Friday 12th October 2018

Out of his great love for us, God created us to be happy with him forever.  In this Sunday's Gospel, we hear about a wealthy young man whose love of money and possessions were stopping him finding true happiness.  So Jesus lovingly challenges him: if he wants to have true, lasting happiness for which he is asking, then he must give God first place in his life.  The young man went away sad because he was putting his trust in his wealth rather than trusting God to bring him happiness. Living in the way that Jesus taught us, knowing that we are loved forever by God and responding to that love by loving others leads to everlasting happiness. 

The positive impact of reading with a child regularly is well documented.  Here at St. Joseph's we are looking for parents who would be willing to come into school to listen to children read on a 1-to-1 basis.  An initial meeting with Mrs Riley, our English Coordinator, will be organised as well as the statutory checks through the DBS.  If you are interested and can spare some time during the afternoon then please leave your name and contact details with the school office.  Thank you for your continued support.

Congratulations to the ten members of the school tag rugby team from Years 5 and 6 who took part in a local festival yesterday held at Old Halesonians Rugby Club.  For the first time in a number of years the team won the overall festival and will now proceed to the Dudley finals on 13th March 2019 at Old Swinford Hospital School.  The chidren were great ambassadors of the school showing teamwork, cooperation and encouragement throughout the event.  Well done!

On Thursday 18th October the children from St. Luke's house will be celebrating their patron's feast day.  The children may come into school wearing green items of clothing on this day represneting their house colour.

Next Wednesday Mr McArdle from Hagley Catholic High School will be meeting with our Year 6 pupils to begin the process of support for transition to secondary school in September 2019.  Further sessions will take place duirng the academic year to support them through this next stage in their faith and education faith journey.

The chidren across the Stourbridge Learning Partnership will be taking part in this year's Project Gambia Shoe Box Appeal. In November, Project Gambia will be shipping a ‘Christmas Shoebox’ to every child who attend the schools they work in: Half Dye, Madiana and The Methodist Special School. Mrs Hodt from Project Gambia will be speaking with the children on Wednesday about this special appeal.

A reminder from the Local Authority (Dudley Borough) to parents of children in Year 6.  Please submit an application to apply a place for your child for September 2019 by 31st October 2018.  This can also be completed online via the following link:  www.dudley.gov.uk/admissions or call the Dudley Schools Admissions Service on 0300 555 2345.

On Tuesday 16th October we will be holding an Open Morning for parents of Reception children for September 2019. This will take place in the school hall from 9.30am until 10.30am. Please encourage any friends and family members with children who are due to start Reception in September to come along. Thank you.

One of our School Sport providers here at St. Joseph's will be running activity camps over the half term holiday from Monday 29th October to Friday 2nd November. There is an early booking discount for the full week's camp at £70. Alternatively, individual camp days can be booked. These camps will be held at Our Lady and St Kenelm Catholic Primary School and Peter's Hill Primary School. To book a place for your child please visit: www.rbgymandsport.co.uk.

Stourbridge Tennis Club are holding a number of training sessions during half term. The camp will run from 31st October to 2nd November. Camp details as follows: All Day Camp 9am-3pm: £30, Morning Camp 9am-12noon: £17, Afternoon Camp 1pm-3pm: £12, Early Drop Off 8:30am: £2.50. Rackets Can Be Provided. Each Full Day Includes Lunch. Prices Based On Per Person Per Day. For further information please contact either Kirk Woodhall on 07792 755567 / kirkwoodall@hotmail.com or Grant Chapman on 07800 936550 / glc24@live.com

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

Dear Lord Jesus, may our family be rich in love and filled with the happiness which comes from serving you and others.  Amen.

Evangelisation: The Mission of Religious. That consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice.