Head Teacher's News

February 18th 2011

Academy Status

The Department For Education (DFE) announced in December 2010 that ‘good with outstanding features’ schools could now apply to become Academies. However it was not until the 28th January 2011 that the Right Reverend Malcolm McMahon announced that, as a result of prolonged discussion and the negotiations between the Catholic Education Service (CESEW) and the DfE, that is was now possible for Catholic Schools to convert, subject to the wishes of their Bishop, Trustees and the
Governing Body. Academies are independent schools within the public sector. In practice this means that they cease to be maintained by a local authority and are funded directly by the Government. As a Faith school it is now clear that we would retain our religious character and there would be no dilution of our ethos and we would still have control of our admissions.
The first type of Academies were associated with failing schools, be assured that if we were to become an academy, we would be a converter academy and this has nothing to do with under performance.
The Governing Body has met and considered very carefully thisin the journey for St Catherine’s. They would now like to consult with Parents / Carers and invite you to a meeting on the 10th March 2011 at 5.30pm in the school hall where you will be able to ask questions. In advance of the meeting I will be sending home a consultation document which will give you
further information.

Half Term

As we finally reach the end of a very long half term. I am sure everyone is tired and needs a break. For Yr 10 and Yr 11 they will have work to do. Yr 11 have their revision school and I am very pleased that over 120 girls will be attending the two days. My thanks to the staff who have very generously given up their time to do some extra work with the girls. These sessions have proved invaluable to the students over the past few years and are a key strategy to moving over the grade boundaries. If your are not coming into Revision school for whatever reason I do hope Year 11 that you use this time most effectively as I said to you at Assembly on Wednesday.

Albion Rd Car Park

We have received complaints from the public about the behaviour of some students whether in this car park. They have been identified and the matter dealt with. However I must stress that this car park and in fact all car parks are out of bounds for our students unless accompanied by a Parent / Carer. Year 7 and 8 please note this as I think possibly you were not here when we last had an issue around behaviour and access to car parks. Please remember that your conduct to and from school is our business and you are representing the school at this time. Quite rightly the public will complain if there is any inappropriate behaviour. The Broadway area and car parks are well covered by CCTV which we can request access to.

Mr Brightside Project

I was delighted to have been contacted by Michael Horspool from Act-On Productions and to hear that 3 of our students Holly & Danielle May and Jemma Gillespie in Yr 8 had performed brilliantly in a recent show and helped to raise over £400 for a Cancer charity, The Mr Brightside Project.

The Wiz

Not Long now before our Annual School Production is on stage. Please do support the students, they have worked so hard and it promises to be a great evening - get your tickets now to avoid disappointment! Have a fantastic half term everyone with lots of rest and most importantly be safe.