Newsletters

Monday 21st OcTOBER

It really is fair to say , that this half term has been a busy one!

We have seen the introduction of our "Fitness Fridays," the children seem to be loving these, thanks to all parents for supporting with this and making sure that your child comes into school with the correct kit.

There has been the Y3 Roald Dahl Day, a performance by a visiting theatre company (thanks to FRIENDS) the Macmillan Coffee morning , sporting competitions and of course the Y6 residential.

As always, the children have continued to work incredibly hard . This term we have all been working on St Josephs Learning Behaviours. It has been wonderful to  speak to children and staff to  find out who is actively using those behaviours. This term we have concentrated on "Self Managers," and "Team Workers." Next term, we shall move onto "Resourceful Thinkers."

I am sure next half term, will be just as busy ... if not more so !

 

Staffing Updates 

This term there have been a number of staffing changes. Miss Stones who taught ICT and PE , left us to take up a full time position elsewhere . Her subjects are now being taught to the children  by their teachers.

Mrs Leedham, who did a fantastic job looking after SEN for a year, also leaves us. Mrs Leedham, made sure that many systems and updates were in place.  We thank them both for all of their hard work and dedication and wish them the very best for the future.

After the half term, Mrs Webster will be joining us as SENCO. She knows the school well as she has previously supported us in this area. I am sure that you will join us in welcoming her to the St Josephs family.

Next half term will see another significant change, Mr Barnsley , who was due to retire at the end of this year has been offered another position at Sheffield College . To say that we have some large boots to now fill, really is an understatement.

Mr Barnsley is such an important part of the St Joseph's family .  He always goes over and above and is much more than just a caretaker. All of the ideas for change and improvement have been taken on board , he works his magic and school really does look like a different place. The children are always very much at the heart of everything that he does, from running chess club , to cricket clubs, supporting with the football team and even taking some of the children outside to do some gardening. Mr Barnsely, really will be missed by all of us. 

Mr Barnsley, has written a few words for you ....

As I write this letter to you all, mums,dads , grandparents,carers and particularly the children, the pen is getting heavier and trying to put my thoughts into words gets harder, but, here goes !

I will be leaving St Joseph's in a few weeks to take up a new position at Sheffield College and I will be so sad to leave behind the "family," who have supported me here and made my job so rewarding.

I feel I have one more challenge left in me, so after 11 wonderful years I have decided to move on.

The memories that I take with me will stay forever as I say goodbye to you all.

The creation of the Prayer Garden, Catholic Cup success with Mr Gill and Mr Findler, helping to create the new library area and the various building projects, but the overriding memory for me will always be the shouts from the children across in nursery calling out my name whenever I went into the yard, there are so many I have been very lucky.

No doubt some of you will see me in and around Handsworth, so please stop me and say hello and bring me up to date with what is happening here.

Please welcome my replacement as warmly as you have welcomed me, give Mrs McFarlane and the staff every assistance in the future and thank you all for trusting your children to my care, many of whom I have seen grow into fine, polite, intelligent young boys and girls.

Bye for now but not forever,

Mr Barnsley 

 

 

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Dear Parents,

It has been brought to our attention that people are parking dangerously and illegally in front of our school. This is a serious problem and it puts our children in danger. We advise that you walk to school if possible and this is also better for the environment. If you can’t we ask that you park away from school and walk. We will be patrolling outside school to monitor this. This will also be a focus during our road safety week (18-22nd November 2019).

 

Yours Thankfully,

 

St Joseph's School Council.  

 

 

Parent Review Day

Hopefully most of you have been able to make an appointment to see your child's class teacher on Friday. If you haven't, please do try and do this as it is a great opportunity to find out how your child is getting on. It is also really useful for the teacher to speak to you and your child together, in this way we start the year by working in partnership with you, to make sure that we do the best for your child.

If you are struggling with Friday, then please do contact school, so that other arrangements can be made.

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Thank you to everyone for their generous donations of food. The St Wilfrids Centre, will receive their donations this week. Last week, Rosie from the Handsworth Foodbank came into school to speak to the children about the work that is done by her and the set of the team. She was delighted with all of the donations and said it would make an incredible difference to many local people at this time of year.

Y6 Residential to Thornbridge 

This year our incredible Y6 class spent their residential at Thornbridge Outdoor Centre. It is fair to say that they lived up to their reputation, they were all amazing. They showed so many of the school values, perseverance, team work, self belief and determination. They were an absolute credit to you and to St Joseph's.

Thank you to all of the staff that supported them, Mrs Harrand , Mrs Roe, Mrs Moulds and of course Miss Beasley. A residential really is exhausting, but we are so lucky at St Josephs to have such great staff who made sure that all of the children were looked after and happy .

Im sure the trip created many special memories for our children, which will stay with them forever. (I am sure the "high ropes," will be a favourite !)

 

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