St. Joseph School - SliemaPARENTS’ MEETING

Senior Is: 24th September 2012

Parents’ Prayer

O Lord, we give you thanks for having given us children. They are our joy, and we accept with serenity the worries, fears, and hard work which bring us pain.

Help us to love them sincerely. Through us you gave life to them; from eternity you knew them and loved them.

Give us the wisdom to guide them, patience to teach them, vigilance to accustom them to the good through our example.

Parents’ Prayer

Support our love so that we may receive them back when they have strayed and make them good.

It is often so difficult to understand them, to be as they would want us to be, to help them go on their way.

Grant that they may always see our home and school as a haven in their time of need.

Teach us and help us, O good Father, through the merits of Jesus, your Son and our Lord. Amen.

MISSION STATEMENT

Inspired by Gospel values and the teachings of Saint Emilie, our school aims at creating a team of dedicated professionals to give our girls a holistic education, developing their individual, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, creative and physical potential to the full, in the knowledge that such gifts come from a loving God who asks us to use them for our good and that of others.

AIMS

To inculcate in the girls the right Christian values.

To inspire our girls to be sensitive to the needs of others and to do all the good they can.

To foster an environment which will encourage every girl to reach her full potential and self esteem.

To develop an appreciation of the beauty in the world around us.

To instil a love and desire for learning.

AIMS

To encourage the highest possible achievement and to recognize and celebrate success in all areas.

To expose the girls to the appropriate use of modern technology.

To encourage the girls to realize the importance of fitness and good health and to develop an awareness of sporting ideals.

To establish a working partnership between school, parents and community and to encourage parents to play a supportive role in the life of the school.

School Motto

Believeand

Achieve

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2013

Our three-year plan focuses on:

e – Communication e – Learning Inclusion Differentiation

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

HASSCOM Level 1 accreditation

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

EKOSKOLA Green Flag

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2013

To date we have implemented the following:

IT Financial Plan and purchasing of the necessary hardware and software

Staff training in e-Learning and e-Communication

Staff training in the Klikks School Administration System

School website as a major source of information for parents, students and the general public

Strengthening inclusion with the introduction of subject LSAs

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2013

Setting in English in Senior I and Senior II Increase in General Science lessons and

introduction of half-class teaching groups Increase in PE lessons Increase in PSD lessons to improve pastoral

care An enhanced Pastoral & Spiritual Programme

for students Open selection of Option Subjects in the

upper seniors Introduction of PE Option leading to SEC

Exam

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2013

This scholastic year we plan to complete our e-Learning and e-Communication targets by inviting parents and students to access school information through the Klikks School Administration System

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2013

E-Learning and e-communication are central to life in the Senior School, and the school is equipped with the following:

12 interactive white boards and projectors 9 additional projectors A laptop in every ‘home’ classroom 26 student computers in the ICT Lab 3 student computers in the Physics Lab 1 student computer in the Library Wi-fi internet connection throughout Teacher laptops

SCHOOL REFURBISHMENT - Summer 2012

Rendering of stone walls in the main court yard

Cleaning of underlying wells Installation of 3-phase electricity downstairs Cladding of gym pillars New projector and bean bags in the PSD

Room Smart Board in the Library New chairs in the Library New venetian blinds Face-lift in the Hall New window curtains in the Hall [special

thanks to Mrs Bartolo, PTA member]

SENIOR SCHOOL

Religion Maltese Language

and Literature English Language

and Literature Italian French Mathematics General Science Geography

History Home Economics Media Studies Library ICT PE Drama PSD Dance

SENIOR SCHOOL

We offer after-school sessions in:

Athletics Tennis

Details will be emailed to parents

Secondary School Certificate and Profile

This is a national school leaver’s certificate that will be the same for all students in state, church and independent schools. It is issued by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education and is recognised by the Malta Qualifications Council.

 

Secondary School Certificate and Profile

The SSC&P will record student performance in: All academic subjects All non-formal activities organised by the

school but which do not feature in the National Curriculum

Informal learning which takes place outside school hours

Personal qualities which the student acquires during her school days

Attendance during the school year

Secondary School Certificate and Profile

The data will be collected by the school every year in May and will cover all the years spent in senior school.

More detailed information, including all the necessary forms, will be emailed to parents this term and posted on the school website.

Formative Assessment

Assessment for Learning

November Assessments prior to Parents’ Day

Parents’ Day Mid-Yearly Examinations Conduct and Appraisal on the Klikks

SMS site

November Assessments

Formative assessment in every subject spread throughout November

Samples of assessment tools may include class-work, home-work, tests, projects, course-work or practicals

Specific, individual, written and oral feedback given to each student in each subject

The assessment exercise and feedback for each subject is to be collected in a folder by each student

The November Assessment Folder is to be used on Parents’ Day

Each student is responsible for the safekeeping of the November Assessment Folder; parents are to ensure the folder is complete

Parents’ Day : Term 1

Parents’ Day for term one will be spread over two mornings: 26th and 27th November 2012

Parents and students are to come to school on one morning and are to bring the November Assessment Folder

Students will not be allowed to queue for parents

Parents and students can visit any teacher for feedback

Parents and students are to use the feedback in the folder to prioritise who they need to visit

Students must take responsibility for their progress

Parents’ Day : Term 2

Parents’ Day for term two will take place on Friday 15th March 2013

Parents and students are to bring their Mid-Yearly Exam Report to Parents’ Day

Students will not be allowed to queue for parents

Parents and students can visit any teacher for feedback on performance and progress

Mid-Yearly Exams

Mid-Yearly Exam papers will include a marks grid to give students an indication where marks were lost and gained

All students will be given the opportunity to see their corrected exam scripts in class, during lessons, and receive feedback on areas for improvement

All exam scripts remain the property of the school

Past Exam Papers will be on sale from the school as from this scholastic year

School Outings

School outings are organised regularly to enhance the educational, spiritual and pastoral programme we offer our students.

All students are expected to participate actively in school outings.

Information forms with the details of the outing will be emailed to parents; consent forms will not be sent home with students.

If parents object to their daughter attending a particular outing it is their responsibility to contact the Head or Assistant Head to let her know.

Klikks School Management System

The Klikks SMS site will give parents and students access to:

Student time-table and school calendar

Attendance Conduct Reports [i.e. behaviour in

breach of school rules] Appraisals [i.e. positive behaviour to

be rewarded] Mid-Yearly and Annual assessment Home-work assigned to students

Klikks School Management System

To access the Klikks SMS site parents need a valid email address and internet connection.

Parents will receive an email with instructions on how to set up a user account that is password-protected.

Parents are strongly advised to use their own email address to access the system.

Parents will only be able to view information related to their own daughter/s.

Klikks School Management System

During the first term of this scholastic year we plan to activate all parent and student user accounts and the system will be used for Student time-table, Calendar, Attendance, Conduct Reports and Appraisals.

Once the system is working smoothly and staff training is completed we will use the Klikks SMS site to post home-work and assessment marks.

Mid-Yearly and Annual Report Cards will still be posted home in hard copy.

Conduct

Conduct will be reported to parents via the Klikks SMS site, where parents will be made aware of misbehaviour or breach of school rules.

All students will be made aware of what misbehaviour can result in a Conduct Report at the start of the school year.

Parents will be able to check for any Conduct Reports at any time once their Klikks parent account is activated.

Parents will be alerted by email to check the Klikks SMS site if their daughter has repeatedly received a Conduct report.

An accumulation of 10 points from Conduct Reports will result in a Detention after school from 1.30 to 2.30pm; parents will be informed.

Students who continuously breach school rules will receive a Conduct Report print-out with their Mid-Yearly and Annual Exam Report Card.

School-Leaving Certificates in Senior 5 report conduct; students with a poor track record in behaviour risk having their conduct comment downgraded

Appraisals

Appraisals will be posted on the Klikks SMS site to reward behaviour outlined in the ‘Positive Behaviour’ lists on class-room notice boards.

Students will be rewarded with positive points for achievement, enthusiasm, improvement and commitment.

Positive points earned from Appraisals will not cancel out negative points earned from Conduct Reports.

Appraisal Assembly will be held monthly to recognise and celebrate positive behaviour in the school community.

Code of Behaviour

The School ‘Code of Behaviour’ will be explained to all Senior I students during Class Teacher time. It is also available on the school website.

Until such time as the Klikks School Management System is made available to parents, we will inform parents about student conduct using paper Reports

School Communication

The school website can be accessed at:

www.stjosephsliema.edu.mt

The school general telephone number is 21330235

In emergencies the school mobile number may be used – 79330235

School communications will be passed on to parents by email; kindly check your email regularly.

School Communication

General communication by email should be addressed to the school secretaries at:

admin@stjosephliema.edu.mt

Confidential communication by email can be addressed to the Assistant Head, Ms Bonett, at:

assthead@stjosephsliema.edu.mt

Or the Head, Ms Fleri Soler at:

head@stjosephsliema.edu.mt

Every effort will be made to answer your emails as soon as possible

Student Absence

When students are absent from school, an Absentee Note will be sent home for parents to fill in.

Students who are absent from school for 3 or more days are required to present a doctor’s medical certificate together with the Absentee Note on their return to school.

Students who are absent for important school events, even if for one day, will be asked to present a doctor’s medical certificate to explain their absence.

Student Absence

Parents are encouraged to fix any necessary medical appointments for their children outside school hours where possible.

Parents are discouraged from taking their children abroad during term time. On occasions when this cannot be avoided, the school must receive a signed written note in advance.

Student absences are recorded in the SSC&P

Student absence from school is monitored monthly and reported to the Education Authorities.

ECDL

ECDL is taught during ICT lessons from Senior 1 to Senior 4

ECDL modules are offered in collaboration with ‘Holistic Courses’, Fgura

ECDL exams will all be held in the school ICT Lab after school hours; parents will be notified in advance

The 7 ECDL modules must be covered within 3 years from activation

Each student will be given a username and password and will be able to take online diagnostic tests (practice tests) and receive feedback

ECDL

Parents can follow their daughter’s progress online

Skills Card costs €40 Module exams cost €10 each Re-sits cost €10 each CD Courseware notes cost €10 Diagnostic (Mock)Tests are free All payments will be made through the

school; receipts are to be kept as proof of purchase

INTERNET PROTECTION

Data Protection Policy re Internet Use

No image or reference to staff, students, school building, school uniform or regalia that pertains to St Joseph School Sliema may be reproduced on the internet without the written consent of the Head of School.

INTERNET PROTECTION

To this end it is unlawful for any of our students to post photos or details on the internet that can in any way identify them as students at our school. We are asking for your co-operation to ensure that if any such images or references are available, they are removed at once. Serious disciplinary measures will be taken against students caught abusing this policy.

Code of Behaviour

Punctuality: Assembly starts at 8.00 am

Belongings: All uniform and other personal items should

be clearly marked. Any unmarked items that are found and remained unclaimed will be disposed of at the end of the school year.

Code of Behaviour

Students should not be encouraged to bring mobile phones, cameras or music players to school. If, for a valid reason, mobile phones, cameras or music players are brought to school, they must be put inside an envelope marked with the student’s name and class and handed in at reception on entering the school. They will be returned at 1.30pm.

Mobile phones, cameras or music players that are taken to class without permission will be confiscated.

A card phone is available at reception for student use.

Code of Behaviour

AT NO TIME CAN THE SCHOOL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN

PROPERTY

Code of Behaviour

School Uniform

Complete school uniform is to be worn at all times. The school case with school logo, and the school outing bag, are compulsory in Seniors 1, 2 and 3

Students are to come to school wearing their school tracksuit on days when they have PE, Drama or Dance lessons.

Blazers must be worn on entering and leaving school when the winter uniform is worn.

Skirt lengths are to be decent and faded or torn uniforms are to be replaced. Parents are to ensure that uniforms are smart, in good condition and fit well.

Code of Behaviour

Hair is to be tidy and tied back if it is long. Hairstyles unbecoming the school uniform, hair gel and extravagant hair dye is strictly forbidden. No make up or nail varnish is allowed

Girls are allowed to wear a matching pair of stud earrings on their ear lobe; any other piercings are strictly forbidden and will be confiscated.

Girls who enter the school premises and who, for any reason, are not wearing their uniform, should be dressed in a way that is suited to a church school environment.

A signed written note (not an email) is required:

- For permission to leave the school grounds during school hours; students must be signed out at reception when they leave school during school hours

- For not wearing the full school uniform

- For permission to be exempted from PE lessons

- To explain why homework has not been done

- For permission to be away from school. All absences must be fully explained.

- To explain any medicine which the pupil needs to take on the school premises

Parental Co-operation

In the best interest of their daughter, parents are asked to communicate and co-operate with School Management at all times.

Parents must not approach teachers without prior permission from School Management.

Parents should not phone teachers at home.

Parents are kindly reminded that they should be dressed in a way that is suited to a church school environment on their visits to the school.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure regular attendance and punctuality. Inform the school promptly of any absences. Ensure that the correct school uniform is

worn at school and in journeying to and from school.

Support high standards of work and behaviour.

Support the Code of Behaviour and Discipline Policy.

Ensure that the school is made aware of any problems which might affect the child’s work or behaviour.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure that the school is kept aware of current emergency contact numbers and email address/es.

Give support and encouragement for home-learning.

Attend Parent-Teacher Consultations. Encourage their child to get involved in

all aspects of school life. Get to know about their child’s life at

school.

Parent Volunteers

We would be very grateful if any parents can offer their skills or services to help out in school with any of the following:

Fundraising initiatives Sewing of costumes Supervision during extended

breaks when short staff meetings need to be organised

Welcome BBQ

A ‘Welcome BBQ’ for Senior I students and their families will be held in school on Friday 12th October at 7.00pm

This is a fund-raising event as well as an opportunity for us to meet in a relaxed setting

Details regarding booking and sale of tickets will be emailed to parents

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is an integral element of the holistic education provided in the school. It is concerned with the overall well being of all students, helping to ensure that they feel safe, secure and valued. 

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is the responsibility of the whole school, and all the members of Staff do their part to create an environment where the students can feel safe and find help in solving any problems, be they academic or personal.

Spiritual Welfare

There is no permanent School Chaplain in our school. In the Senior School a priest comes to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrate Mass on a regular basis. He is also invited to be the celebrant at most of our religious services and other occasions, such as monthly masses, Lenten Preparation Mornings, School-Leaving Masses, the Crowning of Our Lady, Live-Ins etc.

We offer a varied spiritual programme and we expect all our students to participate actively. Staff members voluntarily dedicate time and energy towards these activities, many times after school hours. Parent attendance at these spiritual activities is also greatly appreciated.

Guidance Department

Personal and vocational guidance is designed to enrich the girls’ personal and school life, while preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life after school.

Some of the activities held by the Guidance Department are: Junior VI Induction Meeting  Senior I Induction Morning; During the forthcoming scholastic

year this shall be held on Wednesday 3rd October at St Joseph Retreat House in Rabat.

Senior II Guidance re Subject Options

Options Meeting for parents Options seminar for the students Options Booklet One-to-one session if required

Senior IV and V Guidance re choice of post secondary education MATSEC Talk for Senior V students

and their parents Talks from representatives of

various post secondary institutions

Visits to post secondary institutions, example ITS and MCAST

Career Seminar

Senior I to Senior V

various talks/seminars to tackle important issues such as smoking, bullying, sexuality

one-to-one /group appointments; We try our best to educate the

students to confide in appropriate people, at appropriate moments.

School Counsellor

Available in school on two days Parental consent is required for the student

to be able to visit the School Counsellor Parents can also avail themselves of the

services of the counsellor to discuss issues related to their daughters’ well-being

The counsellor liaises with parents and agencies concerned with the welfare of the student

Guidance Teacher -Ms Nathalie Camilleri

The students can ask the Guidance Teacher for an appointment.

The Guidance Teacher will give the student a note with which the student will ask the teacher on duty for permission to leave the classroom.

The teacher on duty may refuse to grant the student permission to leave the classroom (important lesson or test)

Mistress of Discipline: Ms Linda Refalo

All staff is responsible for general order and discipline in school

The Mistress of Discipline sees to general disciplinary matters/Code of Behaviour . She also liaises with the pastoral team to address any particular difficulties students may have.

Class Teacher/Deputy

The Class Teacher and the Deputy Class Teacher are responsible for monitoring the personal and academic progress of each girl in their class. They tackle issues that arise in the class as well as assign places and see to general order and cleanliness. Class Teacher Time is held as the need arises.

Donation

We are grateful for your support, which helps us to work hard to offer the best education possible to our students, in a school environment they deserve.

Kindly do not hesitate to inform the school of any situation that is hindering your daughter’s progress, or affecting her behaviour.

Thank-youfor your attention