Friday 3rd November 2017

I hope that after the half term break our pupils feel reenergised as we look forward to the season of Advent and Christmas later on this term. During this month we remember in particular all those who have died and this week we especially think and pray for the innocent civilians who have been killed and seriously injured at the recent terrorist attack in New York. We also commemorate all people who have died during conflict and war. Year 2 will be leading a Remembrance Assembly next Friday at 10.40am ( Please arrive by 10.30am for prompt start at 10.40am ). Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen.

On Tuesday (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Wednesday (5pm-7pm) of next week our first Parents' Evening will take place in the School Hall. If you have not signed up to an appointment time with your child's class teacher then either telephone the school to book an appointment or come into the school reception to sign up. These sessions are for five minutes and serve as an opportunity to meet your child's class teacher and to receive feedback on how they have settled into school so far this term. If there are any other concerns which you would like to discuss in more detail then a further meeting can be arranged through the school office. Mrs Rowley, our new school SEND Coordinator, will also be available on Tuesday afternoon to speak with parents too. Please book an appointment through the school office to meet with Mrs Rowley. Parent questionnaires will also be distributed on the evening and you are able to either take these away and complete (one for each child) or do so at the end of your appointment session. A text will be sent as a reminder to return any questionnaires.

The first parents' session of this year's Sacramental Programme will take place at OLAS Church on Thursday 9th November starting at 7pm. If you are unable to attend then please contact the school office to send your apologies. Thank you.

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

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for all our blessings and gifts. Please help us to grow in humility - to be humble and loving in all that we do and say. Amen.

A reminder to please use the Local Authority car park for drop-off and collection each day.

Please ensure that your child brings a suitable coat to school each day. Thank you.

Bag 2 School is a company that specialises in good quality second hand clothing that can be re-used. All bags are weighed and the school is paid by the total weight collected. There will be a collection from the school on Thursday 9th November 2017 by 9am. If you require another bag then please ask for one at the school office. Thank you.

As the nation prepares to celebrate Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) this coming weekend, the statistics published today highlight a continued increase in the number of children who have been injured due to fireworks from 120 to around 180 last year. Advice from the Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents (RoSPA) is to always attend a large firework display as fewer accidents occur at these events compared to family or private parties. Further information about the Firework Code is available at the following link to the RoSPA website: https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety/.

We appreciate that parking is difficult at the start and end of school day, but please be mindful when using the car park as we have had a few complaints due to double and triple parking.

Change of date - The KS1 nativity will be on Friday 15th December at 1.30pm and 6.30pm.

Stourbridge Theatre Company's next production is Tom's Midnight Garden. As you may know this is a children's story that will hopefully appeal to young and old alike. Stourbridge Theatre Company have had an ongoing relationship with St. Joseph's School for a number of years. They have once again kindly offered tickets to St. Joseph's at a much discounted rate. One child FREE with one adult paying the discounted price of £5 each, additional child £2.50. This is for the afternoon performance at 2pm on the 25th November 2017, they have reserved the entire balcony for us. This is a fantastic opportunity for the children. If you are interested please call into the school office to reserve your tickets.

This year's PTA Santa Breakfast will be on Saturday 9th December . Booking forms are being sent home on Friday 3rd November. Please check your child's schoolbag as places book up very quickly. There will be 2 sittings - 8.30am and 10.30am. Admission to the event will be by pre paid tickets only and places are limited for each sitting time. If you would like to book for this event please return completed form and payment in a named envelope. Thank you for your support.