The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Vocations Sunday or Good Shepherd Sunday, and is marked as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The purpose of this day is to fulfil Jesus' instruction to "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:38). While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates her attention on raising up shepherds for God's people - vocations to Holy Orders (the priesthood and diaconate) and to the religious life - while encouraging all who are discerning their vocation to pray more earnestly that they may hear and respond to God's call.
This Sunday's Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and that, if we listen to him, we can rely on him to guide our lives in the right direction. Sheep are so unpredictable and undependable. They are easily startled and often run in the wrong direction, appearing constantly to change their mind. Sometimes we too can head in the wrong direction and we need help to keep our lives on the right path. Jesus is the patient shepherd who never gives up on us. He came so that we could experience the fullness of life here, and to lead us into the joys of eternal life.
Thank you to Mrs Riley, Mrs Faux-Conduit and Mrs Price for their time and commitment in support of the Year 5 educational visit to Alton Castle this week. The children had a wonderful time, not only through range of experiences with outdoor and adventurous activities, but also in deepening their spirituality and faith as they begin their journey to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next academic year. The children have also been excellent ambassadors for St. Joseph's during their time - well done and thank you.
Congratulations to the following children for being chosen for Good Work or for displaying the Catholic virtues (Grateful and Generous) this week. Well done to St. Mark's house for gaining the most points this week.
| Year Group | Catholic Virtues | Good Work |
| Reception | Jamie | Maisie |
| 1 | Anouska | Peony |
| 2 | Hattie | Josh |
| 3 | Elissar | Lloyd |
| 4 | Matty | Riley |
| 6 | Adam | Lauren |
Thursday 9th June - Individual school photographs - am
Saturday 2nd July - PTA Summer Fayre - 11am-3pm
Congratulations to the seven Year 5 children who have been chosen to lead the 'Rainbow Warriors' programme at St. Joseph's with support from Active Black Country. Rainbow Warriors is a "Warrior" and "Activist" for all programme. With the 4 strength areas at their core, helping children to become the best, unstoppable version of themselves!
Strength in mind
Strength in heart
Strength in body
Strength in friendship
The Rainbow Warriors will then complete a series of activities, including the recruitment of a 'Buddy Brigade' from Year 4 to help with a project which the children will lead on across the school centred around the Rainbow areas of learning.
On Tuesday 29th March, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, set out the next steps for living with COVID-19 in England from Friday 1st April.
Free COVID-19 tests will continue to be available for specific groups, including eligible patients and NHS staff, once the universal testing offer ends on Friday 1st April.
Updated guidance will advise:
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· adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, and who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature · children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school, college or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend · adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice will be 3 days. |
For education and childcare settings from Friday 1st April:
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· regular asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended in any education or childcare setting, including in SEND, alternative provision and children's social care settings. Therefore, settings will no longer be able to order test kits · residential SEND settings may be advised by their local health protection team to re-introduce some time-limited asymptomatic testing. This would be an exceptional measure, for targeted groups of staff and pupils or students (secondary age or above) in the event of a possible COVID-19 outbreak. These settings are scheduled to receive an automatic delivery of contingency supply test kits during the week commencing Monday 28 March · the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will publish new guidance. Most of the specific COVID-19 guidance for education and childcare settings will be withdrawn from GOV.UK on Friday 1 April. The operational guidance on the testing in education settings document sharing platform will also be removed on the same day. |
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.
Heavenly Father,
we ask you to send
labourers into your harvest.
Inspire, in the hearts of your people,
vocations to the priesthood, diaconate
and religious life.
Bless our families with a spirit of generosity,
so that those whom you call
have the courage to give themselves
to your Church in faith.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of
other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming men and women for others.
MAY
For faith-filled young people
We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.
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St Joseph’s |
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| Lea Vale Road Stourbridge West Midlands DY8 2DT For enquiries or to request paper copies of information from this website please contact the school office. |
Contact Information |
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| Principal - Mr Anthony Wilkes SENDCo - Mrs J McCole (Vice Principal) Business Partner - Mrs D A Faux-Conduit Administrator - Mrs D Bradley Chair of Governors - Mr J Coyne Safeguarding Team DSL - Mr Anthony Wilkes DDSL - Mrs Jo McCole & Mrs Michele Riley Tel: 01384 431980 Email: info_stjosephs@emmausmac.com The school is open for 32.5 hours per week. Opening Times - 8:45am to 3:15pm Monday to Friday. Registration starts at 8.55am. |
Social Media |
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