St Josephs College

ISSUE 143

FROM THE HEADMASTER...

Once again the Easter holidays are upon us and I am sure we are all looking forward to spending a few days with our families. It is a very strange break this year: we return on the 26th April and then a certain Royal Wedding is occurring so we are once again off on Friday 29th, as well as the following Monday, which is May Day. I am sure all husbands will want to use these extra days to celebrate the wedding by buying their wives that something extra special! As is customary at this time of year, we have been dealing with the Admissions system. Once again, we have had over 600 applicants for the 180 places available. I have every sympathy for those parents who did not get their first choice school; however, it is an impossible task to satisfy everyone. During our recent half term break there was a very successful Ski Trip to Glm in Austria. The good news is that the group had a brilliant time, with wonderful snow to ski on all week. On top of that, everyone returned safely. Year 11 and 13 will be starting their examinations in May, with the first major exam scheduled for the 16th. I would urge all parents to ensure their children are preparing well for this crucial time in their lives. At this stage, I must give my usual reminder that GCSE results will be published on Thursday 26th August and A Level results on 19th August. It is particularly important that A Level students are not away on holiday at this time of year as they need to confirm their grades with their University of choice. I wish also in this newsletter to compliment our local Constabulary, particularly our PCSOs who are always willing to help when the school requires their services. They have been offering counselling to parents and students and, as always, have been keeping a watchful eye on the local area. In virtually every letter I have written, I mention how perilous finances are. With the economic difficulties everyone is experiencing, schools are not immune from financial cutbacks. I am particularly grateful, therefore, for those monies pledged by parents via the school fund. I can assure you they will be used for the benefit of all pupils. Finally, can I thank parents for their continued support and wish you all a Happy and Holy Easter.

My main duty is to ensure the student code is maintained throughout the school, particularly within the sixth form. I act as a link between the staff and pupils, and my responsibilities change week by week. However, in general, Im required to organise charity events, speak at public and private meetings, and act as a role model to the younger years.

I felt I had all the skills needed to fulfil this prestigious role. I have matured significantly as Ive progressed through the year groups: I never thought Id become Head Boy back in year seven. Im a people's person and, as my teachers can testify, talking is not something that fazes me. I believed I could help the sixth form achieve the best results possible.

Whenever a change is made, be it physical or otherwise, I collect feedback from the students and share it with Mr Cook. Similarly, if anyone has a problem or a suggestion, they can speak to me and I will pass it on.

I'd like to think so. I try to be as approachable as possible, something that has worked to my advantage. As Head Boy, I can consider every students opinion and do my best to get them across to Mr Cook and other relevant teachers.

My role has the biggest impact in the sixth form; as a sixth former myself, it is easiest to gain the views of my immediate colleagues. However, I wouldnt say Im limited to one area of the school. I help out in every year group, conversing with the heads of years to find out about anything interesting thats going on. Im here for the whole school.

Well, for starters, I hold a master key to the school! I think the enjoyment comes from the responsibility I've attained. I know that being Head Boy will further my development as an adult the responsibility curve is a huge one. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone looking to play a key role within the school. A Head Boy must be ambitious and driven towards helping others. The role requires confidence and, most importantly, the desire to develop and maintain relationships within the school community.

I aim to finish the CAFOD Youth Action program I've started, as well as continuing my usual work in the Summer term. Providing my exams go as planned, I'd like to study a computer-science related degree at university.

With her husband frequently described as the most powerful man in the world, youd think it unlikely that Michelle Obama could find the time to contact a St Josephs College pupil. When that pupil has been recognised nationally for his outstanding charity work, however, the likelihood becomes a lot greater. Id sent her an email about a program Im working on, says Adeel Shah of year eleven. I wasnt expecting it, but I actually got a reply and, to my amazement, she said shed heard of me and the work Ive been doing. Adeels rise to project manager at UK-based charity Humanity First has been phenomenal, with the youngster now heading up a scheme to build wells in Uganda. It all started just under a year ago. I was on a work experience placement and the company asked me to find a charity that would be interested in sponsoring them. Humanity First were the cheapest and, after a few chats with them, they invited me on board. Adeels role was initially limited to basic fundraising. However, after showing an impressive combination of effort and initiative, Humanity First promoted him to his current level. The wells would be massive for the people of Uganda. The feeling that youre changing peoples lives for the better is unbeatable. It can be surreal sometimes all of the volunteers that I lead are older than me but Im so glad I got involved. As well as his charity and school work, Adeel still finds time to help out in other ways. Im actively involved within my community. My tasks range from arranging activities and events for youngsters, to providing guidance for university students. Although it can be hard work, the enjoyment and fulfilment more than makes up for it. Having recently finished runner-up in the Croydon Guardians award, Adeel continues to receive recognition from many corners. Ive been nominated for two more awards, one of which may appear on ITV1. Its nice to know that your work doesnt go unnoticed, but thats not why I do it. It hurts to see people suffer and, at the end of the day, were doing this for them. Whilst Adeel attends St Josephs College as a student, this is a lesson we could all learn from him.

This school year has seen almost all of St Josephs Colleges year groups excel in the Rugby League Carnegie Schools Championship. Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 proved themselves to be unrivalled in the borough, with all four teams securing victories in the annual Croydon competition. From there, the quartet progressed to the London finals, where both year 9 and 11 battled through to the final, guaranteeing themselves an appearance at the Twickenham Stoop, home of Harlequins Rugby League, on May 4th. Over 2,500 players and 215 teams have been involved in the competition, indicating how successful the Colleges sides have been. Victory at Twickenham would result in progression to the national finals, where St Josephs will be pitted against schools from places all over the UK, such as Wales, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Meanwhile, South London Storm Rugby League Club, who are based at the College, continue to offer opportunities for youngsters to get involved in the sport. For more information, visit www.stormrl.com.

On behalf of the Fundraising Community, Matthew Charman-Gay has been collecting money for the armed forces. Matthew completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh programme recently, a venture which requires participants to show their skills in both volunteering and physical challenges. Having walked 12km over two days to prove himself in the latter, Matthew began to visit local businesses and was able to collect 100 for the serving men and women. All money accumulated by the Fundraising Community will offer financial support for injured soldiers, especially in the areas of housing and medical bills.

Things were not always so plush. Prior to the opening of a professional recording studio in 2007, the teaching of music was limited to two upstairs classrooms and, although the department was still successful, it has reached new heights in recent years. Offering excellent timetabled and extra-curricular opportunities in equal measure, students are encouraged to take advantage of the fantastic facilities - which include 31 networked Macs complete with the latest music software, practice rooms, and a host of musical instruments - in a number of different ways. Whilst the subject remains compulsory until year nine, there has been a steady increase in the number of students choosing to take music for GCSE. The focus at this level is on three aspects of music: performace, composition and listening, with pupils free to choose their own instrument and style for assessment. The post-16 BTEC award has been offered for the first time this year, allowing pupils to obtain an additional qualification in music. Music is more than just a subject, though. Mr Sanders and Mr Davies play an active role in school events such as Refugee Week and Global Awareness, organising thematic music from around the school. The Chapel and Concert choirs are open to all; the former is led by Mr Horsman, a trained singer, who offers weekly vocal sessions for interested students. There are also chances for those who prefer more independence, with students granted full access to the teachers and facilities, either as individual musicians or as part of a band. Mr Davies, who joined the school last September, has nothing but praise for the Colleges setup. The man Mr Sanders claims can play every instrument leads the BTEC qualification and has been a positive addition to the teaching staff. The equipment here is brilliant and there is a good musical culture throughout the school. I feel we make ourselves very approachable to any interested parties, whether they are experienced musicians or people just starting out. Music is about expression and we dont want to limit ourselves to a particular genre - the department is flexible in the variety of styles it encompasses. With lessons ranging from Beethoven to African drumming, its hard to argue with that.

After an affinity with the College that stretches back almost half a century, Mr Giejgo, the schools second longest-serving teacher, is set to retire this summer. The geographer, who has also had a short spell teaching RE, first arrived at St Josephs way back in 1963, taking his place in the original junior school. After nine years of education, Mr Giejgo went away to obtain further qualifications, before returning in 1975 as a teacher. 36 years on, hes decided to call it a day. As youd expect, a lot has changed since then. When I was a student, the De Le Salle brothers made up about half of the staff and had a huge presence around the school. Lots of the newer buildings didnt exist, although the main blocks were there; I actually remember the hall being built in my early years. I enjoyed my time as a pupil, but I never thought Id remain here so long. A four year absence in Manchester was ended when Mr Giejgo was offered the post of geography teacher at the College. During his time away, the school had become a comprehensive, meaning he returned to a very different environment to the one he had left. By 1975, there were a lot more mixed-ability students, which made the job of teaching more challenging. However, I had no problem teaching kids with wide-ranging capabilities: it has made me more versatile and, I hope, better at my job. Teachers were a lot more autonomous then. We were inspected twice a year but, after that, we were left to our own devices. Whereas nowadays Mr Connolly or Mr Franchetti will spend time visiting classrooms, there were no such check-ups then. In fact, the first Croydon inspection I ever had wasnt until 1988, thirteen years after Id begun. Indeed, such changes to the profession, coupled with the IT revolution, have forced Mr Giejgo to remain adaptable. Since 1985, there have been gradual and continuous changes to teaching. The establishment of the national curriculum and the introduction of OFSTED inspections have improved the quality of education - teachers are more accountable and are regularly assessed to ensure they meet the required standards. The biggest single change, though, has to be the implementation of technology. In the early days, we had to rely on textbooks and our own knowledge; my classroom (Mr Giejgos current G2 room is also where he started his career) had a blackboard and chalk, and the rest was down to me. The first photocopier came in in 1982 and, from there, theres been a steady increase in the tools available to us, culminating in todays interactive whiteboards which greatly appeal to visual learners. His incredible contribution has not gone unnoticed. In 2005, a special mass celebrating the schools 150th anniversary saw Mr Giejgo commemorated with the De Le Salle gold medal, an award for outstanding services to Christian education. I was very proud. Mr Burtenshaw, who joined the College two terms before me, also received the medal, along with Mr G. Murphy and Mr Delaney, who has since left. Its nice to be recognised, but Ive just been going about my job really. After all, teachings what Im here for.

Although many snooker fans love watching Ronnie OSullivan play, very few are able to replicate even his simplest shots. Charlie Lenihan, however, is one fan who shares his idols natural ability. Despite being just eleven years old, Charlie starred for Surrey U-18s American pool team in a recent national tournament, helping his side to victory with a man-of-the-match performance against Bristol in the final. Surrey qualified for the competition after finishing runners-up in their local league and, after defeating both Bedfordshire and Warwickshire in previous rounds, were pitted against the West Country outfit in the tournaments conclusion. Charlie played a pivotal role throughout, and was crowned man of the match following Surreys tense 23-15 win. Having first picked up a cue at the age of six, the talented youngster, who is in 7.3 at the College, has been playing consistently ever since. Last season was his first for Surrey and, whilst he may be younger than his eleven team mates, he is not out of his depth: Charlies impressive recent performances have seen him rise 300 places in the national rankings to his current position of 42nd. James Charwood, who also plays for Surrey, holds the illustrious number one rank, officially making him the best under-18 pool player in the country. With another seven years left at this level before he progresses, there is hope that Charlie can follow in his team mates footsteps.

Can you guess which teacher is reading this book? If you think you know which teacher it is, go and ask them why they chose this as their favourite book. Answers to Ms Stockman in E1. PRIZES TO BE WON!

Forty days and forty nights Jesus fasted in the desert. He was tempted by the devil. We are now coming to the end of our forty days of fasting as we enter Holy Week, the most important time in our Churchs year. We bring our palm leaves to be blessed, and then take them home to display as outward signs of our faith. we remember and rejoice with the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel; blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord. On Monday to Wednesday we reflect through prayer, a time of reconciliation on our lives. How have we tried to be Christ-like in our lives? : the word Maundy comes from the Latin Mandatum meaning commandment. Jesus gave us the command: Love one another as I have loved you. On this evening we begin the great the journey which leads from the upper room, to the Garden of Gethsemane, then we recall on the Trial and crucifixion, and the burial in the Garden Tomb. We wait and pray and then on celebrate the Resurrection. Let us go with Jesus to his Passover meal where he offered Bread and Wine: This is my Body; This is my Blood given for you. Let us follow him and pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane with all our difficulties and say with him: Not my will but yours be done. Let us be with Jesus at his trials and stand by him how often have we been accused, when innocent? How have we felt? How did Jesus respond to his accusers? Let us stand at the foot of the cross as Jesus looks upon us: Father forgive us. Let us wait in quiet prayer. Be still in the presence of God. Let us join the women as they go to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning and rejoice at the resurrection.