Newsletters

Friday 21st March 2025 

 

On Monday, our week began with considering the Transfiguration of Jesus.

We discussed the idea that even in the most ordinary situations we can often find the extraordinary. 

This story shows us that Jesus looked like a very ordinary person, just like you or me. If you passed Jesus in the street, do you think that you would recognise him?

Imagine you are surrounded by a busy crowd, and you have a good look around – could you pick Jesus out from the crowd?

We learn that God showed the disciples that Jesus was his son, and he does this in an extraordinary way – he covers Jesus in a bright light and speaks to them from Heaven.

This story also makes us think about how the disciples will have been changed forever. They saw Jesus in a completely different way – they saw him as so much more than just their friend and someone they spent time with. They saw him as he really is – the Son of God – and this changed the disciples as they saw first-hand how Jesus changed from being an ordinary person like you and me into someone extraordinary.

‘Outstanding’ in its Catholic life and mission.

Last week we had our Section 48 Inspection. We are now delighted to be able to share the report with you all. This may be found on the school website. 

We achieved a GOOD overall and were judged Outstanding for Catholic Life and Mission. 

"Due to the strong relationships and caring nature, pupils at St Joseph’s are confident and feel safe. They are proud to be part of the St Joseph’s family, where their motto ‘We Live, We Love, We Learn, We Share’ is lived out to the full and where they participate fully in the opportunities to celebrate their faith. This means they are happy and know that they are valued, cared for, and loved by God. 

Parents, carers, pupils, and staff are united through this welcoming culture and share a deep commitment to the school’s mission. This is evident in the parental responses. For example, ‘the school provides the children with an excellent faith education.’ Pastoral care is prioritised: the care provided is well-matched to the needs of pupils and families. Strong relationships are established, fostered, and maintained. Staff are committed to implementing the school’s mission statement, striving to ensure that the school is Christ-centred. Staff are positive role models for pupils and treat them respectfully and kindly. The strong, personal faith of the senior leaders permeates this whole community. As a consequence, pupils are provided with a wealth of experiences and high-quality opportunities.

Leaders and governors are ambitious for the school and believe that the Catholic life and mission is of the utmost importance. Leaders and governors are committed to staff formation and positively engage with training provided by the diocese. Parish links are outstanding. Leaders work closely with the parish priest and other parishioners to ensure the school plays an active role in parish life. The school is highly effective at engaging with parents. They understand and strongly support the school’s mission. The school truly embrace that parents are the first faith educators of their children. Leaders and governors constantly seek ways to involve them in the school’s Catholic life so that they understand that the Catholic faith is the root of all the school’s work, including its pastoral care. The school provides parents with information on various online platforms that showcase the wonderful work undertaken. The parish priest regularly provides liturgical and moral support for leaders, staff, and pupils. Leaders and governors are inspirational leaders as role models, demonstrating a strong commitment as part of a faith community being at the service of others. "

 

On Tuesday we were joined by Sister Chiara and Sister John Paul, from the Franciscan Convent in Leeds. They brought real joy to school, spending time in each classroom and also leading the whole school assembly. They really helped us to think about how special our patron saint, St Joseph, is. 

A huge thank you to all the parents who donated the delicious buns and treats for our bun sale. We raised an incredible £220 for our lovely Franciscan Sisters.

This will go towards the sisters being able to purchase new chairs for their convent in Leeds.

On Monday, the school choir enjoyed visiting Housteads to sing a selection of songs to the residents. The children performed beautifully, and the residents were a fantastic, supportive audience. They particularly enjoyed our Mamma Mia song and loved joining in with some dancing. After our performance, the children enjoyed some juice and biscuits before saying our goodbyes. On Thursday, we received some beautiful thank you cards from the residents which they had made for us and the children loved reading these at our choir rehearsal this week. We can't wait to go back next term to visit our friends again. 

Joseph Bear said hello to Sister John Paul and Sister Chiara, before setting out on his special pilgrimage.

Joseph, our pilgrim bear, will be on a year-long pilgrimage which started on Wednesday and will end on St Joseph's Day 2026. During our St Joseph's Day Mass, Fr. Mark introduced our pilgrim bear and explained that he would be spending a couple of days in church before moving back to school. In the year ahead he will move through our different classrooms and accompany us on any special visits that we may make. 

On Wednesday, the whole school attended Mass, to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint, St Joseph.

After Mass, we all had a special treat: a giant cookie and an extra-long playtime in the beautiful sunshine. 

We all spent time creating beautiful artwork to honour St Joseph. We shared this work at a special altar that was set up in the school hall. 

 

 

 

Online multiplayer games like Roblox are enjoyed by millions across the world and can be a great way for friends to socialise; however, they can also expose young people to variety of potential harms. Roblox is a multi-platform game that enables people to play anonymously, which can often be something that attracts people to misuse the game and puts younger players at risk of harm.

In addition to interacting with random strangers across the world, it’s important to be aware of other risk factors, such as in-game purchases and potential scams that can put young people at risk financially.

Whole School Attendance - 95 %

Reception 95%

Year 1 95%

Year 2 95%

Year 3 97%

Year 4 92%

Year 5 96%

Year 6 96%

  • Wednesday 26th March - Parents Coffee Morning
  •                                             Year 3 cinema trip 
  •                                              Year 1 Yorkshire Wildlife Trip 
  • Thursday 27th March - Parents Evening 
  • Friday 28th March - Last Day of the Spring Term / Own Clothes Day - £1 donation 
  •  Monday 14th April - School returns - Summer Term 
  • Monday 14th April - Holy Week 
  • Wednesday 16th April - Born for This - St Joseph's Church
  • Friday 18th April Good Friday 
  • Sunday 20th - Easter Sunday 
  • Monday 21st April - Easter Monday 
  • Monday 5th May - Bank Holiday 
  • Monday 12th May - 15th May - KS2 SATS 
  • Thursday 15th May –Friday 16th May  - Y5 Residential - Loosehill Hall
  • Thursday 22nd May - KS1 Phonics meeting for parents 
  • Friday 23rd May–May Procession
  • Friday 23rd May - Break up for the half-term holiday 
  • Monday 2nd June - INSET Day - school closed to children. 

St Joseph’s Prayer

Dear St Joseph,

This is our school,

Let light shine in and smiles fill up the room.

Help us to be independent, hard-working pupils,

With courage and confidence, just like you.

Amen