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9th December 2022
Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace – Pope Francis
KS1 Nativity Play
What a fantastic week, full of enjoyment, great learning and our first Nativity Play presented by KS1. The children were wonderful, Y2 narrators led us through Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, to the birth of Jesus and finally the visitation of the shepherds and the three kings. Year 1 acted out the scenes and the Choir was made up of both year 1 and 2 pupils.
It was beautiful and a joy to see the sheer delight on the faces of the children and everyone in our school community. My thanks to all the staff in years 1 and 2 for working with the children and especially to the children for your spectacular performance.
Learning beyond the Classroom
Y6 visited the Natural History Museum enjoying engaging in a journey through 4.6 billion years of the planet’s history. Their visit linked to the science topic and children engaged in a workshop requiring them to use their thinking and reasoning skills, together with scientific enquiry. Our children were complimented on their behaviour and knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Excellent work Year 6
If you haven’t had a chance to visit, try and make a trip over the holiday season. Have a look at what is on offer via this link
Wellbeing Day – 8th December 2022
This was a big success! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Santa dash with the Infants in the morning and the Juniors in the afternoon. It was a day devoted to wellbeing and raising awareness of the importance of wellbeing. The children are encouraged to understand that it is ok not to feel ok and there will always be someone to help and listen. Do click on the following link to access a story we often use in school, entitled ‘Lucy’s Blue Day’
EYFS Nativity Play – Tuesday, 13th December 2022
The children have been enthusiastically preparing for their Nativity play. There will be two performances, one at 9.15 a.m. and the afternoon session at 2.15 p.m.
I ask that you please arrive no later that these times as performances will start promptly at 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.
EYFS Team
KS2 Christmas Concert – Friday, 9th December 2022
Our school Choir and Steel Pans Group performed at our first Music Concert since 2019. There was a great atmosphere and the audience positively engaged in the festive spirit. My thanks to Mrs Speight, Mrs Gallagher and Mrs Douglas for preparing the children.
Thank you to the PTA for organising refreshments to add to the Christmas cheer.
PTA
My thanks again to the PTA for treating the children to a Magic show at the school today. Mr Amigo performed a range of tricks and entertained the children, creating awe and wonder.
KS2 Carol Service
This will be held at Virgo Fidelis Church on Monday, 12th December 2022 at 2.00 p.m.
Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and support the children. If you are able to accompany the children to and from Church, please let your child’s class teacher know.
Clubs
A Club letter was sent via our School App on Monday, 5th December 2022 and bookings via Parent Pay opened on Wednesday, 7th December 2022. There is a limit to numbers for each club and places will be allocated on a first come basis. Once the club is full, the list for that club will close.
St Joseph’s Christmas Experience Day
The PTA have organised a fantastic experience day to remember. Please take a look at the attached flyer for details. You will be able to bring your child/children to enjoy an hour of festivities and for only £5.00. So please book your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.
News to celebrate
I am delighted to announce that Mr Navarro was shortlisted for the National Schools Award for School Business manager of the year 2022,
I nominated him when he worked at St Joseph’s and was pleased to hear that he reached the final stage.
We attended the award ceremony at the House of Lords on Thursday and it was a proud moment for our school community. Unfortunately, Mr Navarro did not win, but it was a big achievement to get through to the final round. Congratulations Mr Navarro.
Book Fair
My thanks to Dulwich Books for setting up the book fair after school today. I was delighted to see so many of you there, a great advert for children reading for pleasure and a keep sake to celebrate the school’s 150th Anniversary.
Keep warm as temperatures are dropping over the coming week. Please ensure your child has a school coat, hat and gloves to keep warm.
I look forward to seeing you over the week before we break up for the Christmas holiday period on Friday, 16th December. Please remember school ends at 1.30 p.m.
Mrs Fernandes
Headteacher
December
12.12.22 – KS2 Christmas Carol Service 1.45 p.m.
13.12.22 – EYFS Nativity 9.15 a.m. & 2.15 p.m.
14.12.22 – Christmas dinner & Christmas Jumper day
15.12.22 – Y3 Trip to the Pantomime (Fairfield Halls)
16.12.22 – END OF TERM – SCHOOL FINISHES AT 1.30 P.M.
TERM BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, 4TH JANUARY 2023 AT 8.45 A.M.
