“Christ is at the Heart of this Roman Catholic School.”

Sacred Heart Mission Statement

Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School

Central Drive, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3DU Tel: 01942 634681 / Fax: 01942 634682

E-mail: office@sacred-heart.bolton.sch.uk Website/cLc: www.sacred-heart.bolton.sch.uk/cLc

Sacred Heart Parish Website: www.sacred-heart-westhoughton.org.uk

Headteacher: Mr. Martin Johnson B.A. (Hons.) Q.T.S. NPQH Deputy Headteacher: Mrs Catherine Parkinson B.Ed. (Hons.) NPQH

Chair of Governors: Mrs Mary-Anne Yearn

"Laughing stirs up the blood, expands the chest, electrifies the nerves, clears away the cobwebs from the brain, and gives the whole system a cleansing rehabilitation” Anonymous

Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4

Thursday 29

th March 2012.

Dear Parents, Children, Staff & Governors,

WEEKLY NEWS This week’s theme is: I know when to ask for help and who to ask for help from. This is illustrated through the story of Jesus healing the paralysed man. The friends in this story knew and believed that Jesus would be able to help their friend. It is the same for us. Jesus is always there to listens to us and to help us when we need it. There is a reading in Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus tells us to ask for help when we need it:

Ask, and you will be given what you ask. Search and you will find what you are looking for.

Knock and the door will be opened for you. Do you know any parents who love their children and won’t feed them when they are hungry?

If mothers and fathers know how to give their children what is good for them, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask for them.

SEAL STATEMENTS TO LIVE BY: The next group of statements to live by concern us in, ‘Growing towards human wholeness in

body, mind and spirit and learning to keep ourselves and others safe’. Please talk with your child about who you feel safe with and trust and who they feel safe with and trust. You may also want to talk to your child about who they do not feel safe with or trust. The statements we will use together over the next four weeks:

I know when to ask for help and who to ask for help I can recognise comfortable and uncomfortable feelings I know how to help others when they are in trouble I understand what trust means

PRAYERS: Please keep the family of Eddie Winder in your prayers. Many of you will remember Eddie’s warm

welcome as an apparitor at our Church over more than three decades, and as a Eucharistic minister. He also served for many years as a dedicated and respected foundation governor in our school, sitting on the appointment panels of many of our staff and keenly sharing his financial and building skill on our committees. Eddie died on Easter Sunday after a period of ill-health. We thank God for the time Eddie spent with us and the impact he had on our lives. We are confident that the Easter promise of resurrection to eternal life with the Father has been achieved for Eddie.

‘Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon him, May he rest in peace. Amen’.

RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL: If you are looked after by your local authority rather than your parents, you should have your

situation reviewed regularly... [UNCRC, Article 25].

: This week at the Natures Den, our groups of KS1 children, guided by Mr Simpson, drew pictures with the charcoal they made

before Easter, began to carve the totem pole, made tree bark rubbings, built dens and made benches. They also used the Opinel knives for the first time to prepare wood for the charcoal making tin.

In our workshop today, the children built dens and played some team games in the GOAL area.

GOAL BOTTLE TUNNEL: We still need lots more 2litre round plastic bottles – in all colours. Please collect them and send into school.

ROOM 2 GROW: We are encouraging local residents to keep an eye on our

school grounds and the Room 2 Grow. Last weekend some vandals climbed over the fence and attempted to damage our R2G and Peace Garden areas. If you see

anyone trespassing on the school premises, please telephone the local police / PCSO by dialling 101.

If you have any seeds to donate to our , please send them in.

CHICKENS: Sadly, Nacho, one of our GOAL chickens died earlier this week and has been buried in our school grounds. Class 2B have painted a stone that has been placed over Nacho’s grave. Dotty has moved to the R2G in her coop and pen, next to our other

chickens, Peace, Justice & United. Earlier in the week they enjoyed a run on the grass as they got to know each other.

COMMUNITY ALLOTMENTS: Allotment plots are available – please contact Lever Park School if interested – Tel: 01204 332666 CRUFTS: Well done to Lucy Rawlinson who showed in Crufts recently:

BARNABY BEAR TRAVELS THE GLOBE: Barnaby bear has been on holiday over the last month – travelling across the globe with

Alice Perkins to Australia! He had a fantastic time there…

Recharged after my first sleep

in Sydney! Ready to go and see the sights

of Sydney! At Circular Quay, my first view

of the Opera House!

Alice and me with the Harbour

Bridge behind us. By Sydney Opera House, with

the bridge behind me. At the Opera House On the cruise in Sydney

Harbour!

About to go under the bridge… Travelling through Sydney in

the motorhome. Missing school in Port

Macquarie. By the break wall in Port

Macquarie.

With Alice at the Big Banana,

Coffs Harbour. My first encounter with

Australian wildlife, kangaroos in the background.

My first Aussie Barbecue! Getting some sun before it got too hot!

Meeting a kangaroo at Australia Zoo!

A koala and me at Australia Zoo.

I hope he brushed his teeth! – A bit too close for comfort!

Alice writes:

RUAIRI MCCABE – WORLD IRISH DANCING CHAMPION:

Congratulations to Ruairi McCabe who has been acclaimed the 2012 World Irish Dancing Champion! Very well

done!

Book Exchange: Please send in your read books for our shelves! We have set up the book exchange, for

both adults and pupils. The shelves are in our link corridor, by the media suite, and in the school foyer. To take a book, [grown up and children’s books are available] we ask that you make a small donation to our collection – which will be used to fund new reading books for our library.

Daybreak have launched a nationwide campaign to Get Britain Reading! More information at: http://www.itv.com/daybreak/lifestyle/familiesandparenting/getbritainreading/

SACRED HEART FAMILIES AND SCHOOL TOGETHER - FAST - Registered Charity No. 1131994 BONUS BALL: If you are interested in joining in with the competition please either give your name and contact to Fr.

Michael or to the school office marked Bonus Ball - FAO Ann Blezard. (£1 per week-prize £25). We now have a few numbers available. Winning numbers: 18 – Saturday 7

th April / 40 – Saturday 14

th April.

NEXT FAST JIGSAW MEETING: To be arranged.

MUSIC MAGPIE: Clear Your Cupboards - Give us old CDs, DVDs & Games! We need your old CDs, DVDs and Games to raise money for Sacred Heart FAST! Each CD, DVD or Game donated to the cause raises 50p for FAST funds. Please look out for the posters and the drop

boxes which will be situated in school and church for any donations. Please note that CDs, DVDs or Games must have a barcode on the back and be complete with their sleeves. Music Magpie will not accept the free CDs/DVDs given out with magazines etc. [although school may find these useful for music in assemblies!] Please have a look at home and tell your friends and colleagues! The more CDs/DVDs/Games that Sacred Heart FAST collects, the more money we raise!

On April 1st

2012, Ruairi McCabe won first place in the Under-11 Boys Age Group at

the World Irish Dancing Championships in Belfast,

Northern Ireland. Ruairi competed against dancers

from Ireland, England, Scotland, America, Canada

and Australia to win this prestigious World Title. It is twelve years since any North West UK dancer won a world

title, and Ruairi is the youngest North West Champion to do so.

PLANNED FAST EVENTS: Ladies Night / Fashion Show – 26

th April, 7:30pm. (Parish Centre) To be re-arranged.

Astley Youth Brass Band / Sacred Heart Choir – Sunday 13th May 2012 – Church, 2:30-4:30pm. £5 adult tickets, all children free with

accompanying adults. Light refreshments. Tickets available from church / school.

Summer Ball – Friday 29th

June 2012 (Brookfield Masonic Hall). £25 cost, including 3 course meal – formal dinner dance. Tables can seat up to 10 guests. Tickets now on sale from church / school.

Y6 Leavers Party – Friday 6th July 2012. Mercury Motel. Details have been sent in separate letter to Y6 families. All returns by Friday

27th April 2012. Christmas Fair – Provisional Date: Sunday 2

nd December 2012.

SACRED HEART WALKING GROUP: Sunday 29

th April, 2pm. Beginners. Pennington Flash main car park / information centre. c.5km

/ 1.5-2hours. Reasonably level with some muddy areas. Boots & waterproofs needed. Saturday 19

th May, 10am, tbc. Advanced. Pen-y-Ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale.

Sunday 24th June, 2pm, tbc. Beginners / Intermediate. Rivington top car park.

For further information, or to register your interest or be included in update e-mails, please contact John Clare on 07740929051 or email Walks@ClareNSL.demon.co.uk

ST JOSEPH’S PENNY LENTEN COLLECTION: Please return your Caritas Diocese of Salford St Joseph’s Penny boxes to

the main office. Thank you.

WELCOME: On 30

th April we welcome Mrs Karen Pearce who has been appointed to the role of

Administrative Assistant. Mrs Pearce visited us this week to shadow Miss Southern in the office and get to grips with some of the duties of Administrative Assistant. RECEPTION PLACES – SEPTEMBER 2012: All place offer letters were sent out by the LA on

Monday. If you are concerned that you have not had your offer letter returned and have a child due to start in September, please telephone the Bolton switchboard [01204 333333] and ask for Pupil & Student Services. Our admission number for the 2012 cohort is 60 pupils. NATIONAL TESTS WEEK: Our Year 6 learners complete their National Curriculum Tests in the week beginning Monday 14

th May.

Level 6 tests will take place w/b 21st May. No absences during test periods are authorised. Other children also complete their summer

assessments during May. Please ensure that Y6 revision follows the pattern of the test days:

Monday 14/05: English Reading Test Wednesday 16/05: Mental Mathematics Test / Mathematics Test A Thursday 17/05: Mathematics Test B Friday 18/05: Science sampling papers A and B

Monday 21/05: Level 6 English Reading Test Tuesday 22/05: Level 6 Mathematics Test

Y6 English Writing tests will be administered during June. Y6 BREAKFAST CLUB: All Y6 children are invited to our breakfast club during test days, beginning at 8:15am. A range of cereals, and

toast with various spreads will be offered. This is a chance to power up each day for the chance to shine in the tests. SCHOOL MEAL SURVEY: Mrs Lonsdale, our school cook, would value parents completing the attached survey with their children. A paper copy has been sent home. SCHOOL MEALS: Summer Term 1 2012: £42.50. Cheques payable to BMBC. Please ensure that any changes to meal arrangements

are at the start / end of a half term as the kitchen orders in advance. SNACK: Summer Term 1 2012: £9.50 Cheques payable to BMBC.

Y5 MAKE £5 GROW:

Our Y5 project, ‘Make £5 Grow, sponsored by Virgin Money, is now almost complete – with a celebration planned later this month. Thank you to Mrs Grahovac and Virgin Money, and to Dene Films who have been filming each step of the project. This is our review of the enterprise initiative which culminated in our market stalls on 29

th March:

THE PROJECT

Y5 kids from Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School make money on the market! Virgin money gave each child a budget - £5.00 – and told them to make it grow. They sold their items to the open public, putting deals on and finding (even pinching) customers like professionals. They went through many activities which helped them to co-operate with each other: like putting together a business plan and many others. Read on to find out if they made a profit… or did they have a loss? The First Day

On the first day Virgin Money came into school and gave the kids their first challenge which was to make a bag. Each team had a budget of £5.00 and bought materials to make a bag. They designed a bag and made it together. They voted which bag was the best. The children learnt from this that they had to make a bag that other people like and will buy - not just themselves.

The Plan

The children worked as a team: to come up with a product; a brand name and a logo. Then they pitched their idea to judges in a Dragons Den competition and worked on their feedback to build up their business. After that, they were provided with folders and told how to make a business plan. Once they had done that they made posters to persuade people but were they persuaded? Trail Day

This was the moment to see if they had to go back to the drawing boards. This was the day to put their ideas into practise. The purpose of this was to see if their products were acceptable. Were they ready for the market day? The Finale

Would be they be a success or not? This was the day to find out. The money making youngsters were ready to face their challenge. They were so excited but scared at the same time. Read on to find out if they made a profit... The Profit or Loss?

The kids were scared but prepared for the results. The kids burst out with happiness when they found out that everyone made a profit! They jumped with joy and danced with glee shouting, “Can we do it again?” Feedback from Y5

Y5 have said it was an amazing experience and recommend it to other schools. They want other people to enjoy doing it just like them. They can’t wait for the celebration event. Zak Valentine from 5A quoted, “It was a brilliant experience for everyone!” If you wanted to change anything you could by having bigger groups or more than one market day.

The Project

First of all, the main objective was that each child from Year 5 has £5 from Virgin Money, part of Northern Rock, in January. They were put into groups – of 5-6 – to try and develop a business with the budget they had. As they gradually made and sold their creative products, they had to make sure they made a profit! (And not go in debt!) It was very hard work for all of the children to professionally advertise their products and make a business plan including a unique brand name as well. All of Year 5 from Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School was involved in this exciting event to help their co-operative, social, maths and English skills. Read on to see if they make £5 grow! The First Day

The hall was full of excitement when The Year 5 children were told, by Mrs Grahovac from Virgin Money that they were going to take part in this educational project. First, they told them they were going to try and make a unique, funky, fashionable bag with the budget they had. This was a trial to have a taste of what the real experience was like, only that the groups were all making the same products. The turnouts from the bags were creative and fascinating. Each group presented their bags, told everyone what the cost was, and what its purpose was in order to get a vote from the rest of the year 5 children. The experience was exhilarating for everyone as they had never witnessed this type of task before. They had a big job ahead of them… Read on to see if they make £5 grow! Planning time

Next, from Virgin Money, they got told to create a fantastic, catchy brand name, an exciting product that will sell fabulously to the general public and a great business plan explaining the cost of your products and your estimated profit too. They had a lot of reasonably hard work to do but they co-operated well and tried hard to get all of it done that day! Read on to see if they make £5 grow! Dragon’s Den

As they were developing their products, brand name and important business plans, they had been informed that they were taking part in an exciting dragon’s den! It was like the usual programme: There were 3 judges (known as the ‘Dragons’) and the children had to explain what their product was, what their brand name was and how their business plan will work. Then, the Dragons gave their opinion of the product and gave useful feedback to the Year 5 to expand on their idea. Finally, the dragons say “I’m in” or “I’m out” to the group so they can see if their idea is reasonable or not. This whole project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help children understand that business making is not so simple! Read on to see if they make £5 grow! Trial Day

By now, all of the groups had bought (or made) some of their products. The groups had come up with imaginative, artistic products: A group had thought to make T-shirts with their own special designs; a group had thought of making chocolate bars – which they had made themselves – of all taste (white, dark, milk); a group had thought of making canvases, drawn by themselves, to sell. They were just some of the products to sell on the market day. The room was silent, but full of apprehension as the anxious children worked on their products. What was going to happen? Read on to see if they make £5 grow! Market day

Suspense flowed around the classroom… Children’s hearts were beating loud and rapid… Each child stepped worriedly onto the bus that would take them to Bolton Market… Everybody was thinking one thing – Had they done enough? Eventually, the bus glided slowly into the car park and everyone hurriedly hustled out of the bus. As they placed themselves behind their tables, everyone was silent now. Let the fun begin! Suddenly, there was uproar as children socialized kindly to the open public, selling their products successfully. All through the exciting event, every child still thought one thing – had they done enough? Read on to see if they make £5 grow! Results Yes! Every group had made a profit. They don’t know how much yet, but they had made a profit. They are holding a celebration day

quite soon to thank all the children of Year 5 (and teachers) for their hard work in making and selling their amazing products. Wow!

Everyone was dancing with glee and shouting for joy when they knew that it was all over. They were relieved about no more worrying but pleading to do it again. “Amazing experience for everyone that can’t be done in the classroom!” said Mr Adam, teacher of class 5A. “Could we not just do it one more time?” asked a few of the children in Year 5. Year 5 have represented our school brilliantly in this trip. Well done Year 5!

STAFF PARKING: We remind our community that the car park by the office is strictly for staff and visitors only.

THIRST FOR CHANGE: A CAFOD leaflet with raindrop template will be sent home with each child tonight. Please return the raindrop

to school with a prayer for change written by you and your child. All raindrops will be displayed in our school prayer space. Please return by next week.

SHARE MEETINGS: Next week – 9am & 3pm, as below. All welcome.

Monday: Y6, Y5 / Tuesday: Y4, Y3 / Wednesday: Y2, Y1 / Thursday: Reception.

RADIO @ HEART: We invite you to suggest a name and create a logo image for our new radio station. We are also looking for some great ‘jingles’ to introduce the broadcasts. All entries

should be given in to Mr Tipton, our leader of connected learning. TRIPLE P – POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAMME: Please see the attached letter and the leaflet sent out from school today.

ICT: Our new green screen is set to add to our new portfolio of technology that will impact on teaching and learning throughout the school. Staff were trained by Mr Tipton this Monday in use of the green screen technology which will enhance our drama opportunities throughout the curriculum. Already, classes throughout the school have been using the screen, and creating their own video stories. On Monday, our children remembered the centenary of the Titanic disaster. Some green screen work, reporting on the titanic disaster, has

been uploaded to the cLc area.

I

TROUBLE AT T’MILL: Our drama group performed their production of ‘Trouble at t’mill’, retelling

the story of the 1812 Luddite burning of Westhoughton Mill, to a packed hall on Tuesday evening. Congratulations to Miss Middleton and Mr Adam who have led the budding actors over the last term, and well done to all who took part in the performance.

Comments included:

Just wanted to say what a wonderful production the children, Mr Adam & Miss Middleton put on last night. It was clear that you had all worked really hard and the end product was fantastic - congratulations and thanks to all those involved, including the local history group of course.

Super play and a very interesting local subject. Well done to everyone. Wonderful production. Superbly acted and sung by all cast. Excellent! Very well produced and performed. Very well done team! Miss Middleton & Mr Adam, thank you for all your hard work and for linking out to our local community. Actors – a brilliant performance and well worth the hard work! I thought the children were marvellous. The design set was reflective of the story and the script very well written. A lovely, war, relaxed atmosphere found here at Sacred Heart. Well done to all! Great play, bringing together the children and re-enacting an important historic event. Great singing – liked the ‘I set fire to the mill!’ First class – a credit to all that were involved! Fantastic theatre, wonderful acting, brill costumes and a really smart set. Well done to all involved. Well done to everyone! Another piece of history! Bravo! What an amazing production. Excellent! Well done to all the children and to Miss Middleton and Mr Adam. Fantastic performance and it was clear that everyone had put lots of hard work in and the children enjoyed it. A good example of community participation in the local school.

Some of our pupils will take part in the township bi-centenary event on Sunday. Please see the attached flyer. FURTHER OFSTED COMMENTS:

Please forward these comments to all the leadership team, governors and staff at Sacred Heart School. I have just returned from an overseas trip to read the outstanding Ofsted Report. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the staff and pupils at Sacred Heart School on this truly outstanding achievement. My husband and I have been delighted with our child’s progress at the school. We have always been fully confident that he was learning in a safe, warm and friendly environment rooted in the values of the Catholic faith. We are thrilled with their progress academically but equally pleased by their personal journey at Sacred Heart. Once again, many congratulations to everyone at the school. Y6 parent. Dear Mr Johnson and all the staff at Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School, We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on the outcome of the recent Ofsted Inspection. This result reinforces the hard work, commitment and effort shown towards our children and ultimately all the children in your care. We are proud to send our children to your school and you should all be delighted with your ‘outstanding’ grading from Ofsted. Keep up the good work and enjoy the Easter Holiday, you will all be ready for it. Kind regards, Y1 & Y3 parent.

TEACHING AWARDS: Yesterday, our school was visited by judges, Margaret Lund and Tony Maxwell from the teaching awards [previous winners of The Award for Lifetime Achievement], assessing our whole school team who are finalists in ‘The Award for Outstanding School Team of the Year’, in answer to the core question, ‘How do these team members work together to provide teaching and learning opportunities that inspire and engage pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential?’ They interviewed members of our staff team, pupils, parents, governors and LA, observed teamwork in lessons, examined documentary evidence and took part in a learning walk of the school. The judges encouraged further endorsements to be made using the ‘thank a teacher’ website. Our endorsement reads:

Category criteria Criteria questions

Opening statement

In one sentence, please tell us what makes this team stand out from the rest.

At Sacred Heart, our journey together matters, and our committed and cohesive staff team consistently ensure that our school is an innovating place where exciting opportunities are offered that makes our school stand out in our local community as a vibrant beacon of learning - where we are not top of league tables because of our catchment, but because our team continually tailor provision to meet the needs of our changing community of learners.

Background

Describe the team you have selected. Who is in the team and what are their roles?

What is the role of the school team that you are nominating for a Teaching Award?

Describe what they set out to achieve and how they achieved their vision and goals.

The whole school team at Sacred Heart, Westhoughton, have been nominated for the award of outstanding school team of the year. Our school is a growing school which has recently completed Phase 1 of expansion, and is due to become fully two forms of entry from September 2012. As the school has grown, and our new buildings facilitated a continued opportunity for innovation, our staff team has grown. Staff have not been appointed to ‘replace’ previous leadership roles (that were right for the school at a past date), but to add current, new and inventive aspects to our school which have impacted considerably on our provision for all groups of learners, inspiring them to achieve their potential in line with our whole school vision that all learners will ‘shine’. Examples of roles include: leader of connected learning – which has led to us being awarded twice with the UniServity learning platform award for excellence / online learning award – empowering all stakeholders to share a platform of communication from our youngest children and newest families to experienced leaders and governors; leader of sustainable schools, outdoor education and the global dimension – which has enhanced our mission to reach out in teaching gospel values in a concrete way to our pupils. We have actively engaged with people around the world – in Nepal and Palestine [via Skype, letters etc.] and hold regular global learning days. Our outdoor learning environment has developed children’s PSHCE skills and scientific understanding as they have built willow structures [such as our Viking longboat and wigwam] looked after our resident chickens and rabbits and grown crops, earning us the prestigious Natural England Bronze, Silver, Gold & Green standards in the Big Wildlife Garden, and the Royal Horticultural Society Campaign for School Gardening Levels 1-4 award, including the Alan Titchmarsh Award (our School Business Manager’s expertise at managing our risk assessment and safety procedures enables us to try out new ideas); our provision for the wider curriculum is enhanced by film days promoting drama and performance linked to and involving members of our local community; Our in-house coaching programme, led by our leader of coaching, ensures that every member of our team is supported in achieving excellence – all share their good practice and no one is left behind when new initiatives are developed – their staff and pupil advocates sharing skill with others. To maintain progress, our regular pupil progress meeting opportunities challenge the whole team to engage in conversation to accelerate improvement: our CVA has risen from 98.7 [2007] to a VA of 102.9 in 2011.

Our teaching and support staff, supportively challenged by an effective governing body, are integral links in the chain of enhancing our performance as a whole school team, ensuring that our purpose is clearly evidenced: we are the living flame and shine as we come, talk, work, walk and pray together… Our Investors in People

assessment in 2011 celebrated the effective team ethos that leads to rapid school improvement.

Teaching and Learning

How does the team improve teaching and learning? What is the added value they bring as a team?

Give full details of the team's action plan, including the creative elements.

What challenges had to be overcome?

Our school has extremely high, aspirational targets and this poses a continual challenge. In 2009-10 a major building programme meant that the school operated over two sites, with additional temporary classrooms on the main site. It would have been easy to allow the school team to become fragmented, or to allow build to become the priority over teaching and learning. Our International School Award framework ensured that team days united the school, that staff and pupils worked together throughout the year- and achieved record results. Our Headteacher takes an active role in teaching and coaching, working each day in Y6 sharing our strategies for modelling of writing. The move back to one site and a new and refurbished building needed staff to work quickly and effectively together at the end of the summer break to ensure teaching and learning could resume in the new term. The teamwork that was evidenced was outstanding. The new build energised our team and ensured that learning again reached an all-time high in terms of results.

Our team work together to improve teaching and learning – it is our priority. Our appointment process is rigorous – with written and practical tasks to ensure that the right person is appointed to our team. A range of stakeholders are central to this process. Through an effective leadership structure, and very good staff appointments, we make an impact. Our half-termly pupil progress meetings are both challenging and innovative. Staff come to their meetings – both individual and group – with an expectation that they will share ideas and initiatives that will further accelerate progress. The impact of support staff is identified, and future targets set. There is a mutual expectation that everyone will do their very best to ensure that everyone achieves. Sacred Heart has very high expectations of its staff and families – the pressure that this places on individuals is lessened by an effective team ethos, where each member of the team plays their part in ensuring success. Together, our team are outstanding – they are the pieces in the jigsaw puzzle that ensure all children’s learning styles are met. Our action plan for school improvement is a simple one, ensuring that all achieve their

potential. This year, we have taken aspects of teaching and learning, community and strategic leadership to develop that further our aims. One aspect has been to develop the role of the Arts in school – music, drama, creative writing, art & design. Our newly appointed Arts leader quickly gathered evidence and inspired our community to achieve ArtsMark in Spring 2012. Through effective coaching, our team continue to share good practice and adapt the practice seen elsewhere to our own particular needs.

In 2011, our school was placed 14th

in the Sunday Times top 100 schools. We have led the league tables in Bolton for the last three years. Our good practice in teaching and learning is shared with other schools throughout the authority and beyond.

Inspiring and engaging others

How did the team build rapport with and engage others?

What range of people and organisations were involved to achieve this team's vision?

Our school is a changing one – and in order to meet our ambitious targets for continuing improvement, we must purposefully access the support of others to both achieve and recognise success: Everyone needs a pat on the back as praise for their hard work. We have sought external validation for our work through various kite-marks which, through their detailed action plans, have promoted deep thinking in our team. This culture of praise and support, which is exemplified in our pioneering coaching programme [‘no staff member left behind’], is recognised by our L.A. school link professional, and we are regularly visited by other schools to share good practice.

During Autumn 2011, our Headteacher was seconded, part time, to the role of consultant Headteacher in a cluster primary school, becoming our Executive Headteacher. High impact structures already in place, and the hard work of our experienced Deputy, who became Acting Headteacher, supported by the whole staff team, ensured that the school continued to innovate whilst sharing its effectiveness with others. We have also led a cluster project, over two years, to share success in learning platform use with others. This has also led to us being contacted by schools from other LAs, who learn from our provision.

Because our staff also socialise together, and many are friends with one another out of school, they go the extra mile to ensure that everyone is supported and empowered to do their best in a challenging environment.

We take an open-minded approach to new ideas, and take off with key advocates before spreading this to others via our coaching and mentoring work. Professional development is important – and our staff training is clearly linked to the school’s priorities, and an effective balance is made between training led by carefully chosen external partners and our own staff. The impact of this training is evaluated as part of our regular, ongoing self-evaluation periods which reflect on the current picture of our school. All staff and stakeholders views are taken into account – and our self-evaluation evidence and forum on our learning platform are both visible to and contributed to by all.

We innovate to achieve our dream – that all reach their potential.

Outcomes and benefits

What was the impact of this team's work?

Have the outcomes matched or exceeded their original objectives?

What have been the benefits for the school community, stakeholders and others?

Describe the lasting effect of the team's work.

Our impact has been to create a dynamic and mutually-supportive team spirit within Sacred Heart School – that has had a striking impact on the quality of teaching and learning, evidenced through our RaiseOnline reports, other external validation, and our internal processes. Through sharing practice, this has also enhanced provision in other schools.

Our school family changes each year – and our plans must develop in line with this change. Our dream has been exceeded, but with a continual eye on the whole school vision - to ensure that potential does not only mean academic, but also personal and spiritual development. Our children are happy learners – and this is due to the dedication of our team who work with families to inspire our community. Our PSHCE leader recently spoke to the parish community, inspiring them to join us on our Fair Trade journey; and our work in achieving the Leading Parent Partnership Award recognised our interaction with parents before their children join us in Reception, engaging parents in family e-portfolio.

We regularly host beginning teachers who are inspired to reach our high expectation. Our reputation within the community and LA ensure that we attract high quality staff for potential vacancies, and that our stakeholders have great faith and pride in our school.

The lasting effect of our team is on one another, and on all members of our school family. The establishment of our team ensures that all stakeholders impact upon engagement, ‘because we are all special’.

Optional additional information

If there's anything you'd like to tell us about this nominee that doesn't fit within the above criteria then you can write it here.

In recognition of our success Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School has been successful in gaining many awards

including: UniServity Learning Platform Award for Excellence, UniServity Online Learning Award Runner up, Activemark, Natural England Big Wildlife Garden Bronze, Silver, Gold and Green standards, RHS Campaign for school gardening Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4, Healthy Schools, Leading Parent Partnership Award, Investors in People, Eco Schools Bronze & Silver, Inclusion Quality Mark, Artsmark, Nurture Environment Quality Mark Award, Rights Respecting School Level 1, FMSiS, Basic Skills Quality Mark III, and full International Schools Award. The Sacred Heart team deserve to be awarded the National Teaching Award for Outstanding School Team of the Year and invite further opportunity to share our evidence base and success.

THANK A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM: If you would like to thank a member of

our team at Sacred Heart, complete the form at http://www.teachingawards.com/thank_a_teacher_now , entering the text that you would like to appear as thanks. A thank you card will then be sent to them on your behalf. There is a link from the homepage of our cLc learning platform.

PASSION @ SACRED HEART: Thank you to the overwhelming support from our parents

and families who attended our passion journey from class to class, retelling the story of the Christ’s journey to Calvary, the Crucifixion and resurrection. Later this term we will celebrate the stations of the resurrection together.

OVER THE NEXT TERM: Provisional dates for the term ahead ~

SUMMER TERM 12012 – 58 days + 1 INSET day

16 APRIL

16/04: Summer Term begins. 16/04: Happy Birthday Mrs Auld! STLB 25: I know when to ask for help and who to ask for help from. 16/04: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am. 16/04: TITANIC DAY [CENTENARY 15 APRIL 2012]

16/04: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. ‘Green screens’ 17/04: 4C Mass, 9:30am. 17/04: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 17/04: Trouble at t’mill, performance, 6:30pm. 17/04: FAST Jigsaw Meeting, 7pm. 18/04: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 18/04: Whole School Team – teaching award assessment, 10am-1pm. 19/04: Y6 Masterclass, 3:45-4:45pm. 20/04; Y5 Bikeability – all day. Cycles needed. 20/04: 4C walk to Westhoughton library, 1:30pm. 20/04: 2B Assembly, 3pm. 21/04: Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. [All children will complete their image of the Queen earlier this week for The Bolton News competition.] 21/04: Session 5 of 6 - Sacramental Programme Catechist meeting with children, 9-10am, Parish Centre. 21&22/04: Mill burning bi-centenary events – see flyer. 21/04: Gary Parkinson Trust event, 7:30pm. Tickets still available – Tel: 07970 415607. 22/04: Earth Day 2012

23 APRIL STLB 26: I can recognise comfortable and uncomfortable feelings. 23/04: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am.

LIFTED Pupil Voice School Council, eco-warriors & fair trade meeting, 9:10am.

SHARE MEETINGS: (9am & 3pm)

M: Y6, Y5 T: Y4, Y3 W: Y2, Y1 T: R

PLANNED FIRE DRILLS

23/04: St George’s Day. 23/04: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 24/04: Y5 Mass, 9:30am. 24/04: Inclusion Quality Mark Award Presentation, London. [MJ/CP/JB] 24/04: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 25/04: 2pm Build Phase 2 meeting – PF/DL/MJ 25/04: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 26/04: Y6 Masterclass, 3:45-4:45pm. 26/04: Ladies Night / Fashion Show, 7:30pm. (Parish Centre) 27/04: MATHS INVESTIGATION DAY

27/04: ITQ Meeting, CS. 1:00pm. 27/04: Famous for a Fortnight, 3pm. 29/04: World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

30 APRIL

POD – COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK: Is your class using the composting bin?

STLB 27: I know how to help others when they are in trouble. 30/04: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am. 30/04: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 30/04: Governor Mark Training, 6pm, Castle Hill. 30/04: Sacramental Programme parents’ meeting 3 of 3, 7:30pm, Parish Centre. ‘Confirmation’ 01/05: Feast of St Joseph the Worker. 01/05: YR-Y6 May Mass, Church, 10am. 01/05: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 02/05: Happy Birthday Mr Davies! 02/05: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 03/05: Mr Tipton – outstanding use of technology – teaching award assessment, 9:30am. 03/05: Y6 Masterclass, 3:45-4:45pm. 04/05: 3/4M Assembly, 3pm.

7 MAY

07/05: May Day Bank Holiday – school closed. MAY THEME: We are all unique… STLB 28: I understand what trust means. 09/05: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am.

LIFTED Pupil Voice School Council, eco-warriors & fair trade meeting, 9:10am.

08/05: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 09/05: Westhoughton HT Cluster meeting, 8:30am. Venue TBC.

09/05: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 10/05: Y6 Masterclass, 3:45-4:45pm. 11/05: Famous for a Fortnight, 3pm.

14 MAY

NCT WEEK: [14-23 MAY 2012] REPORT DISCS FINALISED FOR TEACHER USE.

STLB 29: I try to forgive people when they hurt me. Y6 National Tests Week – Note break times may be disrupted by NCTs. Y3-Y5 Optional Tests Week

14-17/05: Y6 Breakfast Club, 8:15am. 14/05: No morning assembly. 14/05: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 15/05: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 16/05: Happy Birthday Mrs Bannister! 16/05: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 18/05: 1D Assembly, 3pm. 19/05: Session 6 of 6 - Sacramental Programme Catechist meeting with children, 9-10am, Parish Centre. 20/05: Ascension / World Communications Day.

21 MAY

L6 NCT WEEK: [14-23 MAY 2012] NQT/MENTOR MEETINGS 21-25MAY – WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION POD – 21/05: INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Whole school theme day - GREEN BRITAIN DAY Showcase sustainability work and invite parents and community to be greener too!

STLB 30: I try to accept forgiveness from others. 21-25/05: Education in Personal Relationships: ‘In the Beginning’ - booklets started. 21/05: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am.

LIFTED Pupil Voice School Council, eco-warriors & fair trade meeting, 9:10am.

21/05: Self-evaluation day & reports. 21/05: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 22/05: Happy Birthday Mr Derbyshire! 22/05: Y6 Mass, 9:30am. 22/05: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 23/05: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 24/05: Sacramental Programme Confirmation, 7pm, Church. 25/05: Famous for a Fortnight, 3pm. 26&27/05: Sacramental Programme First Eucharist at weekend Masses. 27/05: Pentecost.

28 MAY

LIFTED Super-Learning

Shine Week Y1 APP / Y3-Y5 QCA TESTS & RESULTS DATA TO BE SUBMITTED TO AHT: DATA MANAGER / MEDIA TECHNICIAN FOR SYSTEM ENTRY / QUESTION LEVEL ANALYSIS. CONFIRM CLASS STRUCTURE 2012-2013 WITH STAFF AND PROVISIONALLY ALLOCATE TEACHERS.

STLB 31: I know how to show I am sorry.

28/05: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am. Introduce Shine week.

28/05: All test results and papers to be handed in, 9am, to GM.

28/05: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 29/05: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 30/05: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm. 31/05: Olympic Torch travels through Westhoughton - from 4:30pm. Note that school children will be lining the street to welcome the Torch Relay to Westhoughton. 01/06: Olympic Torch leaves Bolton – early morning. Some children will take part in the ‘wave’ in Victoria Square, from 5am.

01/06: Shine Day! Hall in use all day.

01/06: Happy Birthday Mrs Owen! 02/06: Happy Birthday Mr Bilinkewycz! 02&03/06: Sacramental Programme First Eucharist at weekend Masses. 03/06: Trinity Sunday.

4 JUNE POD – 05/06:WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 08/06: WORLD OCEANS DAY

SUMMER HALF TERM 04/06: Spring Bank Holiday. 05/06: Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II [Jubilee Woods Project] 07/06: Happy Birthday Mr Tipton! 09&10/06: Sacramental Programme First Eucharist at weekend Masses. 10/06: The Body & Blood of Christ.

SUMMER TERM 2

11 JUNE

GROUP PUPIL PROGRESS MEETINGS OLYMPIC SCARECROW FESTIVAL & SONGS / RAPS / PERFORMANCE DANCES.

JUNE THEME: Being Jesus like… STLB 32: I understand the importance of peace. 11/06: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am.

LIFTED Pupil Voice School Council, eco-warriors & fair trade meeting, 9:10am.

11/06: Full Governing Body meeting, 1:30pm, school.

11/06: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 11/06: Governor Mark Training @ Castle Hill, 6pm. 12/06: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 12/06: New Intake Fair, 7pm – All staff to attend.

13/06: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 1:30pm. C4L OLYMPIC SCARECROW CELEBRATION WITH OLYMPIC RAPS / SONGS / PERFORMANCE DANCES [OPENING EVENT TO SPORTS DAY NEXT WEEK]

14/06: Trooping the Colour. 14/06: Happy Birthday Miss Southern! 14/06: Y6 Leavers’ Cathedral Mass, 10.30 a.m. 15/06: Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast Day. 15/06: Happy 21

st Birthday Mr Simpson!

15/06: 3H Assembly, 3pm. 17/06: Father’s Day.

18 JUNE

Kingswood weekend: 22-24JUNE POD – RECYCLE WEEK INCLUSION PROGRESS MEETINGS OLYMPIC SPORTS DAY SHARE: PVP MEETING FINAL REPORT SUBMISSION DATE

STLB 33: I know what human dignity means and I show that I respect others. 18/06: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am. 18/06: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 19/06: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 20/06: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 9am. 20/06: Summer Olympic Sports Day 21/06: First Day of Summer. 22-24/06: Kingswood Residential Visit, Y6. 22/06: Famous for a Fortnight, 3pm. 24/06: Birth of St John the Baptist. 24/06: Sacramental Programme Celebration Mass, 2pm, Church.

25 JUNE

MOVE UP DAY

STLB 34: I stand up for people who are being treated unfairly. 25/06: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am.

LIFTED Pupil Voice School Council, eco-warriors & fair trade meeting, 9:10am.

25/06: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 26/06: New Intake follow up session for non-attenders on 12/06.

26/06: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 27/06: Westhoughton HT Cluster meeting, 8:30am. Venue TBC. 27/06: Whole school move up day & new YR Intake Preview am/pm coffee morning / afternoon.

27/06: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3:00pm . 28/06: Reception End of year achievement service, 2pm. All welcome.

29/06: YR-Y6 SS. Peter & Paul Mass, Church, 10am. 29/06: 1B Assembly, 3pm.

2 JULY

INDIVIDUAL PUPIL PROGRESS MEETINGS APP GRIDS FINALISED & HANDED IN. SHARE: AWD REPORTS ISSUED NQT/MENTOR MEETINGS – END OF TERM FORMS COMPLETED.

JULY THEME: Love one another… STLB 35: I notice that we are the same and we are different. 02/07: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am. 02/07: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 02/07: Y6 Leavers’ Mass, school hall, 7pm. 03/07: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 04/07: Reception 2011-12 Intake preview sessions – morning / afternoon. 04/07: New Intake Parent cLc workshops – led by BT/CS – morning / afternoon sessions [media suite booked].

04/07: The Big Sing Collective Worship, 3pm 05/07: Leavers’ Assembly dress rehearsal, 1:45pm. 06/07: Y6 Leavers’ Assembly, 1:45pm. 06/07: Torch Relay final event, 7pm, Salford Cathedral. 08/07: Sea Sunday.

9 JULY

SHARE: OPEN DAY

STLB 36: I try to be accepting of others. 09/07: STLB Collective worship, 9:10am.

LIFTED Pupil Voice School Council, eco-warriors & fair trade review / presentation during assembly,

9:10am. 09/07: SIP MEETING 830AM – FINAL IN TERM – REVIEW RESULTS ETC. 09/07: Staff meeting, 4-5pm. 10/07: Y6 Leavers’ treat day! This may be after school – so please do not make arrangements for an early finish that day!

10/07: LMT meeting, 4-5pm. 11/07: Famous for a Fortnight end of year certificates, 3pm. 12/07: YR-Y6 End of Year & Leavers’ Mass, 10am. 12/07: Whole School End of Year Assembly, 1:30pm. 12/07: Summer Term ends, 2:15pm 13/07: INSET day 5. 14/07: Emmeline Pankhurst Day. 15/07: Happy Birthday Miss McGlade! 15/07: St Swithun’s Day.

16 JULY SUMMER BREAK 06/08: Transfiguration of the Lord. 10/08: Happy Birthday Mrs Parkinson! 12/08: Happy Birthday Mrs Snape! 15/08: Assumption of the BVM. 18/08: Happy 50

th Birthday Mrs Hudson!

19/08: Happy Birthday Miss Bukhari! 27/08: Summer Bank Holiday

Thank you for your continued support as we together.

Yours sincerely,

Mªa [Œt[i[n JªŠh[n¡]on Catherine Parkinson

Hâ]a]d[·e]a]c[«e[r Deputy Headteacher

PHOTO STORY:

BULLETIN – 08/04/2012:

BULLETIN - 15/04/2012:

KITCHEN SURVEY:

MAYORAL SUNDAY:

TRIPLE P:

Date: 16/4/12

Behaviour Support Service

Children’s Services

Roscow Fold Centre

Stephens Street

Brieghtmet

Bolton

BL2 5DX

Tel: 01204 338133

Fax: 01204 337495

www.bolton.gov.uk

Dear Parent

Triple P Group Programme – Positive Parenting Programme

I am writing to you regarding the above parenting programme that will be running at Sacred Heart Primary School beginning Monday

23rd

April 2012 from 1.30 – 3.30pm. Triple P looks at all different aspects of effective parenting and helps to equip parents with a

number of tools and strategies to use with their children in everyday situations that promotes positive behaviour and also deal with any

challenging behaviour parents may come across from time to time. Triple P is for all parents.

If parents are interested in participating in the programme please let the school office know of your interest and we will register you

on the programme. Please also note there is a maximum of 16 places available on the programme, which will be given on a first come,

first served basis.

If you have any queries regarding the Triple P Programme please contact me on the number given above and I will try and answer any

questions you may have.

Yours sincerely

Danny Maher

Danny Maher

Support & Development Manager

Cluster 5 & 6

Behaviour Support Service

Direct Line: 01204 338133

Direct Fax: 01204 337495

E-mail: daniel.maher@bolton.gov.uk