Friday 28th May 2021

Thank you and farewell

Today we say farewell to one of our school cleaners. Mrs Haden has dedicated over 16 years of service to the school.  We wish her health and happiness as she begins a new chapter in her life.  

Thank you to all our parents for their continued support this half term.  Hopefully, the easing of Covid restrictions will continue until the final stage in the roadmap on Monday 21st June.  Further information about the impact on the easing of restrictions will be released as soon as the guidance from the Government has been published.

I wish all our children and their families a happy and rested half term break.  We look forward to welcoming all our children back on Monday 7th June.  Thank you also to all members of our school staff who have continued to show dedication, commitment hard-work during this challenging year.

Sunday's Gospel Focus - The Most Holy Trinity

This coming Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Trinity. Saint Patrick used a three-leaved clover to illustrate the mystery of the Trinity: it has three leaves but is just one plant. He did this to explain that in the one God, there are three divine persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are bound together in love.

Contact tracing over half term

The following guidance has been issued by Dudley Borough regarding the importance of continued communication with school during the half term break. If your child develops symptoms and has to undertake a PCR test or tests positive to Coronavirus, then please contact the school info email address: info@st-jo-st.dudley.sch.uk

Where pupils or staff have developed symptoms within 2 days* 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. However, where pupils or staff test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) during the holiday, having developed symptoms more than 2 full days* since being in school, schools are not required to take any action. Staff, parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.*E.g. If someone develops symptoms at 3pm on Saturday 29th May, contact tracing will need to take place for Thursday and Friday, this then covers 2 full days before symptoms appear.

The Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline 0800 046 8687 and the Public Health England Advice Service will remain open over the holidays to answer any questions you have about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education settings and children's social care. 

Wednesday Word Link

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

PE Days - Summer 2

The children's PE days next half term will differ slightly for some year groups due to the support from external providers. Please also ensure that your child wears their PE kit underneath their school jumper/cardigan as well as plain navy blue or grey tracksuit bottoms. Further information about National School Sport Week (wc Monday 21st June) and a possible scheduled sports day will be announced after half term.  This will depend on the Government guidance in terms of how the event is organised this year and whether parents are allowed to attend.

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

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

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 - Most Holy Trinity

O most holy Trinity, Almighty God, we adore You, who give life and vigour to every creature and who shed light eternal where there is darkness. We offer you our hearts, our souls, and our whole being, today and on the days to come, that we may offer perfect praise and love to your glorious Name. Amen.

Virtues Focus - Compassionate and Loving

Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be: compassionate towards others, near
and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their just actions and forgiving words.

Pope's Intention for May

The World of Finance
Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate the financial sphere and protect citizens from its dangers.

 

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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