chamber Choir and our Boys’ Choir, as well as joyous individual performances from Hattie Lowe, Izzy Thorns, Lucas Drayton and Lucy Rowe. The final performance – a traditional final piece at a St Joseph’s concert – saw members of the Launceston Male Voice Choir join the girls and boys of St Joseph’s for a wonderful performance of Rhythm of Life. An ideal start to any weekend.

Saturday saw us in school, where Juniors and Seniors were trying out for Scholarships. These were taken with great maturity by all involved, and wonderfully catered for by Miss Walker, without whom the day simply would not run with anything like the efficiency she brings to all she does. Meanwhile in the Hall and Senior Music Room, rehearsals continued for Beauty and the Beast. My thanks to Mrs Hodgson, Mrs Gardner and Mrs Ivell for their work for what I am sure will be a brilliant Senior School summer production. Mrs Hodgson has been tireless in her support of the children, and her contribution is very much appreciated.

During most of Saturday I also had one eye on the updates from the Ten Tors official site as I tracked the progress of St Joseph’s 35 mile challenge team of Chloe Smith, Joe Allen, Olivia Collings, Arlen Morrell-Davies, Darcey Courtney-Bridgey and Max Darwall. An early morning dash to Okehampton – with bacon sandwiches all around for the Scott Family as we headed down the A30 – meant we were at the finish line to cheer the tired but elated team home.

The team have been trained by Mr Sam Matthews and Mr Paul Hine, and Mr Matthews told me “This team have worked incredibly hard over the training period and I had every confidence in them to achieve this challenge. Whilst the challenge is not a race, finishing so early and being first in from their route shows what a strong group these pupils are in terms of mental and physical fitness. They were superbly led by Joe and had one of the finest navigators in Max to get them around the moor.”

Despite their exhaustion, Chloe and Olivia, and a very proud Mrs Smith, had time to stop for an interview with the ITV news crew on hand, and it was apparent to all ITV viewers just how much the girls – and the whole team – had gained from this unique experience.

As Headteacher I am so proud of all the children have achieved, and the efforts of our outstanding staff to provide these opportunities for our pupils. We teach teamwork, resilience and independence as key values for at St Joseph’s School, and to see these exemplified by Mr Matthews and his team is fantastic. They deserve every credit for what they have achieved: their success is quite remarkable.

While it may make Monday seem like I have not been away from school, it is certainly worth it to enjoy the many and varied achievements of the children here at St Joseph’s. With the sun still shining, Juniors and Seniors have basked in its warming rays, and the most difficult thing so far has been persuading them back inside for this afternoon’s lessons. Long may it reign: Cornish summer sunshine bringing its glow to our happy, friendly and successful school.

Here’s to a wonderful Summer for every member of the St Joseph’s community.

Mr Scott