Friday 5th November 2021

God wants us to trust and depend on him, and to share our gifts of time, talent and money to help others. When used well, our gifts help us to find our purpose in life and to improve the lives of those around us. This Sunday's Gospel shows us that even the smallest of good deeds, done with love, does not escape Jesus' attention. The widow's gift was so little that, in some ways, it would hardly make much difference. But Jesus reminds us that the amount we give is not as important as the love with which we give a gift.

Unfortunately, we have only received 11 responses from our Parent Questionnaire. The short survey can be accessed via the 'Key Information' tab on the school website. This will allow our governors and senior leaders to review current practice and make any necessary changes for the benefit of the children who we serve.  Thank you.

Congratulations to the following children for being chosen by their class teachers for either Good Work or displaying our School Virtues (Eloquent and Truthful) this week.    Well done also to St. John for gaining the most house points.

Please check the days your child/ren have PE as this has changed for some classes this half term due to our external sport educators working with different year groups.  Children will need to wear grey or navy tracksuit bottoms and their school jumper/cardigan over their school PE kit.  Children in Year 5 who attend football training on a Thursday lunchtime are asked to bring in an additional pair of trainers on this day so that they can change into these for the session on the playing fields.

Our latest Autumn reading recommendations for children across the school can be found on the school website. Simply click on the 'Our Community' tab and then select 'Children's Area.'

We have noticed that a number of children are bringing lunchbox items which are higher in sugar and snack based rather than providing the breadth of food items which will support them in school.  Please look at the link from the NHS Change4Life programme for ideas for lunchtime recipes. Lunchbox Ideas | Recipes | Change4Life (www.nhs.uk). Please also ensure that for snack time at breaks, that children do not have crisps or chocolate bars, but instead fruit or a low sugar cereal bar.  The catering team do provide a balanced nutritional meal for children which covers the recommendations for schools.  For children in Reception and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), all children are entitled to a free hot school meal.  If you would like to take up this offer then please contact the school office.

You are all welcome to join us at Our Lady's & All Saints Church.

Saturday 5.00pm

Sunday 8.30am & 11am

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.

The Wednesday Word can be accessed via following link: The Wednesday Word Primary School Resource | Catholic Church.  Please go through this with leaflet with your child so that they become more familiar and understand the focus of the Gospel each week.

Prayer for the COP26 climate summit

Loving God,
We praise your name with all you have created.

You are present in the whole universe,
and in the smallest of creatures.

We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us
as stewards of your creation.

May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they
seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society.

Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions
for the poorest and most vulnerable,
and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home.

We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son.

Amen

Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be Learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways they use their learning for the common good.

People Who Suffer from Depression

We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and light that opens them up to life.