Friday 26th March 2021

Holy Week Begins

In this Sunday's Gospel, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, we listen to the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem according to Mark.  Unfortunately, we know only too well the dramatic changing of events during Jesus' final week on earth; from being praised entering Jerusalem to His death on the cross. Praising God brings happiness; it is what we were made for. How can we praise God this week? Perhaps we can think of all the good things that we have received from God - like the beauty of nature and all creation, for our homes and for each other. We can also pray and thank God for the new beginning that we hope to experience with the easing of lockdown restrictions so that we are able to be with our family members and friends as we begin the season of Spring. A reminder that the clocks go forward by one hour this Sunday too.

Although we cannot celebrate the season of Easter as we would normally do, at least we have the opportunity to attend a service on Good Friday and Easter Sunday which we were unable to this time last year. It is also good news that we are able to celebrate Holy Week together as a school community. The children will be working on activities throughout the week to help them prepare for the Easter season. Further details on how you can book to attend a service/Mass at Our Lady and All Saints Church are outlined below.

Parents' Evening Reminder

Our second Parents' Evening session will take place via Microsoft Teams next Tuesday from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. Apologies for any technical issues which some parents may have experienced - these were beyond our control. In the event that Teams cannot be used, the teachers will phone parents instead. We hope that you find the meeting both useful and informative to support your child/ren moving forwards.

Well done Ted!

Congratulations to Ted for achieving the 100km walk for Dementia UK this March.  Thank you to the children who have volunteered over the last few weeks to walk with Ted at lunchtimes.  

Praise Assembly - Tea with Ted and Mr C

Congratulations to the following children for being chosen by their class teachers for Good Work and Special Mention (Virtues) this week.  They will be given the opportunity to have some time and a treat with Ted and Mr Carry on a Friday afternoon. 

Class Good Work Special Mention
Reception Ophelia Isla
Year 1 Luke Albert
Year 2 Theo Flo
Year 3 Mikey Emilia
Year 4 Eddy Alyssa
Year 5 Alexia Rose
Year 6 Charlotte Harry O

Wednesday Word Link

The weekly Wednesday Word is available via the following link:  The Wednesday Word Primary School Resource | Catholic Church

PE Days w/c Monday 29th March 2021

Year Group Day 1 Day 2
Reception Wednesday Friday (School Closed)
Year 1 Thursday Friday (School Closed)
Year 2 Monday Thursday
Year 3 Monday Friday (School Closed)
Year 4 Monday Friday (School Closed)
Year 5 Tuesday Wednesday
Year 6 Tuesday Wednesday

Change to Lunch Menu on Thursday 1st April

As we are off school next Friday the school kitchen will be serving Pizza & chips or Fish & chips on Thursday instead.

Emmaus Lenten Almsgiving

Train to Teach - School Direct Programme through Our Lady and St. Hubert's School

This past year has been one of the most difficult years in education, and more than ever, the country needs passionate and committed teachers to help our children make up for the many hours of lost learning time as a result of the pandemic. If you or someone you know is interested in teaching and already has a degree, then Our Lady and St. Hubert's 'Schools Direct' programme may be of interest. School Direct is a route into Initial Teacher Training, that places the school-based programme at the heart of the experience. This means that the course is based in school for the majority of the time. Training will take place in an environment that has an established reputation for excellence in teaching. For more information in our School Direct programme, visit the school's website here.

Holy Week Services at Our Lady and All Saints Church

In line with current legislation, attendance numbers are to be strictly adhered to, so the services below can only be attended on a pre-booking basis.  You are able to book one of the Good Friday Services, and one of the three Easter Masses.  The booking number is 07377 893208 which will be open from Monday 22nd March to Friday 2nd April between the hours of 2pm to 6pm. Please note that if you have not booked for any of the services, please do not attend as entry will only be allowed on this pre-booking basis. Any other services during Holy Week will be on a first come basis. 

Saturday 27th March Mass 5pm
Sunday 28th March Mass 8.30am and 10.30am
Monday 29th March No Mass
Tuesday 30th March Mass 12.30pm
Wednesday 31st March Mass 9am
Wednesday 31st March Holy Hour 3pm
Holy Thursday 1st April Mass of the Lord's Supper 7.30pm
Good Friday 2nd April Stations of the Cross and Veneration 10am
Good Friday 2nd April Good Friday Liturgy 3pm
Good Friday 2nd April Stations of the Cross and Veneration 7.30pm
Easter Saturday 3rd April Easter Vigil Mass 8pm
Easter Sunday 4th April Mass 8.30am
Easter Sunday 4th April Mass 10.30am

Dudley MBC symptom-free testing information for parents

Parents and carers can also visit www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirusparents for more information on both symptom and symptom-free testing and the other symptoms residents are now being encouraged to take a precautionary test if they display.

Accessing symptom-free tests

Parents and carers and anyone else living with a school age child or young person are among the priority groups being given access to free home lateral flow testing kits to test themselves.

Information on how to access these can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/rapid-lateral-flow-testing-for-households-and-bubbles-of-school-pupils-and-staff

All are strongly encouraged to have a lateral flow test at a local testing site prior to starting home testing, to know how a test is undertaken. 

Twice weekly testing will help detect hidden asymptomatic cases and help keep pupils and staff safer in school.

Anyone unable to do home testing can go to one of the Dudley lateral flow testing centres. These are at Dudley Leisure Centre, Saltwells Education Centre, with pop-up sessions at Holy Trinity Church Community Centre in Wordsley, Lifecentral Church in Halesowen, St Andrews Church in Sedgley, St James Church in Wollaston and the Salvation Army Church in Lye.There is also testing at more than 30 pharmacies across the borough. For details on where you can get a lateral flow test and to book visit www.dudley.gov.uk/symptom-free-testing

Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline opening hours over the Easter holidays

The Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline will be open every day over the Easter holidays to answer any questions you have about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education settings and children’s social care. Over the bank holiday weekend (Friday 2 April to Monday 5 April), lines will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Phone: 0800 046 8687

Our usual opening hours will resume on Tuesday 6 April. 

DfE Guidance on supporting your children's remote education during the coronavirus (updated 15.02.21)

Information and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home. Supporting your children's remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Latest advice for parents on coronavirus from the DfE

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

Covid Family Support Information (Updated)

We have all experienced challenges and difficulties during this pandemic, but sometimes we may need support from someone else or know of someone who may need additional help.  Dudley MBC have created a 'Support for Families' leaflet which signposts local services to parents. We have also included an updated list of support for parents via a range of local and national agencies.  These documents can be found within the Covid 19 tab on the school website landing page.

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.  

Prayer of the Week - A Great Prayer to Praise God

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Virtues Focus - Attentive and Discerning

Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be: Attentive to their experience and to their vocation; and discerning about the choices they make and the effects of those choices.

Pope's Intention for March

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.

 

Parent/carer letter from Dudley's Director of Public Health

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

A School Life Website
School Life iOS Mobile Application
School Life Android Mobile Application