Year 7 Pilgrimage to St. Johns Cathedral

Year 7 Pilgrimage to St. Johns Cathedral

Our Ref: DP/DMB 3 April 2015

Dear Parent/Guardian

Year 7 Pilgrimage to St. Johns Cathedral

Wednesday 10 June 2015

As part of their RE syllabus: ‘The Pilgrim Journey’, and to celebrate our sense of ‘school’ and ‘diocese’, the RE department are organising a pilgrimage for all Year 7 students to St John’s Catholic Cathedral, the Mother Church of our Portsmouth Catholic Diocese. This will take place on Wednesday 10 June 2015. 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 also hope to be aided by our parish priest from Waterlooville, as well as 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 of the trip is £6.00. This is a curriculum based trip and therefore students should attend. Payments and accompanying paperwork must be handed in before or by the date specified to secure a place on the trip/activity. If a deposit is required please understand that this will be non-refundable and any further payments can only be refunded if the place can be filled by another student on a waiting list, or if the withdrawal is for an insurable reason. If there are significant changes to the cost of the trip, these may have to be passed on to the student. Be assured that we will try to keep such costs to a minimum.

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 Team Leader.

Please complete and return the consent form and monies to the Finance Office by 1st May.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Palfreyman

Head of RE Department

PLEASE RETURN TO THE FINANCE OFFICE BY 1 MAY 2015

Year 7 Pilgrimage to St. Johns Cathedral, Wednesday 10 June 2015

I confirm that I have parental responsibility for

Name…………………………………………………………… Form……………………

I enclose payment of £

I will pay online

I wish to apply for Pupil Premium

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

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………………………