Year 7 Pilgrimage to St. John S Cathedral, Portsmouth, Monday, June 13Th, 2016

Our Ref MS/KSI/DMB 16 May 2016

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 7 Pilgrimage to St. John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, Monday, June 13th, 2016

Pope Francis has declared this year a special Year of Mercy where all Catholics are encouraged to go on pilgrimage to their Diocesan Mother Church. As a response to this call and as part of their RE Syllabus ‘The Pilgrim Journey’ the RE department are organising a pilgrimage for all Year 7 students to St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth. This will take place on Monday 13th June 2016. The students will be accompanied by their head of year; cohort leaders; tutors; RE teachers; and support staff. We will travel by coach, departing at 9.30am and returning by 1.30pm, in time for lunch.

Whilst at the Cathedral, the students will study the Cathedral by undertaking a variety of activities. They will be provided with an activities booklet to help them come to a greater understanding of the history and functions of our Cathedral. Alongside staff from Oaklands, the students will be supported in their search by the Cathedral staff. We will be aided by one of the priests who resides at the Cathedral. During the morning, the students will have a break, and refreshments will be provided. If they wish to bring additional break time food, or drink, please ensure this is included in their bags. We will bring a close to our visit by joining the Cathedral parish community in their celebration of Mass at 12.15pm. Any parents wishing to attend Mass are most welcome.

All students must be in full school uniform for the visit, and will need to bring a pencil, pen and colouring pencils, plus a clipboard (or similar) if possible.

The cost for the trip is £6.00. This is a curriculum-based trip, and students are expected to attend. Payments and accompanying paperwork must be handed in by the date specified in order to secure a place.

Parents who are in receipt of Income Support or Child Tax Credit or Job Seekers Allowance or support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 are asked to write to the Head in confidence to make the Governors and Head aware of their situation. Those families who qualify for pupil premium funding under the free school meal criteria or have been in receipt of free school meals in the last six years, may be eligible to receive a subsidy up to a maximum of 50% of the cost of the trip. If you would like to apply for a subsidy for this trip please indicate on the attached consent form.

No student will be omitted from the activity if his/her parents are unable to contribute. However, I must make it equally clear that in accordance with the Governors’ statement this activity may not take place if parents are reluctant to support it with their contributions full or in part.

We would advise that students do not to take valuables out on school activities, however, should they be taken parents should ensure personal possessions are adequately insured.

It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to update the school should there be any changes to the medical information about their child. Please communicate these to Mrs Brettell, Business Support Manager.

Please complete and return the consent form and monies (cheques made payable to Oaklands Catholic School) to the Finance Office by Wednesday 1 June 2016. Alternatively you can pay online.

Yours sincerely

Mr Sumba

Second in RE Department

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PLEASE RETURN TO THE FINANCE OFFICE BY WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE 2016

YEAR 7 PILGRIMAGE TO ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL, PORTSMOUTH

MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2016

I confirm that I have parental responsibility for

Name……………………………………………………………….…… Form……………………

He/she is in good health and I consent to him/her taking part in the programme detailed in your letter.

I enclose payment of £

I will pay online

I wish to apply for Pupil Premium

I understand and accept that it is my responsibility to update the school should there be any changes to the medical information about my child. Please communicate these to Mrs Brettell, Business Support Manager.

Signed…………………………………………………………………….Date……………………

Email address: …………………………………………………………………………………….