5 June 1998.

Dear Chairman,

A copy of the advertisement for a conference on this subject, to be held in Manchester on 15 July, 1998 is enclosed for secondary headteachers and principals only.

It has long been the case that the governing bodies of voluntary aided and grant maintained schools have had the need to hold private funds in an account quite separate from those concerned with public funds. Monies have either been collected as part of an organised fund-raising campaign, such as the Diocesan School Building fund or for a specific purpose, such as the reception of grant aid from the DfEE. Casual donations which schools receive from time too time have also augmented such accounts.

The need for governing bodies to have in place a properly agreed procedure for the administration, disbursement and audit of such funds is of great importance. Not simply because there is an increased climate for proper accountability, but also because Inland Revenue regulations are becoming more stringent.

There is also a requirement to include in the Annual Report to Parents details of the income the school has received from fundraising or donations.

We are pleased to announce the following appointment as headteacher:

Maureen Donnelly, formerly deputy headteacher St Vincent de Paul, Westminster.(w.e.f. 1/9/98)

You will already be aware that as part of the government’s agenda to raise standards in schools, it has included provision in the School Standards and Framework Bill for the creation of Education Action Zones. Each zone would in effect be a cluster of schools working under the direction of an Education Action Forum that will have analogous powers to a governing body. It is most likely that such zones will be created by existing LEAs or by "private providers". It will be for a school’s governing body to decide whether to participate or not in such a scheme. However, it is already clear that governing bodies will have to surrender some of their duties and responsibilities to the Action Forum which would have day to day control over all participating schools.

Whilst there can be little to be said against the idea of our schools collaborating with others in the sharing of good practice and the raising of standards, there are several pitfalls in the proposed scheme, not least the weakening of our hard won right to conduct our schools in accordance with the Church’s mission. Should you be invited to consider participation in such a scheme, would you please consult with Tony Mackersie prior to making any decision.

The study day, which begins the new cycle of the CCRS, is on the Old Testament on Saturday 19th September 1998 at Vaughan House. The day begins at 10am, ending 4pm. It costs £15.00 for a module but £6.50 for the day only. Registration is possible on the day but advance booking is preferable. A poster for the staff room noticeboard is enclosed. (Contact Moira Wilson on 0171 798 9006 for further details and booking form.)

A letter is enclosed to all Primary Headteachers asking them to express a preference with regard to the date and theme etc of next year's Primary Headteachers’ conference. Please return the tear off slip to Mr Anthony Clark at Vaughan House. A return envelope is provided.

The Education Board has approved the new guidelines on Education for Personal Relationships and a copy is enclosed. In the coming twelve months or so when the Governors / Headteacher reviews the school's sex education policy, it is important to ensure that the school policy is updated in accordance with these guidelines. For further details contact Anthony Clark on 0171 798 9006.

As mentioned in the above guidelines, there is a new publication from the CES entitled Education for Love. The book is primarily aimed at encouraging and helping teachers, and other educators, in their understanding of and reflection on the Church's moral teaching on education for love. It costs £4.50 (plus £1 p&p) from the CES. To order, contact the CES on 0171 828 7604.

The homepage of Cardinal Hume has now been completed and is available on the World Wide Web. Many of his homilies and talks are available to download and print out. Extracts from them can be particularly useful in reflecting with staff and Governors on the challenges facing us today. The address of the site is http://www.westminsterdiocese.org.uk

To help headteachers in setting dates for the next academic year, and with a view to maximum participation in key diocesan conferences, the green sheet enclosed gives the dates of diocesan conferences and inter-diocesan inservice. Details of the latter have already been sent to schools but there may still be some vacancies for those teachers looking towards headship or deputy headship as the next career move. Further details from Joan Leith on 0171 798 9005

Joan Leith has now joined the steering committee for NPQH at the Institute of Education and is anxious to establish or retain links with teachers undertaking or planning to embark upon this programme of studies at the Institute or other centre.

Joan Leith would welcome the help of headteachers in compiling information on the resources available in our schools for children with physical disabilities. The enclosed pink form is intentionally brief to encourage the maximum returns, (including nil returns, please,) to Joan Leith at Vaughan House.

Hungarian students aged 14-16 years, seeking to improve their English language, would like to stay with English families for 7-10 days in summer, 1999. They would appreciate practice in English, with some sight seeing in London. In return, they offer the opportunity to experience the rich, historical Hungarian culture.

14. Advice to Schools and Colleges on Property Related Issues.

 

On 2 April 1998, the Chairman of the Education Board, Bishop Nichols wrote to chairmen of governing bodies of schools in diocesan trusteeship explaining the mechanisms for providing technical support for schools in future. Attached to this letter was a Service Specification detailing the service to be offered by the recommended technical consultants.

 

The letter was copied to headteachers. It appears, however, that this important letter has not been received. May we please request that headteachers and chairmen check with each other that the letter was received and, if it was not, contact Greeny Longville, on 0171 798 9005, to request a duplicate.

 

15. Joint WDES/LDBS Governor Training Programme, Autumn Term, 1998.

Please find attached a copy of the autumn programme, which should be brought to the attention of all governors. Please note that all administrative arrangements for these sessions are undertaken by the LDBS.

Requests for bespoke sessions for individual governing bodies, deaneries, areas or other appropriate groupings should be directed to Joan Leith on 0171 798 9005.

Yours sincerely,

 Anthony Mackersie   Director, Schools Administration Department

Anthony Clark Director, RE & Catechesis Department.