St John Vianney School Newsletter 09.02.2024

Assistant Headteacher's Message

Dear Friends and Family of SJV,

Firstly, I would like to extend a big thank you to all of those parents who joined us today for our Valentine's Afternoon tea event, that was the assessment event for our Key Stage 4 hospitality group. I am so proud of this group of young people who have developed their skills in various areas of hospitality. As part of their external assessment they had to plan all aspects of the afternoon tea, from decorations, menu, advertising and setting up the event and serving customers. I know that many of them find the serving aspect challenging, but I am sure that you will agree that they did a sterling job today! Please keep an eye out for future events in the summer term.

This week has been a focus week, nationally, for Children’s mental health. We are very passionate, at St John Vianney, about ensuring our pupils have opportunities to explore their wellbeing through various means; whether this is by being able to express how they are feeling using the Zones of Regulation or by accessing a variety of enrichment opportunities that lead to better mental well-being. Mr Damant led assemblies on the topic this week and focused on what we can do to become better versions of ourselves. The pupils enjoyed seeing examples of how dedication and perseverance can lead to great progress and enjoyment.

Next week we will begin our Lenten journey, which starts when we have our Ash Wednesday services. Each class will begin their Lenten £5 challenge to raise money for Cafod. The children have been looking at ways they can develop a little enterprise to raise money, by buying World Aid gifts. We acknowledge that these are financially challenging times for families but do appreciate any donations you can make, however small, they really can make a huge difference to people in some of the poorest countries.

In terms of our building update, the construction team are busy levelling the ground at the back of school and clearing all debris ready for the next stage, when foundation activity will begin in a couple of weeks.

Please keep a note, that school finishes for our children next Thursday 15th February at 3.15pm and re-opens at 9am on Monday February 26th.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful weekend.

God bless,

Ms Kirsten Nesbitt

Dates For Your Diary

• Fri 16th Feb all day - INSET Day- School closed for pupils
• Fri 16th - Sun 25th Feb - Spring Half Term Break
• Mon 26th Feb @ 9am - School re-opens for Spring Term 2
• Weds 27th March @ 4.30pm - 6.30pm - Parents Evening

Stars of the Week

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week!

• Class 1 - Oskar - For interacting well with all the Class 1 staff.
• Class 2 - Harry - For being incredibly helpful on the farm.
• Class 3 - Khalil - For better behaviour and sitting well in assembly.
• Class 4 - Ryan - For putting lots of effort in with his mid year assessments and with his work at D of E.
• Class 5 - Maisy - For listening to her team and trying hard.
• Class 6 - Chael - For having a mature attitude in class and trying hard in lessons.
• Class 7 - Charlie - For being an always pupil.
• Class 8 - Callum - For being helpful and kind to staff and peers and showing an improved attitude to new subjects.
• Class 9 - Dylan - For his technical support with IT and for fixing the DVD player on the monitor.
• Class 10 - Bruno - For taking part in personal hygiene.
• Class 11 - Joseph - For using his voice more and trying new things.
• Class 12 - Curtis - For trying really hard to make the right choices and independent travel to work experience.
• Class 13 - Joseph - For his hard work in the school office.

Employee of the Week

Congratulations to Mrs Harris!

Introducing

Leon P

• What have you been doing this week? My class went to the Central Library in Manchester City Centre. We went by tram and had McDonalds for dinner.
• What is the best thing about being in SJV? The best thing about being in SJV are the residential trips that we go on, like Bendrigg and Calvert Trust, but the best one has to be Calvert Trust.
• How could SJV be even better? It would be better if they improve the dinner menus by adding roast dinners every now and then and add Taco Tuesdays and add Fried Chicken Friday.
• What are your hopes and dreams for the future? I want to go to college and do sports and coaching. As a job, I would like to start my own sports team.

Highlights of the Week

Gallery

Our Catholic School

‘God grants us his love, which gives us strength and heals us.’

- Pope Francis

We have been busy this week within our Catholic school. Class 8 went to Father Nick’s for their class retreat and had a great time. Our Chaplaincy Leaders had their own retreat to prepare them for their roles in Lent and how to be a driving force for our prayers, acts of kindness and our charity fundraising.

In RE this week, in Key Stage 3 we have looked at forgiveness and some case studies showing how people have forgiven terrible events, due to their faith, despite the personal loss. Within Key Stage 4 we continued to look at the theme of Love and Charity, we made posters for our classes events and also looked into what happens to the money we raise.

This week's Wednesday Word is 'Compassion'.

Mrs Garfin

Poetry Corner

This week at SJV we have been looking at the crossovers between poetry and art, using some of the most famous paintings ever created as inspiration for our writing. This week's poetry star is Jack from Class 7 with his beautiful poetic response to this Jackson Pollock painting. Famously know as 'Jack The Dripper' in the 1950's for splashing paint on the canvas to create works of 'abstract expressionism', we can see how mark making and painting can really express emotions. That idea is wonderfully captured here in Jack's powerful poem. Well done, Jack! Please see the poem below and picture of the poet with his stunning work!

Oliver Lomax

Useful Information

Energy Help

Citizens Advice have partnered with Cadent Gas to provide vital energy support to people living across the North West. Speak to one of their specialist advisers free on 0808 164 4406 (available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or send a message on Whatsapp 0736 054 6111.

Debt Support

Citizens Advice offer debt support through a 'Chat' facility on their website. You can talk with a trained adviser who’ll try to help you solve your problem or make good progress towards it. 'Chat' is usually available 9am to 8pm - Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 1pm - Saturday. If you'd rather talk on the phone, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 0800 808 4000.

Click on the following link to open a directory of useful links and information about facilities, activities and support available to you and your young person: INFORMATION DIRECTORY