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.
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.
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.
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 |
The weekly Wednesday Word is available via the following link: The Wednesday Word Primary School Resource | Catholic Church
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 |
As we are off school next Friday the school kitchen will be serving Pizza & chips or Fish & chips on Thursday instead.
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.
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 |
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
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.