Friday 12th July 2019

This Sunday's Gospel reading we are reminded about the story of The Good Samaritan.  Through this parable, Jesus answers a question from a lawyer and tells us that our neighbour is any person who needs our help, regardless of who they are or where they come from.  At the end of the Gospel, Jesus then tells the lawyer to go and act as the Good Samaritan did.  It is also a message for us all today. Who will I be a good neighbour to in the week ahead?

We hope you are pleased with your child's end of year report. This coming Monday's Open Evening (3.30pm-5.30pm) will provide you with the opportunity to look at your child's work and/or speak with your child's class teacher about their progress. We decided to use the same format as last academic year as we will be using a new tracking and reporting system across all the MAC primary schools from September. 

On Tuesday morning, we will be holding our annual Prize Giving event at St. Joseph's starting at 9.10am. Bishop David McGough, our Area Bishop, will be our special guest of honour. We are so blessed that he is able to join us to celebrate our children's achievements this year.

Our Year 6 Leavers' Assembly will take place this coming Wednesday morning starting at 9.10am.  This is always such a wonderful opportunity for the children reflect upon their time at St. Joseph's and to listen to their aspirations for the future too. 

A reminder that our end of year Mass will take place next Friday morning starting at 9.10am. We hope that you can join us to wish our Year 6 pupils and staff all the very best for the future.

On the last day of term (Friday 19th July) we will be supporting the 'Soles for Souls' campaign.  This charity supports children in Romania and The Gambia with footwear they desparately need.  If you would like your child to take part, please can they bring in an old pair of shoes or trainers (any size).  The children who particpate can wear their own trainers to school on this day.  Thank you for your continued outreach support.

Thank you to our children and their families for their generosity through donations to the Food Bank at Our Lady and All Saints. During the months of April, May and June, 23kgs of food was donated to help meet the needs of 327 adults and 186 children in our local area.  A perfect example of how we can live out the Good News through our actions to support our neighbour. 

Today was our final Praise Assembly of the year.  Congratulations to all the children who have been chosen for their Good Work and also for those who have shown the Catholic virtues each day too. 

From September 2019, the price of school dinners will increase to £2.40 per day to include a drink of squash or water. As part of an initiative to reduce plastic waste, the children will no longer have the option to buy bottles/cartons of water/juice at lunchtime.Children in Years 1 up to Year 6 will be able to purchase toast or fruit at tuck times for 20p.

The children in Reception class, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to Universal free school meals. The children in Year 3 up to Year 6 can purchase a school dinner for £2.40 per day. Please make cheques for dinner payable to DMBC.

You are invited to our end of term Pirate Party on Friday 19th July. A free chocolate coin with every school meal.

Congratulations to St. John for gaining the most house points throughout the Summer term.  They will be receiving a speacial treat on Monday afternoon. Well done to all our children for working so hard this year and for gaining so many points for their houses too.

Your child should have brought home a flyer about the new Activity Camps which will be taking place at St. Joseph's School over the summer holidays (Monday22nd July to Friday 30th August).  This is being led by the company which we use for the majority of our clubs, PE curriculum support, Active Maths and Balance Ability programmes - RB Gym and Sport.  Contact details for further information as follows: 0121 695 1394 / www.rbgymandsport.co.uk / info@rbgymandsport.co.uk.

Three Summer Camps for children of all ages and abilities will take place during the holidays on the following dates: 31st July, 1st and 2nd August; 21st, 22nd and 23rd August; 28th, 29th and 30th August.  Please contact Kirk Woodhall on 07792 755567 or Grant Chapman on 07800 936550. 

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.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to be good neighbours. Help us to show our love through our actions and so to be respectful and caring to all we meet. Amen.

That those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.