Dear Parents/Carers, It was wonderful to welcome you and the children back to school this week. The children settled back…
25 June 2021
Another busy week full of fun filled events, including music lessons and sporting competitions.
Panathlon Challenge – Wednesday, 23.6.21
On Wednesday, Mr Tinney from Trinity School ran a sporting challenge for years 3 & 4. Children participated in a range of events, showing sportsmanship and fantastic teamwork. An excellent morning. Well done to all the children and staff for supporting. A special thanks to Mr Tinney and Mrs Mangan for coordinating the event and being so encouraging and positive. Do click on the PDF below to view pictures from the event.
Football tournament – 25.6.21
Our Year 5 football team represented the school at Trinity School today. My thanks to Mr Defty and Mrs Madine for accompanying them and their coaching. The competition was of a high standard, but our boys were great; they didn’t give up and showed resilience and determination. Mr Defty proudly stated, “The boys were a credit to St Joseph’s. They were all exemplary in their attitude, teamwork and effort. It was a great learning experience for them, to play against strong teams from other schools, but they represented everything that is wonderful about our school. I’m proud of them all and excited to see what we can achieve together next year.”
Well done boys; I am sure you will build on this next year and continue to grow as a team.
Steel pans
The children have amazed Mrs Douglas with the progress they are making. This is only their third lesson and already they are able to play a simple tuneful melody. Thank you to those parents who have expressed an interest in an after-school club; perhaps we can combine it with you playing with your child? So many great ideas for next term. So please do keep an eye out for notices.
Click here for this week’s pictures
Online safety webinar- KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE
My thanks to Mrs Gallagher and Ms Allery for organising this webinar. The presentation was informative with many valuable ideas on how to keep children safe online. Thank you to those of you who made time to attend. It is an incredibly important issue and I urge you to please visit our school website to access the recording to see how you can help to keep your child safe when accessing online activities.
If you have any questions, please do email Mrs Gallagher on [email protected].
Please support us in keeping your child safe. Imagine finding out your child was online speaking to a stranger who turned out to be an adult, putting your child at risk. The more you know about online safety, the safer your child will be.
Click here to watch the webinar
Click here for the St Joseph’s Online Safety page
Sports Day – Friday, 2.7.21
Unfortunately, we will not be able to allow parents to attend this year’s sports day owing to current Covid-19 safety guidance. We will be hosting the sports day over two sessions, the Infants in the morning from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and the Juniors in the afternoon from 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Children will remain in their year group bubbles and equipment will be wiped down once each group has used it.
Please do send your child in their full P.E. kit, a hat and a water bottle. Children may wear trainers or plimsoles and should it be a hot day, please remember to apply sun cream. I am confident that the children will have a fantastic time and enjoy the day. Staff will be there to support and encourage them. We will take lots of pictures and these will be featured in the following week’s newsletter.
First Holy Communion Mass
We have postponed the School Communion Mass until the Autumn term, as many children will not be making their First Holy Communion until the end of July. This is an important school celebration when we come together to celebrate the children in our school community receiving the Eucharist for the first time. We hope to have the Mass towards the end of September and combine it with a Welcome Mass for the start of term.
Year 6 Leavers Mass
Year 6 will attend a Leavers Mass at Virgo Fidelis Church in July, but unfortunately, we have to restrict attendance to the parents and children of Year 6. The children will be involved in organising the Mass and will be presented with a gift from the School to mark the end of their journey at St Joseph’s.
150 years celebration – History book
Looking to the future, I am delighted to confirm that Mrs McMillan has been researching information to be presented in a book, “The History of St Joseph’s Federation”, which will available for purchase as part of the celebrations. It’s a wonderful keepsake to treasure and will be sold at an affordable price, so look out for details next term to reserve your copy. We anticipate a high demand, so I would urge you to sign up next term so you don’t lose out.
Marketing the school
We have already begun to market the school to prospective parents applying for a place for next year. Please do let me know if you are able to distribute our school brochure to the local or wider community.
We will be working with a film company to produce a promotional video of the school. The crew will be coming in on Wednesday, 30th June and will spend the day filming the site, children and parents. We will of course ensure that your child will not be in the video if you have not given permission for them to be included in advertising outside the school.
Please do email me if you have any concerns on [email protected]
Our children are the best advertisement for the school. They are enthusiastic, happy and eager to learn. You as parents also play an incredibly important part in representing the school in the wider community and modelling our school values of respect, tolerance and compassion.
‘Thank you Teachers Day’
A big thank you for remembering us on ‘Thank you Teachers’ Day’ on 23 June 2021. My thanks to Ms Francis who organised cakes for staff on behalf of the PTA and to all members of the PTA. We were thoroughly spoilt and felt most appreciated. My thanks also to Mrs Bailey (Chair of Governors) for the chocolates and treats also in appreciation of all that staff do. Whilst it is called “Thank you teachers’ day”, it applies to all staff who work in the school: teachers, support staff, admin and the premises team.
Have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you at the gate.
Mrs L Fernandes
Headteacher
Important dates for your diary
End of the academic year – Thursday, 22nd July 2021
Please note that this is a day earlier than previously advertised as the school was open to pupils on Friday, 12th February. It was not used as an inset day.
Diary dates:
28.6.21 – Healthy Week
28.6.21 – KS2 NED zoom workshop – developing resilience and positivity
2.7.21 – Sports day (juniors a.m. infants p.m.) -All children to come to school in their PE kits
7.7.21 – End of year reports sent to parents
7.7.21 – Parents/Teacher meetings booking system open. Parents can book an appointment
9.7.21 – Transition Day – children to spend the day with their new teacher
9.7.21 – Meeting with new parents
12.7.21 – 16.7.21 Parent evenings – Year group dates to be confirmed
14.7.21 – Y6 Leavers Mass at Virgo Fidelis Church 5.30 p.m.
14.7.21 – virtual zoo
22.7.21 – End of term 1.30 p.m.
The above dates are subject to change, depending on safety guidelines and Public Health England advice.
