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16/12/2008
Supporters Update – December 2008

Supporters News from JCoSS: December 2008

In this edition:

JCoSS launches new website and Facebook group

JCoSS has launched a brand new website (www.jcoss.org) this week. The site includes lots of new information about the school, as well as a number of innovative features including:

  • A virtual tour of the school
  • Answers to over 60 frequently asked questions about the project.  
  • Information about the planned curriculum
  •  Travel information about the site
  •  New artists impressions of the building

At the same time JCoSS Governor and would-be JCoSS parent, Sharon Gold, has created a Facebook group to provide a safe space for potential parents to discuss the school with others and to debate issues such as its curriculum, school uniform and religious observance. Existing Facebook members can join here http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32354334452 

JCoSS ready to start construction

JCoSS has chosen building contractors and they are due to start construction in early January. The building contract will be signed shortly when an announcement of their name will be made via the JCoSS website.

JCoSS President, Gerald Ronson, who is heading up the design and build phase of the project, said:

“I am delighted that we have now identified our building contractor. With the progress we have already made there is no reason we shouldn’t complete the project on or before schedule by July 2010.”

JCoSS searches for Head teacher

JCoSS formally launched its global search for a head teacher this week by placing adverts in around a dozen newspapers, magazines and websites worldwide. Adverts are appearing in Jewish, local and specialist publications in the UK, North America, Australia, Israel and South Africa on 12th December, while information about the post has also been sent to Jewish educational organisations throughout the English-speaking world. Professional search consultants are also being briefed to identify candidates.

As part of an innovative two-day interview process, Year 6 pupils (ten and eleven year olds) from Akiva will get to question candidates about their vision for the school. This is part of the school’s commitment to inclusivity and a strong student voice.

Commenting on the process, JCoSS Chair of Governors, Robert Shrager, said:

“It is more than possible that the successful candidate is currently working down the road from the JCoSS site, but we are determined to be able to appoint a truly exceptional candidate and for this reason we have taken the decision to cast our net as widely as possible.”

Application forms are available from the JCoSS website at www.jcoss.org. The closing date for applications is Monday 19th January 2009, with interviews held on 1st-3rd February 2009.

JCoSS Meetings

JCoSS is currently organising a series of public and private meetings for potential parents to learn more about the plans for the school and to provide them with an opportunity to ask questions. The next three public meetings are:
Monday 29 December, 3.30pm
Limmud Conference, Warwick University
Monday 2nd February, 8pm
New North London Synagogue, Sternberg Centre, East End Road, Finchley N3 2SY
Thursday 5th March, 8.15pm
Brookland Junior School, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 6EJ
If you would like to host a question and answer session for your friends and community at your school, synagogue or even at your home, please email info@jcoss.org – we’ll be delighted to help you set something up.

All about JCoSS

JCoSS is set to become the first Jewish secondary school in the UK to welcome, on an equal basis, Jews of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities.

It is due to open in September 2010 with a first intake of 180 Year 7 (11 -12 year old) pupils. In addition, working jointly with Norwood, the UK’s leading Jewish charity for children and families, JCoSS will provide a 50-place special resource provision for children aged 11-19 who have autistic spectrum learning disabilities.

The new school is to be sited off Westbrook Crescent, East Barnet, on a site adjacent to the current East Barnet Upper School, which is to be consolidated with the rest of the East Barnet school in a new building on Chestnut Grove.

Donate to JCoSS

You can donate to JCoSS tax efficiently. Visit the JCoSS website www.jcoss.org and follow the links to donate via justgiving.com and allow us to reclaim income tax paid by you via gift aid.

 

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