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MAY 24TH2013

FOR PARENTS, CARERS, FAMILIES & PARISHES

S2 Paris TripS2 pupils Ann McGiffen, Hannah Iles, Zara Ainsworth and Lucy Williamson look back on another successful trip (pic above right).

On Thursday 2nd May, 58 overly-excited second year pupils set off on a fabulous adventure to the beautiful city of Paris. The bus journey was long and tiring but it was definitely worth it.

We had arrived in Paris and, despite being utterly exhausted, got off to a great start. On a dazzling boat ride down the River Seine, that first night, we got the chance to view great sights such as the lock bridge, the sparkling Eiffel tower and many beautiful buildings.

On Saturday we went to the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Once we were all inside we gazed in wonder at the breathtakingly beautiful architecture, statues and stained-glass windows. We wandered down the pulchritudinous streets until we were at the Louvre and then strolled down the Jardin des Tuilenies, where

we reached the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. After that we made our way to the impressive Sacre Coeur.

After a quick dinner at the hotel we headed off towards the Eiffel Tower. When at the top of this grand tower we saw admirable views of the ‘city of love’ at night.

On Sunday, our 3rd day in the city, we delved into the Magical Kingdom of Disney, a land filled with faith, trust and pixie-dust.

As we journeyed back in time to our childhood, we found ourselves on an epic adventure with Buzz and Woody, soaring with Peter Pan and Falling down the rabbit hole with Alice on the fantastic rollercoasters and rides.

That night we visited the Montparnasse tower which is the tallest office block and has the fastest lift in France. From the top there were stunning views.

Once back at the Fiap Centre we had a sing-song with Mr Cairns and some pupils singing.

On Monday, sadly our last day in Paris, we got up extremely early and piled onto the coach. We made our way to the Stade de France; a magnificent athletics stadium where we learned lots of fun facts and played awesome games. On our way back we stopped to explore a large French shopping mall, before beginning the long journey home.

Paris was a great experience and we would all love to go back again: our thanks to all the staff who organised and ran the trip, especially Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Wilson.

UNISON can help with school uniform costs

UNISON's welfare charity, There For You, has set up a limited fund to help with school uniform costs with a one-off payment of up to £120, and is now accepting applications from members on low incomes. To apply, and to find out if you may be eligible, download the application form or contact your UNISON branch. Please submit completed application forms by 5 July 2013. For further information on this – please contact Branch Office by email or 01563 554580.

INSPIRE AND TRANSFORM

Ben Davis,Acting Headteacher

Grassyards RdKilmarnockKA3 7SL

01563 526144

www.saintjosephsacademy.co.ukTwitter: @StJoAcad

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND PICTURE SPECIAL: A THURSDAY AFTERNOON WALK AROUND THE SCHOOL Some images to ponder over the long

weekend. Parents and carers are always welcome to

come and look around the school. If you had been here on Thursday May 16th you might have seen (clockwise

from top left) muddy and tired S3 mountain bikers returning; Advanced Higher artwork in progress; displays

in English; three displays in the Modern Languages department; and a group of S1 pupils getting to grips

with enterprise and finance in the school shop.

ECUADOR NEWS

Irish Night Saturday 11th May

Our Ecuador group played host to a Cois Tine (pronounced cosh chinnay). There was a fantastic turn out and a great night was had by all. We heard from singers, story tellers and musicians, both in Irish Gaelic and English. We also enjoyed some Irish and Scottish Ceilidh dancing. Our pupils received great praise from all involved, emphasising how polite, sociable and helpful they all were. Many of the people who attended had only recently heard of our Ecuador project, and were very keen to be involved. We are very grateful to all who attended, raising £460 for the trip to Ecuador. Between this and the recent Race Night we have raised over £2000 - more of the Race Night next issue.

Martin Aelred Concert for EcuadorRenowned singer Martin Aelred will be performing at St. Joseph’s to raise funds for Ecuador on August 31st. Information about tickets to follow.

The postponed sponsored walk will now take place on June 7th in the evening.

U-18s miss out in Ayr

The Ayrshire Cup final against Kyle resulted in a 7-2 defeat for St. Joseph’s at Dam Park last Friday night. Despite goals from Declan Adam and Sean Robinson (and a plucky penalty save from ‘keeper Jordan Platt) Kyle Academy overwhelmed the St. Joseph’s defence to take the title.

We remain proud that the team made it to the final and that they will shortly take on Stewarton the East Ayrshire Cup final. We will keep you posted with details as they become available.

Behn runs for charity

S3 pupil Behn Kerr recently competed in a 10K race to raise funds for MND Scotland: the motor neurone disease charity. Behn not only clocked up an impressive 51’ time, but raised £220. You can still donate on the MND website if you wish to support Behn.

St. Joseph’s Fun Run

Wednesday June 26th will see pupils, staff, parents and any other keen participants take to the track for our Fun Run. Entry details and arrangements available from PE.

Home Room Weekly Reflection: The Month of Mary

In the Church’s Year, May has been called the month of Mary”. In our prayer we can think of the times that Jesus’ Mother is mentioned in the Gospels as she supports her Son. We pray: Mary, chosen by God, you believed the angel’s message and became the Mother of Jesus. You welcomed shepherds and wise men:

Pray for us, Mary, that Jesus may live in us. Mary, you were beside Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana, and you noticed that the servants were worried that the wine was running out. You told them to do whatever Jesus would ask of them, and then he changed water into wine in jars that the servants had filled to the brim: Mary, ask your Son to fill us with the Holy Spirit.Mary, your love met Jesus, your Son, as he suffered on the cross: Mary, in your love, support us as we carry our crosses in daily life. Mary, you stayed with the friends of Jesus, waiting for the Holy Spirit to change their lives at Pentecost: Mary, wait with us and our families and friends so that we, too, may receive all the promises of Jesus, your Son. Amen.

PARISH MASS TIMES St. Matthewʼs: 10.00 am, Fr. Chambers ! ! St. Josephʼs: 6.00 pm (vigil), 11.00 am Fr. LathamSt. Michaelʼs: 12.00 noon, Fr. McGhee ! ! Our Lady of Mount Carmel: 9.00 am, Fr. McGheeSt. Paulʼs: 9.30 am, Fr. Lawson ! ! ! Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Patrick: 6.00 pm (vigil), Fr. McGrattanSt. Sophiaʼs: 11.30 am Fr. Lawson ! ! St. Thomas the Apostle: 9.00 am, Fr. McGrattanOur Lady & St. John: 6.00 pm (vigil), Fr. Chambers !St. John the Evangelist: 10.45 am, Fr. McGrattan

CalendarMay 27th Bank HolidayMay 28th S3 Diploma of Achievement awards evening, 7 pmJune 2nd Caritas Award CeremonyJune 6th SQA exams finishJune 6th & 7th S5/6 returnJune 9th Enspire FestivalJune 19th Sports DayJune 20th P7 Parents’ Evening 7 pmJune 19th - 21st P7 InductionJune 25th S1/2 awards

SQA Exam Timetable

Here is a list of forthcoming exams for S4 - S6. If, during exam leave, you feel that your son or daughter requires special arrangements due to injury or a change in their circumstances, please contact the school immediately. The full timetable can be accessed on the SQA website: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/ExamTimetable2013.pdf

24.05 Administration (Higher) 31.05 Chemistry (Intermediate and Higher)27.05 Physics (all levels) 03.06 No exams28.05 Computing (all levels) 04.06 Physical Education (Intermediate and Higher)29.05 French (all levels); Product Design (all levels) 05.06 Spanish & Art and Design30.05 Geography S5/6 pupils return to school after study leave on June 6th and 7th for two days of induction.