Newsletters

Thursday 21st October 2021

It is fair to say that this half-term has been challenging in many ways. Although we have been able to return to a little more normality, we really have been hard hit with Covid related issues and staff absences.

I feel incredibly proud of our children, who have been amazing during this time and have continued to do the very best they can. It has been an absolute joy to walk through schools and visit the classrooms and see all of our children engaged and enjoying their learning.

I would also like to thank all of our wonderful staff who work so hard in school every single day, to make sure that we can provide the best opportunities for the children in our care.

I think that we are all ready now for next weeks break !

I hope that you all have a lovely holiday and are able to have some quality family time together.

We look forward to seeing all the children back in school on Monday the 1st of November.

 

The children all looked fantastic today for our Go Green For CAFOD Day !

Thank you for your generous donations, we shall update you on the amount raised when we return after half-term.

The whole school Harvest Film has been share with all the children. 

The YouTube link shall be shared with you all soon, so that you can enjoy the film at home.

 

This week we say goodbye to two members of staff.

Mrs O' Dee from the office is retiring, leaving St Joseph's for pastures new. Mrs O'Dee has been with us for the past eight years and has been the first point of contact for many of you when getting in touch with school.I am sure you will join us in wishing her every happiness for the future and thanking her for everything that she has done for our school.

Mrs Trewick, will also be leaving us for a while to start her maternity leave. We wish her, Mr Trewick and Tilly much happiness at this very exciting and special time in their lives.

This half-term, it really has been heartwarming to receive lovely comments form parents and visitors to school.

It really does make us all very proud of our amazing children and wonderful school !

“Our daughter comes home and enthusiastically talks with so much joy about what she has been learning at school. Thank you, St Joseph's for all you do.” Y1 Parent. 

“ I have been really impressed with Y4 this term. They have done some fantastic work and should be really proud of themselves. “ (Heather — from the Music Hub.)

“I have never been in a school where children have been sitting so nicely and have looked so smart while enjoying their dinner.

It's rare to see such lovely manner too at such a young age.”  Visitor from Taylor Shaw School Caterers.

 

 

Homework Expectations

Today a document shall be coming out to you all detailing our home learning expectations across the school. This shall mean that there is a consistent approach to work set across all year groups. This shall come into force after the half-term holidays.

We really do believe that homework supports, extends and consolidates the learning that is covered in class, while at the same time it supports children to develop independence and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning.

Homework should be about reinforcing, practising and building confidence ...

Enthusing your child about undertaking homework and modelling the high value of homework to them is of real importance. This should never be seen as a chore, but rather as a fun activity which will help to develop their understanding and learning.

 

 

Calling all parents/carers 

We are looking for any unloved, unused or spare Lego or Duplo. Lego sets that still have the instructions (for the really organised out there)

The Lego collected would be used as part of SEN Lego therapy, for indoor playtime as we approach the bad weather season. Duplo would be great for Early Years too. Lego is to be added to a “class calm box” to help the kids in that class if they are struggling and need a break. 

LEGO® Therapy can support children with any form of social, communication or developmental concern, for example those with mild learning difficulties, language delays or difficulties with fine motor skill coordination.

Classes will be set up to receive donations from the first day back after Half-Term.

If donations could be bagged up and brought to their class and when a class' box is full, we will let you know. 

It would be helpful for donations to be Lego and not own brand equivalents, so that there aren't pieces that don't fit together mixed in. 

With many thanks .

A St Joseph's Poem

First add a glass of children and add love.

Mix in helpfulness

While you are mixing, add a pinch of gratefulness.

After you finish add Nursery to Y6 

Then sprinkle on creative teachers

Leave to simmer

Warning : If mixed wrongly, the community will crumble !

By Jessica Y3