Friday 18th December 2020

As we draw to a close in what has been an unprecedented period of time which will be remembered for generations to come, we reflect upon the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had upon our daily lives. The hardships, uncertainty and lows we have experienced as individuals as well as a nation have been challenging for us all in different ways. However, even with the difficulties and challenges we have faced, we can always look at the positives which have arisen from this pandemic - from increased contact to family and friends, although this may have been virtually, to learning new skills during lockdown.  The changes to our daily routines and how we have adapted as a school to ensure the safety of all our school community has also brought its challenges to families too. I thank you for your understanding and continued support this year, even though some difficult and unwelcome decisions had to be made at times. However, throughout all that we have endured, the children, staff and families of St. Joseph's School have always been, and will be, my paramount concern and priority. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our children, staff members and families a very Happy, Holy and rested Christmas break.  We look forward to working in continued partnership with you all whatever may arise in the new year ahead.  Keep safe and God bless.

A huge thank you to Mrs Riley and the team of staff in Reception and Key Stage 1 for creating our first ever virtual Nativity entitled 'Everyone Loves a Baby!' You can watch this on the school website - please share with family and friends so that we can all remember in these difficult times the real meaning of Christmas and give thanks to God for the coming of Jesus Christ.  

To access the Wednesday Word booklet for the Christmas period, please click the following link: https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/wisdom?pid=MTA101634&v=8.8

From Monday, the self-isolation period has been reduced from 14 to 10 days. For people who test positive: they should isolate for 10 days from onset of symptoms (if symptomatic) or from test date (if asymptomatic). All four UK countries will now align to apply the same 10-day rule: in all cases the day after symptom onset or test date is counted as the first full day of self-isolation i.e day 1 and symptom onset or test date is day 0. Household contacts will be able to stop self-isolation after 10 days from when the index case developed symptoms (or test date if asymptomatic) as long as they are well. [Note: as above, this will be the end of the tenth full day after the day of symptom onset or test]. For further information please click on the following link: UK Chief Medical Officers' statement on the self-isolation period: 11 December 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

A reminder about the Department for Education's advice for schools and colleges regarding reporting positive cases of coronavirus during the festive period. If your child tests positive within 6 days after Friday 18th December, then please contact the school info email account.  The guidance from the DfE is as follows:

• Where a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school should not be contacted. Parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.
• For the first 6 days after teaching ends, if a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms within 48 hours of being in school, the school is asked to assist in identifying close contacts and advising self-isolation, as the individual may have been infectious whilst in school.
• School staff are not asked to remain on-call or conduct any contact tracing more than 6 days after the final day of teaching. 

Bookings for one Mass only can be made by calling 07377 893208 between the hours of 2pm and 6pm Monday to Friday from November 30th to December 24th. Please be patient as this booking line is manned by one person. We understand you may be disappointed that you cannot attend Mass both Christmas Eve/Day and over the weekend. Please remember that the obligation for Sunday Mass and Holy days of obligation is still suspended. Only those who have booked a place will be able to attend Mass.

It was wonderful to see the children in their Christmas jumpers on Wednesday. We have raised £173.00 in donations for Crisis. Thank you for supporting this wonderful charity at Christmas.

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

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-in-the-autumn-term

Congratulations to St. John's House for gaining the most House Points this term.  A reward will be organised for the children of this house next term.

We have all experienced challenges and difficulties during this pandemic, but sometimes we may need support from someone else or know of someone who needs additional support.  Dudley MBC have created a 'Support for Families' leaflet which signposts local services to parents.  This is available within the Covid tab on the school website landing page.  Please signpost to people who you know may need some additonal help, especially over Christmas.

Christ, come into our world of darkness. Light up our lives with your coming. Fulfil all our longings with the joy of your birth. Strengthen our resolve to work for change in our world. And to share the hope of your birth that each Advent brings. Amen.

Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be: Intentional in the way they live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and Prophetic in the example they set to others.

For a life of prayer

We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.