Westminster Diocese Education Service

WDES BULLETIN 6/97

28 October, 1997.

Dear Colleague,

1. Change of Date - Primary Headteachers' Annual Conference

The dates of the Primary Headteachers' Conference have been brought forward by one day - the new dates are Tuesday 5 May - Wednesday 6 May 1998. The reason for the change is that Thursday 7 May 1998 is polling day in many areas of London, and a number of schools are affected in one way or another. (For further details contact Sr Patrice on 0171 798 9005.)

2. Study Day for CCRS

The next CCRS study day is on Saturday 17 January 1998 at Vaughan House. The topic is The Sacraments - module 5. The day is from 10am to 4pm. We prefer students to register in advance - phone Moira on the number given below - but will always accept registrations on the day. The following study day is on Morality - module 6 and is being held on Saturday 9 May 1998. The first study day of the autumn is on Saturday 19 September 1998. A 'flier' is enclosed (for headteachers) for display. (For further details contact Moira Wilson on 0171 798 9006.)

3. Bible Course - Newman College

It may be rather too far for regular attendance - but an outstanding biblical background course is being offered at Newman College, Birmingham, with support from the Higher Education Council. Some financial help is available. The lectures are on Monday evenings, once or twice a month, until June 1998. The 1997/98 series is called The Bible and its Cultural Expression. Further details from Martin O'Kane on 0121 476 1181 ext 234.

4. New Westminster Interfaith director.

Alfred Agius has been appointed by the diocese to replace Br Daniel to lead Westminster Interfaith. In the first issue of the Westminster Interfaith newsletter published since Alfred took over he includes the sentence 'It is almost impossible to pay adequate tribute to my predecessor Br Daniel Faivre.' In wishing Alfred all the best in his new role, one agrees with him in his tribute to the great contribution made by Br Daniel and we wish him all the best in his retirement. (Alfred can be contacted on tel/ fax 0181 570 8639 and on email at AAgius@aol.com.)

5. General Catechetical Directory

A new edition of the General Catechetical Directory has been published recently by the Vatican. The English translation is to be published later in November by the CTS. The importance of this document for schools lies in the fresh thinking it contains concerning the evangelising and catechising role of the Catholic school. A summary of important paragraphs will be contained in future newsletters, as well as relevant points bought back by our bishops after their recent ad limina visit to Rome. (For further details contact Anthony Clark on 0171 798 9006.)

6. Education Sunday

The date of Education Sunday next year is Sunday 8 February 1998. Its theme is 'Timeless Stories - Parable and Proverbs - Myths or Memories. Everyday stories for all people.' It would be good if schools put a note in their diary to plan something in the week starting Monday 2 February 1998. . (For further details contact Anthony Clark on 0171 798 9006.)

7. Primary Deputy Headteachers' Annual Conference

The dates of the conference are Tuesday 3 February to Wednesday 4 February 1998 at All Saints, London Colney. The theme is Developing our Celebrating Community and the main speaker is Sr Catherine Darby. Other speakers include Sr Jane Maltby and Fr Pat Browne. The application forms will be sent to all primary schools in the week beginning 8 December 1997 and the deadline for receipt of all applications is Friday 23 January 1998. (For further details contact Sr Patrice on 0171 798 9005.)

8. Discussion Leaflets, Harvest, Advent and Christmas, 1997.

A flyer is enclosed is about the leaflets for discussion groups available for the coming seasons. (For further details contact Margaret Sheldon on 0171 798 9006.)

9. The Storykeepers

The teachers' guide to the Storykeepers videos shown earlier this year on ITV is now available. It is by Diana Lazenby of the Culham College Institute. ITV are considering showing the thirteen episodes again as they received evidence of a greatly increased audience during their screening on Sunday mornings earlier this year. As well as giving ideas on how the videos may be used in both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 teaching schemes, the book contains the detailed list of all the gospel stories in The Storykeepers including a scheme of how they fit into the liturgical calendar. (The guide costs £6.99 and is available from Cassell plc on 01202 665432.)

10. Youth Sunday - 23 November 1997

Youth Sunday is celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King. The theme this year is Disability. Each parish has been sent a pack by the Catholic Youth Service to help it find ways of celebrating it. The booklets in the pack contain a) ideas about preparation for Youth Sunday, b) possible texts for use in the liturgy that day, c) and on-going youth work during the year. (Further enquiries to Moira Wilson on 0171 798 9006.)

11. New book by Kevin Nichols

Many will remember the seminal works of Fr Kevin Nichols when he was national RE Adviser in the late 70's and early 80's, especially Cornerstone and Orientations. His new book is called Refracting the Light. It is essentially a book for Adult Christian Education but contains many insights which teachers could apply in many subjects. It is published by Lindisfarne Books on 01926 451730 at £9.99.

12. Preparing a Sex education policy.

A useful new book has been published aimed at helping schools prepare both their Sex Education policy as well as giving guidance on the content of the school's programme. Its title is Education in Personal Relationships - towards writing a school policy by Sr Maura McMenamin and it is published by Matthew James 1997. It costs £5 (add £1.50 for postage and packing) and the publisher can be contacted on 01245 347710.

13. DfEE VASA Building Grant Guide. *

One of the consequences of a change of headteacher or governing body chair (or both simultaneously) is that a source of wisdom and experience is lost. Recent enquiries to both the Schools Administration Department and the Property Services Department suggest that one such example is access to the detailed information provided in the DfEE publication VASA Building Grant Guide: A Guide to Grants for Building Work for Governors of Voluntary Aided and Special Agreement Schools. ('The Blue Book'). This manual of guidance was published in July, 1995 and a copy was circulated to each school by the DfEE. It is the essential reference document for information on making changes to the school, arranging building repair work/reclaiming grant and the annual capital bidding round. If the manual is not readily to hand, enquiries should be made as to its whereabouts, since replacements are not generally available. As with the manual's precursor, the May, 1988 'Blue Book', copies may become increasingly rare. (Further Enquiries to John Button on 0171 798 9000)

Youth Sunday is on the feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of November. All of us here in the Education Service share with you our vision that Christ is the light of the world, especially for the young and are with you in your Advent preparations for His coming at Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Mackersie - Director Schools Administration Department

Anthony Clark - DirectorRE & Catechesis Department