Friday 15th May 2020

Our Special Helper - The Holy Spirit

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that, when he returns to heaven, he will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to be their helper.  This is not just a historical event.  The Holy Spirit is a gift for us too.  Pope Francis reminds us that, "The Holy Spirit is the supreme gift of the risen Christ to his apostles and God wants this gift to reach everyone."  The Holy Spirit is our helper, guiding us to live our lives more like Jesus - to do good things and to be filled with the truth, love, happiness and peace which come from God.

Update on the wider opening of school

On the 10th May the Prime Minister announced a 'roadmap' towards recovery including the plans for the phased return of some chidren to school from the week commecning Monday 1st June.  Thank you to the parents of children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 who have responded to the parent survey today.  This will allow the school to make the necessary arrangements to risk assess and put into action the necessary steps to ensure the safety of both children and staff.  The School and MAC are awaiting confirmation from the Government regarding some key questions raised and also the lack of clarity in the guidance.  When these queries have been addressed, the School will be in position to appropriately plan and implement this phased return. A letter from the MAC Catholic Senior Executive Lead, Mrs Horan, will be released on Monday and further details specific to St. Joseph's planning will be relayed to parents at a later period during the week.  The Academy Committee will also be meeting (remotely) to ensure that any plans are robust and provide assurance that the safeguarding and well-being of all members of our school community are in place.  The children who will not return during this initial phase will still be provided with home learning opportunties provided by their child's class teacher. However, support for key worker children will be available throughout the Summer term. Thank you for your patience and understanding at such a very challenging time. 

National Thank a Teacher Day

On Wednesday 20th May, we are celebrating teachers, senior leaders, support staff and all those working in education settings who are making a difference to their schools and communities during the coronavirus outbreak. The Department for Education is working in partnership with the Teaching Awards Trust which has produced a set of resources including a Thank a Teacher toolkit containing graphics, images and frames for social media that are free to use.  All the staff at St. Joseph's have been tremendous in their response to supporting one another and in enabling key worker children the opportunity to come into school each day and in planning the learning opportunities for children working with their families at home. A huge 'Thank you' to all members of staff and also the key workers across the country who have enabled vital services to continue to function and support those in need.

Dudley School Term Dates and INSET Days 2020-21

Next year's School term dates and allocated In Service Training Days (INSET) for staff are now available on the school website within the 'Key Information' section on the school webiste.  This can be accessed through the landing page of the website.

Access to the Wednesday Word

The weekly edition of the Wednesday Word can be accessed through a link on the school website.  This can be found within the 'Children's Area' under the 'Our Community' tab from the school landing page. The link will be refreshed on a weekly basis.  Please share with your child the Gospel reading on Sunday and the key discussion points that accompany the newsletter.  

Black Country Health Care 24-7 Support Line for adults and young people

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have just launched a 24-7 support line for adults, older adults, children and young people who require urgent mental health support during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Please don't suffer in silence.  If you are experiencing increased distress or anxiety during these uncertain times, then pick up the phone and speak to one of the specialist mental health professionals who will be able to support you.  Further details and contact information can be found on the flyer within the Covid 19 tab on the school website.  

Resources to Support Children's Liturgy and Prayer from the Birmingham Diocesan Education Service

At the Birmingham Diocesan Education webiste there is a webpage containing links to Prayer and Learning Resources for both home and school. This includes the CAFOD Virtual Sunday Children's Liturgy and a child's prayer for Spiritual Communion. More resources will be added as they become available. https://www.bdes.org.uk/des-support-for-schools-through-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

Prayer of the Week - Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Virtues Focus - Eloquent and Truthful

Pupils at St. Joseph's are growing to be: eloquent and truthful in what they say of themselves, the relations between people, and the world.

Pope's Intention for May

For Deacons: We pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the porr, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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