Friday 20th April 2018

The Eastertide theme of the Walk with Me booklet is Sweet Sacrament Divine which is very much focused on the amazing grace of the Risen Christ made real and present to us in the gift of the Eucharist. This period of reflection provides us with the opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming National Eucharistic Congress in Liverpool from 7th until 9th September 2018. The theme of the Eucharistic Congress is Adoremus (Let us Adore), and the focus will be to rejuvenate Eucharistic adoration both in our own lives and in our parish too.

The education (pupil registration) regulations which came into force on 1st September 2013 made it clear to all schools that head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during the term unless 'exceptional circumstances' exist. These 'exceptional circumstances' include the bereavement of a close family member, a religious observance (close family member wedding/funeral) or if a parent is in the armed forces returning from a long operational tour. If a request form is completed then a letter will be sent outlining the decision made by the School. If the period of absence is for 10 unauthorised sessions (one session is half a day) then a referral will be made to the Education Investigation Service. This may result in a warning notice being issued or even a penalty notice. Morning registration takes place at 8.55am, pupils arriving after 9am will be marked as late. 5 minutes late each day means 3 school days missed during the year.

Children from St. Mark's House are allowed to wear 'blue' clothes on Wednesday 25th April to celebrate the feast day of their house saint. There will also be a House Mass at 2.15pm - all are welcome to attend.

Well done to the team of sixteen runners who have represented St. Joseph's at this year's SLP Cross Country Competition. Our boys' and girls' teams were ranked second overall. Jonathan (Year 4) was the boys' overall winner and Aidan (Year 5) was second. In the girls' individual competition, Emily-Mae (Year 6) was second overall. Congratulations to these children and all our other competitors for contributing to the team's success this year.

There will be a meeting for parents of Stourbridge children regarding the potential cuts to school funding. This will be led by Mrs Middleton who is the Head teacher of Rufford Primary School and NAHT Branch Representative. The meeting will be held at Rufford Primary School on Wednesday 25th April at 2.15pm. Refreshments will be available upon arrival.

Our next Book Fair will be held on Monday 23rd April until Friday 27th April - 3.15-4.00pm. Booklets have been sent out at the end of last term with further details. World Book Day £1 book tokens can be redeemed against purchases. Please come and support this event.

Pupils 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.

Dear Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who guides us through life. Please help us always to place our trust in you. Amen.

For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters. That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.