Friday 13th September 2013 Home Mission Sunday - Prayers of the Faithful For the Church: that the witness of our good works may be a sign of the compassion and love of God. Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer For the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation and all mission agencies: that their work may foster in each of us a greater discernment of the ways to evangelise – to share the faith that is in us. Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer For the leaders of the nations: that they will work tirelessly for peace and justice throughout the world. Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer For all those who are searching for meaning in their lives: that they will find a welcome and acceptance here in All Hallows and in our parishes and communities. Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer For all who suffer: that they may experience God’s healing presence through our prayers and service. Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer In the silence of our hearts, we pray for ourselves and all those who have asked us to pray for them. Michaelmas Term Parents as Partners: HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is considered to be a vital aspect of learning at All Hallows Catholic College. All students receive a homework timetable at the start of each academic year and homework will be given in all subjects in accordance with the timetable. All students also receive a planner at the start of the academic year. Form tutors check student planners on a weekly basis, parents are asked to check and sign their child’s planner, which form tutors will countersign. Students will be expected to complete two pieces of homework per night on average and sometimes three at the weekend. The guideline for time spent on homework is 40 minutes per night (20 minutes per homework) and 1 hour at the weekend in Year 7, rising to 1½ hours per night (45 minutes per homework) and 2-2½ hours at the weekend in Years 10/11. The type of homework set varies according to the skills being developed and the nature of the subject. Examples could be: problem solving, project work, research, creative writing or skills based work. We consider the home/college partnership to be central to successful homework, and parents are encouraged to support their chil- dren in providing a suitable place and atmosphere in which to work. Half termly homework programs are published for parental and student viewing on the college website. Alumni News Congratulations to James Gillan who has been awarded a 2:1 Honours in History at the University of York and Alice Fitton who has been awarded a 2:1 Honours in Geography at Lancaster University. Principal’s Surgery Parents / carers are invited to attend a Principal’s Surgery on the following dates Thursday 19 September, 9am -10am Thursday 3 October, 4pm - 5.30pm There is no appointment system so please be prepared to wait Two Principal’s Surgeries will take place each term Student Arrivals and Departures Will parents please note the following:- - All students should enter and leave via the 'bus turning circle', or the Westbury gate - If you are collecting your child by car, please arrange to meet them away from the College in a side street and not in the 'bus turning circle'. - Please do not arrange to collect your child from the Brooklands Avenue carpark. Taxis - Students who are collected by taxi should follow the same procedure i.e. at the 'bus turning circle' unless approved differently by the SENCO, Mr. Diamond. Sixth Form Bursary Applications Letters have been issued to all Sixth Form students regarding the 16-19 Bursary Scheme. If you are eligible please make your application direct to Mrs Stirling in the Finance Office by 11th October 2013 Uniform Matters Following announcements made last term College jumpers have become compulsory. This policy was working its way through the year groups and this year marks the first year when the expectation is that all students in Y7-11 will wear the appropriate colour jumper for the Key Stage to which they belong. Thank you to a small group of parents/carers who have sought clarification on this issue – your comments and feedback have been helpful in determining the best way forward and helped us to a produce a Question-Answer sheet for everyone. This is available under ‘Principal’s Letters’ on our website. Boys in Year 9 have been issued with the old school tie with stripes - free of charge - thanks to a donation by Finesse, our uniform supplier. The ties are back by popular demand and are of a better length for older boys. We are delighted with the way our students have returned very smartly for the new College year, clearly following the 'dress for success' principle.