24th February 2023

“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom” Oprah Winfrey

Dear Parents and Friends

This week saw the start of Lent and my thanks to Fr Celestine for joining the children on Ash Wednesday to distribute ashes. Our Apostles of Mercy led a simple service reminding us of how we can use the season of Lent to prepare for Easter.

Stations of the Cross

The children have been decorating their class crosses which will be hung in both the Infant and Junior school halls to represent each station of the cross. Children are encouraged to think of the meaning of each station and journey with Christ. The crosses look stunning and the children realise that their contributions in creating each cross means a part of them will always be in St Joseph’s school even when they move on.

News to celebrate

I am delighted to share that Croydon have nominated St Joseph’s school to the DFE for outstanding provision for holiday clubs (HAF club) for 2022. This is a significant achievement to be nominated and it is due to the hard work and commitment of Stephanie Odewale and her team. They work tirelessly to provide a range of excellent activities, food of a high standard and above all care and love for the children. Congratulations to our amazing team and particular to Mrs Odewale. Winners will be decided in May 2023.

Class Assemblies

Class 2J led the first assembly of the term and shared messages about the importance of Lent and how we can help others. It was about praying, fasting and giving to others. Children were excellent, delivering their lines clearly and with confidence. Thank you to all the parents and friends who attended to support the children.

This was followed by 5E’s assembly on Friday. The children shared ideas of how we can help others not just during Lent but all the time. They worked brilliantly as a team, and used role play and questions to interact with their audience. Well done 5E, I’m so proud of you and I think you showed real maturity.

Poetry performance

Special thanks to Ms Bickmore our English Lead for organising this event which was a huge success. Children were invited to write their own poem or to use a favourite poem of their choice. They were awesome, entertaining their audience and above all performing with enjoyment and enthusiasm. Congratulations go to: Elia, Betty, Eva, Edward, Marie, Clara, Simone, and Nyemah from the Infants, and: Leora, Ellie Rose, Luna, Ezekiel, Sahara, Muna, Sienna A, Sophia, Ines, Joy, Caleb, Sorayah, Bella M, Lara, Malika, Ella-Jaide, Pison, Kai and Nabiel in the Juniors.

It was great to see so many parents and friends attend the performances.

I look forward with excitement to the next poetry event. We certainly have some budding poet Laureates in the making, not to mention outstanding performers. Well done to all the children who participated. It has taken a lot of time and organisation and Ms Bickmore has been brilliant finding time to rehearse with the children. Do please make time to read her English newsletter sent out this week. English Newsletter

Curriculum information

Please do refer to the year group newsletters and curriculum overviews uploaded onto your child’s Google Classroom, they are also available on the School Website St. Joseph’s Federation (stjosephsfederation.co.uk)

Phonic Videos

Phonic videos will be uploaded every Friday on GC for reception, yr1 and 2. They will focus on sounds children have learnt that week as well as other videos to support their reading. If your child has forgotten their log in details please see Ms Allery who is available every Wednesday in the Garden Hall from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.

Parent/Teacher contact meetings

Year 6 meetings will be held on Monday, 27^th and Tuesday, 28^th February. A letter has been sent and booking have been set up. Please book an appointment and see information by clicking on the attached letter. Spring Term 2 Parent’s Evening Letter

Other year group dates will be confirmed next week and a letter sent out on Tuesday.

Concert opportunity

The London Mozart Players are a chamber orchestra based in Croydon and are offering the chance to attend a family concert on Sunday 19 March at 3pm at St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood, SE19 2RX. It’s called ‘Dinosaur Department Store’ and you can find more info about it here.

This concert is specially aimed at children aged 3-7. Joining the orchestra is Polly Ives, one of the UK’s leading music educationalists and founder of Concerteenies. Stories, musical accompaniment, image projection and audience participation will make up this approximately hour-long concert. There will be mats laid out and a range of refreshments available to purchase for children and adults.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for under 18s and free for those under 5.

Punctuality and Attendance

Thank you for working with us to ensure children are in school on time. We will be continuing with the procedure of issuing children/parents/carers with a late slip at the school gate, (for those arriving after 9.00 a.m.) which must be handed to the class teacher Late collections at the end of the day will continue to be recorded and the EWO informed where it is persistent.

School Uniform

Please ensure your child is wearing the school coat and full school uniform and all items are clearly marked with their name and class. If you have any questions or require support please contact me via the school office or email me on [email protected]

RE Newsletter

‘One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’

Catholic Children’s Society Lent appeal

This year’s appeal is inspired by Pope Francis’s call to ‘build bridges, not walls’ and find ways to connect and help others in their time of need. Money raised by the school will go towards supporting the work the society does with local disadvantaged children and families.

Your child has been given a purple CCS box to collect any spare change you may have. If you are able to support the appeal, please fill the box with any spare coins (British currency) any amount will be greatly appreciated as it all add up. We will collect them in after Easter.

For more information about the Catholic Children’s Society please see the website below:

Lent Appeal 2023: Building Bridges – Catholic Children’s Society (cathchild.org.uk)

This week’s question is…

Thank you to all the children who shared their ideas on last week’s question, ‘How can we help others?’
China (Y4) created a wonderful poster with lots of ideas like ‘smiling at someone, giving someone a hug and simply saying thank you’ Aoife (Reception) drew a picture and wrote a caption encouraging people to give cat food to cats. Both their contributions were so thoughtful and a pleasure to read. Do look at their work on or photo montage.

Sunday Mass Readings for February 26th 2023, First Sunday of Lent, Year A

1st Reading – Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17

2nd Reading – Romans 5:12-19 Or Romans 5:12, 17-19

Gospel – Matthew 4:1-11

Celebrating achievement and hard work Headteacher’s and Attendance Award

At St Joseph’s we aim for at least 97% attendance.

Year group	Merit/star Certificates	Overall Class Attendance
Nursery	Duke and Angel	87.6%
RP	King and Favour	90.8%
RH	Liam and Ismael	97.6%
1E	Izzy and Simone	89.4%
2O/1S	Luleya and Riley	91.4% / 93.8%
2J	Bethel and Marjus	92.5%
3S	Luna and Sebastian	97.4%
3T	Foma and Andrew	93.1%
4J	Clarice and Ethan	99%
4O	Sienna and Sienna	90.5%
5S	Michael and Sophia I	96.4%
5E	Malikah and Jaidan	93.8%
6P	Keona and Eliana	96.4%
6H		98.9%