WESTMINSTER DIOCESE EDUCATION SERVICE

Registered Charity Number 233699

WDES Bulletin 5/98

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^th July 1998.

Dear Chairman,

1. Training Course RE Inspectors - Autumn 98

Many of our headteachers, heads of departments and RE co-ordinators have gained additional experience and brought benefit to the schools of the Diocese, by assisting with the inspection of religious education on behalf of the Cardinal.

It is proposed to hold another training course for Section 23 (RE) primary and secondary inspectors, in conjunction with the Brentwood Diocese, at All Saints Pastoral Centre on 12th and 13th October 1998. Further information and an application form are obtainable from: Patrick Topp, Westminster Diocese Education Service, Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London, SW1P 1QN. Tel. 0171 798 9005.

2. Professional Development and Inservice 1998/99

Headteachers are reminded to alert their staff that inservice for those teachers looking towards leadership posts in Catholic education is available as follows:

September/October Westminster Diocese Twilight Course on Tuesday evenings at Vaughan House 'Leadership in Catholic Schools'

November 10-13th Interdiocesan four day residential course at London Colney 'For those Aspiring to Headship of a Catholic School'

January 18-21th Interdiocesan four day residential course at London Colney 'For those Aspiring to Deputy Headship of a Catholic School'

Teachers planning to move towards leadership posts in the coming year should be alerted to the fact that the above courses are provided but once in the school year. Information on the above has already been sent to schools. Interested staff should contact Joan Leith on 0171 798 9005 for further details and information on the availability of places.

3. Preparing for the Holy Year

On the RE and Catechesis website, there is now a page with information and links relating to the our preparation for the Millenium. The logo and its description is available on the Vatican website. The address is http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/wdes/

4. Primary Headteachers Conference

The outcome of the consultation over the date for the Primary Headteachers conference next year was a substantial majority for the 11^th and 12^th March 1999, and that is now confirmed as the date. The date for the 5 area representatives to meet with the RE advisers to plan the conference is Tuesday 8^th September at 2pm at Westminster House, Hendon.

5. Primary RE Coordinators Study Days

The dates of the two identical Primary RE Coordinators study days next year have also been finalised. The day held in Central London is Tuesday 15^th June 1999 and the one held at London Colney is Wednesday 16^th June 1999. Coordinators are free to attend either.

As we approach the end of the school year, we wish you and all your staff a well deserved and refreshing holiday. In the autumn term at Advent we begin the final year leading up to the 2000^th year since the Incarnation, and we are called anew to translate and transmit the Good News.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Mackersie Director, Schools Administration Department

Anthony Clark Director, RE & Catechesis Department.