To: Chairmen of Governing Bodies of Roman Catholic Schools in the Diocese of
Westminster
Cc: Headteachers

NB Items marked * do not apply to independent schools

10 January 2000

Diocesan Year Book - erratum

The Diocesan Year Book for the year 2000 has been published and is available from
Catholic bookshops. Please note that Mrs Pamela Singh, the headteacher of Pope
John School, White City was omitted in error from the list of members of the
Education Board printed on page 18.

Discerning the Spirit

The subtitle of this booklet published by the Culham College Institute is 'Teaching
Spirituality in the Religious Education Classroom.' It is written by Andrew Wright
and is a summary of a bigger research project carried out for the All Saints Trust at
Kings College. Single copies cost £6 (inc. p&p) - cheques payable to CEM and sent
to CEM, Royal Buildings, Victoria Street, Derby DE1 1GW.
(For bulk orders ring 01235 520458.)

CCRS Study Day

The next CCRS study day is on Saturday 13 May 2000 at Vaughan House. The topic
is Morality, and will begin at 10am. It will be led by Julie Clague from St Mary's
University College, Strawberry Hill. Prior registration is preferable but new students
are welcome on the day. Module fee is £15 (£6.50 study day only).
(Contact Moira Wilson on 020 7798 9006.)

Education Sunday

Education Sunday is on 20 February 2000. The theme is 'Time to Learn'. The
Catholic Education Service (CES) will be sending out details to all schools by the end
of January.
(More information from the CES on 020 7828 7604.)
 
 
 

Sixth Form RE

An afternoon meeting for Heads of RE was held on Thursday 13 January 2000 and a
report on it will be circulated to all Headteachers, with guidance on time allocation,
syllabus and approach, for both General 6th Form RE and AS and A levels in
Religious Studies. For further information contact Anthony Clark on 020 7798 9006.

Diocesan Conference for Primary Deputy Headteachers.

This conference takes place on 7 and 8 of February 2000 at All Saints, London
Colney. The draft timetable and application forms have already been sent to all
primary schools and applications should be returned by Friday 21 January 2000. For
further information contact Carol Campbell-Goulbourne on 020 7798 9005.

Diocesan Conference for Primary Headteachers.

This conference takes place on 16 and 17 March at All Saints, London Colney. The
draft timetable and application form are enclosed with this mailing. Please return
them by Friday 18th February 2000.
(For further information contact Margaret Sheldon on 020 7798 9006.)

Diocesan Conference for Secondary Deputy Headteachers 29 February/1 March

Information on this conference, at which Professor Bernard Crick is the key speaker,
has already been sent to schools.
(Application forms and deposits should be submitted to Joan Leith at Vaughan House
as soon as possible.)

Diocesan Twilight Course on Leadership in St Anne’s House, London Colney
Spring Term 2000

This course has been postponed due to the low uptake of places. It is proposed to run
the course on Monday evenings from Mon 8 May to Mon 19 June 2000 inclusive at St
Anne’s House. Those who have reserved places for the postponed course will receive
fuller information by letter very soon. Schools are advised that this course will be
offered again at Vaughan House in the autumn term, 2000.
(Further information from Joan Leith on 07944 168004 or jleith@breathemail.net)

Consultation and Symposium

Over 1000 replies were received by the Department of Education and Formation of
the Bishops' Conference. Thank you to all those who replied in Westminster. In late
January there will be press release about the consultation, giving details of some of
the main strands that emerged. The symposium of the Bishops, RE Advisers and
teachers takes place from Sunday 30 January to Tuesday 1 February.
(Contact Anthony Clark on 020 7798 9006).
 
 
 

Exploring the Catholic Church

A set of eight video talks on the Catholic Church, the Mass and the Sacraments has
recently been made. The speaker is Dr Marcellino d'Ambrosio, a lay theologian from
the Catholic University of Dallas, Texas. They are a useful and attractive resource for
work both with teachers and 6th formers. Cost £10 each or £60 for a full set.
(Further details and a free 15 minute 'promo' video can be obtained from Catholic
Evangelisation Services 01727 823803, fax 01727 822837.)

Some dates to note.

The following conferences and courses have been booked at All Saints, London
Colney.

2000
29 Feb/1 March Secondary deputy Heads Conference
27 June Primary RE Co-ordinators' Day
8/9 November Heads of RE (Secondary) Conference
21-24 November East Region Course for Aspiring Headteachers

2001
16-19 January East Region Course for Aspiring Deputies
5/6 February Primary Deputy Heads Conference
15/16 March Primary Heads Conference
26 June Primary RE Co-ordinators Day
8/9 November Heads of RE (Secondary) Conference

Hertfordshire County Council Standards Panel.

Hertfordshire County Council is setting up a Standards Panel comprising County
Councillors and independent members to investigate and advise on matters of
propriety and the regulation of the conduct of elected members.
(For an information pack, application form or informal discussion, contact Ron
Coxall, Assistant County Secretary, on 01992 555540)

WDES Guidance on the Appointment of Staff. *

General guidance on the appointment of staff will be issued to headteachers and
governing body chairmen under separate cover within the next few weeks. In the
meantime, you are reminded that preliminary advice on appointments was given in
Bulletins 04/99 and 06/99, available in the Schools Administration Dept pages on
http://www.westminsterdiocese.org.uk

Secondments. *

As many of you will know, from time to time it is necessary to seek volunteers to
serve as acting head or deputy headteachers in schools where there is no substantive
post holder. Both the circumstances and the skills needed to fill the positions vary
greatly. Under the current arrangements, individuals are invited to fill secondments,
often at very short notice and under difficult circumstances.

Those not invited to fill temporary positions may feel that this process is not
sufficiently open and that they are being over-looked. Applications are therefore
invited, in confidence, from teachers currently holding senior positions in schools
with an interest in being considered for secondment. The application should be in the
form of a short letter setting any geographical or time limits and indicating whether
approval-in-principle has been offered by the governing body. An application from a
teacher other than a headteacher must be endorsed in principle by the headteacher.
(For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Ian Beck on 020
7798 9005.)

Building Work at Voluntary Aided Schools. *

Guidance on important changes in the mechanism for funding building work at
voluntary aided schools is enclosed.
(For further information, please contact David Squires on 020 7798 9005).

End.