Friday 11th September 2020

Keep Calm and Carry On Forgiving

This week, we have welcomed the youngest members of our school community to St. Joseph's - our Reception children.  We wish them all a very happy and successful future together as they begin their journey of education and faith - to develop to be the young people God wants them to be. We also welcome Fr. Phillip Griffin to our parish/school community and look forward to working together to support our children and families of St. Joseph's. It is also wonderful to see how well the remainder of our other children have settled back into the daily routine of school life. They seem to have enjoyed wearing their sports kits to school on the day they have PE and also the new small equipment we have introduced to each bubble this week too.  In this Sunday's Gospel we are reminded about the importance of forgiveness, not only of those who are unkind to us but also towards ourselves. Forgiveness is the lifeblood of any family or community. Pope St John Paul II reminds us, "Forgiveness does not come naturally. Forgiving from the heart can sometimes be actually heroic."

 

Covid 19 Weekly Update

Many thanks for supporting the school with the protocol for drop off and collection each day this week.  The children have adapted to the new routine very quickly.  Our Reception children on Friday will be in for the full day next week.  From this point onwards, we would like parents to drop off their Reception children at 8.45am and then other siblings after this time as according to the schedule.  For collection, the Reception children will be collected at 2.55pm.  We also ask that parents refrain from gathering together on the school grounds before or after drop off, and to maintain social distancing at all times. We have also checked with the DfE the LA's Standard Operating Procedure for notifiying parents and have been informed that in future, parents will only be informed if there is a positive case in a class/bubble.  We apologise for any inconvenience or worry caused as a result of the letter issued to one year group yesterday.  However, the school was following the LA's reporting procedures. Thank you for your continued support.

Praise Assembly

Congratulations to the children who have been chosen by their teachers for either Good Work or the Catholic Virtues this week.  Currently, Praise Assembly cannot be held as a whole school and for the moment will be held in classes.  The plan is to then share Praise Assembly through Microsoft Teams.  Well done also to the children of St. John's house who gained the most points this week.

Year Group Good Work Catholic Virtues
Year 1 Arthur Jacob
Year 2 Luca Lucas
Year 3 Emilia Clemency
Year 4 Isla Thomas
Year 5 Isla CJ
Year 6 Oliver Ben

Dress Code for PE lessons and Sports Clubs

A reminder that on your child's PE day that they can wear their PE kit, tracksuit and trainers in order to reduce the number of personal items being brought into school.  The days for each year group are outlined below. If your child participates in a breakfast club which is not on the day of their PE lesson then they will have to bring in their uniform to change afterwards.

Year PE Day PE Day
Year 1 Thursday Friday
Year 2 Monday Thursday
Year 3 Tuesday Friday
Year 4 Tuesday Friday
Year 5 Monday Wednesday
Year 6 Monday Wednesday

Latest guidance on what to do if you or your child has symptoms of Coronavirus

Click on the following link to the NHS website for information on what to do if you or your child/ren show the main symptoms of Coronavirus. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms

Music Lessons

Dudley Performing Arts are making a temporary offer for online music lessons during the first half of next term. This is a one off arrangement and is available for existing students as well as anyone who would like to play an instrument or have singing lessons.  The cost is £7 for a 20 minute individual lesson which includes instrument hire for certain instruments.  You can find out everything you need to know including how to enrol at this website.

 

Pyramid Concert Virtual Performance

Our children in Year 5 will take part in an virtual concert in 2021 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Pyramid Concert.  Mr Mallinson from Hagley Catholic High School is in the process of organising arrangements with schools so that lessons can start very shortly.  The scheduled day is Wednesday every fortnight.  Further details to follow.

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 - The Lord's Prayer

Since the focus of this Sunday's Gospel is forgiveness, we are reminded by Fr. Des to recite the 'Our Father' every day at 6pm.  Try and remember to say this prayer each day .  We think about and pray for Fr. Des as he bgeins his ministry at St. John Fisher Parish this week.

Virtues Focus - Curious and Active

Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be curious about everything; and active in their engagement with the world, changing what they can for the better.

Pope's Intention for September

The Maritime World: We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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