Dear Parents/Carers, This week we have shown what a great community we are and really lived out our Mission ‘Together…
7th July 2023
Dear Parents and Friends
It has been a short week but busy with trips, and other sporting events. Thank you for supporting teaching staff and your understanding of school closures this week owing to industrial action. Our staff remained committed to the children and it has been a difficult decision for them to make.
General knowledge Quiz – 3rd July 2023
Congratulations to Foma, Diego, Gabriel and Hiyabel
They qualified for the National finals held at Oxford University on Monday. Ms Allery and their parents accompanied the children and they certainly did us proud! They were disappointed not to have walked away with the winning trophy but I am sure you will agree they are still winners for getting through to the finals and most importantly for the excellent team skills and exemplary behaviour.
Thank you to Ms Allery and to all the parents for supporting them.
“We had a great experience going to Oxford University and competing against other schools” Hiyabel
“I am proud that we qualified for the final and and then got to go to Oxford University to represent our school.” Gabriel
Reading Club
My thanks to Ms Bickmore for organising this trip to West Norwood Library. Her KS2 reading club attended a marbling workshop and enjoyed the experience. Do read Ms Bickmore and the children’s account.
Reading Club embarked on an exciting trip to West Norwood Library to participate in a captivating science and marbling workshop.
The students eagerly entered the library, brimming with anticipation and curiosity. The workshop began with a captivating scientific demonstration, where a scientist conducted surface tension experiments. Afterward, the students immersed themselves in the art of marbling, experimenting with vibrant colours and swirling patterns, creating stunning works of art to take home. This enriching experience at the library not only expanded the students’ scientific knowledge but also fostered their creativity and appreciation for the arts.
Make the most of your summer holidays by heading to West Norwood Library, where you’ll find an abundance of free activities and workshops to engage and entertain. From captivating storytelling sessions to hands-on arts and crafts workshops, West Norwood Library is the perfect destination to explore, learn, and have fun this summer. (Ms Bickmore – English Lead) (See montage for photos)
Infant Sports Day – 6th July 2023
Our Infant children were awesome, totally amazing in the performance. A team of twenty children from Reception to Nursery took part in this event held at Thomas Becket school, Woodside. A big thank you to all the parents, carers and friends who enthusiastically supported our children. If there had been an award for the best supporters, St Joseph’s would have won. They were brilliant, cheering on children from every school. I am delighted to say our children came second overall and were very proud to receive their medals from the Crystal Palace coaches.
I was incredibly proud of the children, not only because they did well, but they all showed great sportsmanship and above all smiled and laughed through it all. My thanks to Mr Abrahams, Mrs Mangan and Mrs Odewale for working with the children. Well done, we are so proud of you.
Amazing writing
Children have produced some excellent writing on the topic of ‘Journey of Hope and Dreams’ but one outstanding piece of work I wanted to share with you was a poem by Ella Jaide in Year 6. It is simply amazing, not just because of the vocabulary used but because of the sentiments conveyed. It shows a real understanding and empathy, what a wonderful piece of writing. Please do read it. Well done Ella Jaide, you should be so proud, you have a talent for writing and I hope you will continue to write and share your thoughts. The Hush of the Windrush
Transition day – Monday, 10th July 2023
The children will be spending the day with their new class teacher and have the chance to talk about next year and enjoy a range of new activities. All children should go to their normal classrooms and transition day will begin at about 9.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. so please collect your child from their current classroom.
Teachers will set holiday tasks for the children, but the most important task is to keep reading over the summer break and try to join the reading challenges/workshops at your local Library.
HAF club
I’m pleased to announce that Mrs Stephanie Odewale will be running the HAF club commencing the week beginning 24th July 2023. It’s always a fun filled camp with engaging activities from arts and crafts to dance and music sessions. Please see the attached flyer and do book asap. The flyer gives you information about the booking system and registering for a voucher code.
General school information
Could all Infant parents collecting at the end of the day please wait at the top of the stairs until 3.10 p.m. as the children do get distracted if they see you outside the classroom prior to this time.
Please remember that there is not entry or exit to the school via Crown Dale. Everyone must use the main school gates on Woodend. Do remember school starts at 8.45 a.m. and entry after this time is recorded as a ‘late’.
Thank you to everyone who continues to park with care and consideration to our local residents. Unfortunately, we still have 
a small amount of parents who are blocking drives and parking in private car spaces and then not being respectful to others when challenged. We are all role models to our children every moment we spend with them.
We only have two weeks left and change can be hard to cope with. However, change is healthy for future growth and to build on strengths. Your child may be anxious about moving to the next year group but I know you will reassure them with a positive mindset that will enable them to succeed.
We have our school Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday, 12th July 2023 at Virgo Fidelis Church at 1.30 p.m. The whole school will be attending together with many visitors who have been associated with the school. You are warmly welcome to attend the Mass and join us in our thanksgiving celebrations and then collect children from school after they return.
RE News
| Sunday Mass Readings for July 9th 2023, Fouteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A | |
| 1st Reading | Zechariah 9:9-10 |
| Responsorial Psalm | Psalms 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 |
| 2nd Reading | Romans 8:9, 11-13 |
| Alleluia | Matthew 11:25 |
| Gospel | Matthew 11:25-30 |
May the simple things of life, that bring us joy and peace, inspire us to care of our world and share creation’s gifts with all the people. (Cafod)
Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you around the school next week.
This weeks photo montage
Mrs Fernandes
Headteacher
Future Dates
Summer 2 Term
July 2023
10.07.23 – Transition day for whole school (pupils to spend the day with their new teacher)
11.07.23 – Nursery Assembly 9.15 a.m. (All welcome)
12.07.23 – Thanksgiving Mass 1.30 p.m. Virgo Fidelis Church 1.30 p.m. (All welcome)
13.07.23 – Reports sent to parents
13.07.23 – Reception Assembly (All welcome)
14.07.23 – Year 2 Farewell Assembly 9.15 a.m. (All welcome)
14.07.23 – KS2 Online Safety Assembly
17.7.23 – Reception trip – Battersea park/zoo
17.07.23 – Year 6 Production 5.30 p.m. (junior hall)
19.07.23 – Year 6 leavers Mass 5.30 p.m. (junior hall)
20.07.23 – END OF TERM 1.30 p.m.
21.07.23 – INSET DAY – STAFF TRAINING
