This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday which is popularly known as the birthday of the Church. This was the day when Jesus' disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, when the mission of the Church really began nearly 2000 years ago. Pentecost is not just a historical event. The Holy Spirit is alive and active today. The fruits of the spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. These help us to live a happy and virtuous life in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. The 'Action for Happiness' organisation has also designated June as 'Joyful June'. For more information about the '10 Keys to Happier Living' which is based upon on a review of the latest scientific research relating to happiness go to www.actionforhappiness.org.
This weekend is the final children's session and preparation Mass for the children in Year 3 who will be receiving Jesus for the first time through the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Saturday 15th June (11am) at Our Lady and All Saints Church. We thank Fr. Des, Mrs McCole, Miss Roberston, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Alcock, the team of catechists, parents and prayer partners who have supported these children on their continued journey of faith. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers at this special time.
We have just received notification that St. Joseph's has been awarded the Platinum Mark for its commitment to physical activity, physical education and school sport over the last five years. In order to achieve this highest award possible, the school had to achieve the Gold Award for the last five consecutive years. We thank all our school staff, children and parents who have supported the school's commitment to this vital area of the curriculum which we know has a wider impact on children's mental health and well-being. St. Joseph's is the first school in Dudley to achieve this award and possibly the West Midlands!
I am sure that you are aware of the challenging financial situation every school is currently facing across the country. Unfortunately, there has not been an increase in funding year-on-year to support the increase in expenditure relative to inflation. For many schools, including St. Joseph's, this means an 8% reduction in the school budget in real terms over the next 5 years. In previous years, our Year 5 Class has participated in an enrichment programme, learning about music and performing at the Pyramid Concert at Birmingham Town Hall. Unfortunately, as a result of budget constraints and competing priorities we have taken the decision not to participate 2020. This is a difficult decision, but has been taken in the interests of maintaining the quality of education for all children at the school. We understand some parents and children may be disappointed at this decision but we will continue to review how to provide our children with enrichment activities through the arts, especially with support from the Dudley Performing Arts.
As part of their transition into Key Stage 2, our Year 2 children will be allowed to play on the field (weather permitting) from Monday 10th June. Can you please ensure that your child brings to school a pair of trainers so that they can change into these at lunchtime. Thank you.
This year's Summer Fayre will take place on Saturday 22nd June - 12 - 3pm. To make the fayre a success we NEED your help. There are sign up sheets in the school's main reception area; if you can spare an hour on that day please sign up as a volunteer. We are also looking for donations of raffle prizes too.
Interested in hiring you own stall or sponsorship/advertising your company please leave your details at reception and a member of the PTA will contact you.
All monies raised by our Summer Fayre helps to enrich the school lives of our children here at St. Joseph's. Thank you for your continued support.
Year Group | Good Work |
Reception | Iris and Minie |
Year 1 | Katie |
Year 2 | Isla |
Year 3 | Lauren |
Year 4 | Daniel |
Year 5 | Lexi |
Year 6 | Whitemoor Lakes |
Day | Activity | Year Group | Time |
Monday | Multi-skills | Years 1 to 3 | 8am |
Monday | Girls' Football Training | Years 4 to 6 | 12.50pm |
Tuesday | Gymnastics | Years 3 to 6 | 8am |
Tuesday | Irish Dancing | Years 1 to 6 | 3.15pm-4.15pm |
Wednesday | Multi-skills | Years 4 to 6 | 8am |
Wednesday | Football | Years 3 and 4 | 12.50pm |
Thursday | Gymnastics | Years 1 and 2 | 8am |
Thursday | School Football Team | Years 4 to 6 | 12.50pm |
Thursday | High 5 Netball | Years 4 to 6 | 3.15pm-4.15pm |
Friday | I'm an Archer 9 (starts after half term) | Years 3 to 6 | 8am |
Friday | Football | Years 5 and 6 | 12.50pm |
Friday | Football | Years 1 to 6 | 3.15pm-4.45pm |
Children in St. Joseph's School are growing to be intentional in the way they live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example they set to others.
Gracious Father, I contemplate your presence among us. Help me to do all things for the greater good of all people. I offer you all my thoughts, words, deeds and all that I am for the intentions of Pope Francis for this month. Hail Mary...
That priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively to a solidarity with those who are most poor.