Welcome

Dear Parent/Carer,

 

It has been lovely to welcome all students back to school this week, they have returned looking extremely smart and we hope they settle well into school life again.

 

This year is our Platinum Jubilee as we celebrate 70 years since the opening of Bishop Challoner Catholic College in 1953.  There will be a number of events held throughout the year so please look out for details in upcoming BC14 newsletters and on the school website.

 

In preparation for the year ahead please see some important information below-

 

The BC Basics are the Standards for Learning that outline our expectations and shared set of values for all students at Bishop Challoner Catholic College.  For September 2023, the BC Basics have been revised to incorporate the Catholic Virtues.  They reflect our mission statement where we develop our full potential, encouraging full engagement with learning.  The positive language will be referenced to in all school contexts and reflects our collaborative aim to instil character and purpose for all those who are part of our community.

The school manages and monitors attendance within the 5 Foundations Framework, the focus for us this term is foundation 1, 'Whole School Thinking, Culture and Climate'.  We will be talking to students about the importance of excellent attendance and punctuality, and you will receive some additional information in due course.  Please support the school and your child by ensuring that they are in school every day and on time.  

 

In order for us work together, to best support our young people, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have information to share regarding the safeguarding or wellbeing of your child.  This is particularly important if there has been a change in circumstances for the young person.  Please contact Mrs K Peckover, Mrs M Nutt or any DSL or member of the Wellbeing Team.

 

You will know that from this term girls should be wearing only pleated skirt or trousers.  Straight skirts (not stretchy/lycra) that still fit can be worn until October half term if required.  Following consultation with parents/carers last term, governors will be reviewing the updated Uniform and Standards Policy in the next few weeks. 

 

We will continue to acknowledge the achievements of students through the awarding of achievement points in Class Charts.  There will also be various additional rewards and events that celebrate the successes for students throughout the year.

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a productive learning environment, we would like to inform you of some changes to our school detention sanctions, effective immediately. 

Late detentions- will now be scheduled during lunchtime. This will include students to have ample time for a toilet break and for food. 

Class Teacher detentions- set at teacher discretion. These detentions are set at 30 minutes and where missed will escalate to a departmental detention of up to 60 minutes. 

Head of Year detentions- all Head of Year detentions will be held on a Thursday after school. 

Escalation Detention- if students fail to attend the Head of Year or departmental detention this will be escalated to a 90 minute after school detention on a Friday. 

We will continue to utilise Class Charts as our primary communication platform for notifying parents and students about detentions. Please ensure that you have access to Class Charts to receive timely updates regarding your child's detention, positive logs and homework set. 

These changes have been implemented to streamline our detention process, maintain clear expectations for students, and uphold standards.

All parents/carers will have signed an agreement We kindly request your cooperation in reinforcing the expectations of the school at home and encourage open communication between school and home to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Schoolcomms

Please ensure that if your son/daughter buys food or drink from the school canteen that their Schoolcomms account is topped up regularly.  Please be reminded that if eligible for free school meals this can only be taken at lunchtime, students will need to use their own funds at break.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Mr D Hearnden 

Vice Principal