Friday 14th December 2018

In this Sunday's Gospel we are reminded about how John the Baptist prepares the people for the coming of Jesus.  He tells them to share with others and to show mercy - to put people first; to feel for those who suffer and to do something to help.  Within the Catholic Church, these actions; attending to people's basic needs, are known as Corporal Works of Mercy.  As we journey through Advent let us rediscover the corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead.  Practical ways we can follow these works of mercy are: giving to the local foodbank, giving clothes to the 'Coats for Christmas' appeal and/or supporting the Christmas Day lunch at the Parish Centre for people who would otherwise be on their own.  For further information please read the Parish newsletter which is available online or paper copies can be provided by the school office. Pope Francis reminds us 'We cannot escape the Lord's words to us, and they will serve as the criteria upon which we will be judged: whether we have fed the hungry and given drink to the thirsty, welcomes the stranger and clothed the naked, or spent time with the sick and those in prison.'

On Monday, Mr Richards from Living Streets (UK Charity), spoke to the children in assembly about a new, exciting, nationwide challenge to encourage children and their families to walk to school at least once a week. Walking to school helps children feel happier and healthier and even do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn. More families walking means fewer cars on the road during the school run, helping to reduce congestion and pollution at the school gates too. Using an online tracker, children's journeys to school will be logged and at the end of each month, those children who have walked at least once a week, will receive a WOW badge! If your child cycles or scoots to school, these will count towards earning a WOW badge.  If you live too far away or don't have the time to walk the whole way to school, you can Park (ten minutes away) and Stride so that your child can earn their WOW badge.  Park or hop off public transport at least ten minutes away from school and walk the rest of the way. We will launch the programme from Monday 7th January so that the children can collect up to seven different badges this academic year.  If you would like to find out more information about this programme visit the following website: www.livingstreets.org/walktoschool.  Let's swap those school runs for school walks!

Dudley Local Authority have asked schools to remind parents of children born between 01.09.14 and 31.08.15 to complete an application.  Parents can apply online at www.dudley.gov.uk /admissions or they can phone the office on 0300 555 2345 for a paper form. The closing date for applications is 15th January 2019. An additional Supplementary form is required and a copy of your child's Baptismal certificate, please contact school office for more information.

Thank you to the 55 respondents who fully completed the online questionnaire in response to Parents' Evening.  Unfortunately, this has been the lowest completion rate by parents for a number of years.  Your feedback is important to us so that we can endeavour to continue to improve all that we do to support every child here at St. Joseph's.  In preparation for the next Parents' Evening sessions, which will take place on Tuesday 12th March (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Wednesday 13th March (5pm-7pm), we will be sending you a text reminder to complete the questionnaire.  PCs will be set up in school again for you to complete immediately after your meeting or this can be completed in your own time at home. The overall feedback received has been very positive and reflects the excellent work undertaken by all staff, volunteers and parents.

On Monday 17th December we will be celebrating Christmas Jumper Day with a special fun Christmas boxed meal consisting of Chicken or Quorn Nuggets and Smiley Faces, a pudding and a free chocolate treat. School dinners cost £2.30 for children in KS2.

Pupils at St. Joseph's growing to be faith-filled in their beliefs and hopeful for the future.

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to grow in the virtue of mercy - to be open to receiving your mercy and showing mercy to others.  Amen.

Evangelization: In the Service of the Transmission of Faith.  That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogie with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time.