I hope that you all had a wonderful half-term break. During my recent visit to Rome, I was reminded of just how universal the Church is. Pilgrims of hope from across the globe all joined together at the Vatican during this Jubilee year. It was a humbling experience and provided me with an opportunity to reflect on how we have marked the Year of the Jubilee in school. Our Jubilee pledges, pilgrimage to Mass at OLAS, planting seeds in our Jubilee Garden, our new House Saints and our pupil-created footsteps throughout school are reminders of our commitment to the Diocese and Emmaus mission: ‘Forming Christ-centred pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice.’

I hope that the parent consultation evenings that have taken place this week were useful and provided you with an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress so far in school this academic year. Thank you for attending – and never hesitate to make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher should you wish to discuss your child’s progress. I also trust that the curriculum updates in the previous newsletter were received positively. I have reflected on ensuring that further information on your child’s curriculum throughout the school year is shared, which was raised during the recent parent survey.

This half-term is always extremely busy and exciting – please do take a moment to see the key dates below, as well as our school calendar on the website: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Stourbridge - Calendar

Dear Parents and Carers

In Sunday’s Gospel – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – we hear how Jesus was preparing to celebrate the Passover Festival and travelled to Jerusalem. This would have been an exciting and deeply important time for Jesus as he made his pilgrimage to the Temple. Imagine Jesus’s frustration when he arrived after such a journey to find that the Temple had been turned into a market. “Stop them making my Father’s house a marketplace!” Jesus states in a moment of frustration and anger that we don’t often associate with our Lord – such was his annoyance at how such a sacred place was being treated.

The reason for Jesus’s deep frustration is important for us. Jesus is angered that the people who wished to pray and be close to God were being disturbed, preoccupied, and even worried if they did not have enough money to pay for the market offerings. Jesus teaches us to cut out the ‘noise’ and spend time with him in peace, sharing our inner thoughts and worries, not to be disturbed. Jesus also teaches us to have a ‘hunger for justice’. Where we see something unfair, we should stand up for what is right and just – as Jesus did when the worshippers were being disturbed. Let us too spend time with Jesus this week.

Amen.

Please ‘spread the word’ to anyone who is applying for a Reception school place for September 2026 – we can’t wait to show them our school!

Christmas Boxes for the Gambia Project

A big thank you to everyone for their generous contributions and support with the Christmas Boxes for The Gambia Project! We had so many boxes! Thank you to our Prayer Leaders for leading the project in school and for packing up the boxes ready to be shipped off to The Gambia.

Mufti Day – Thursday 14th November

We are delighted to let you know that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School will be holding a Mufti Day on Thursday 14th November to raise funds for our local HCPT group, who take children from the Stourbridge area on pilgrimage to Lourdes each Easter.

The HCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage is all about “making everyday miracles” by offering children with additional needs and from challenging circumstances the opportunity to experience a truly special week of joy, friendship, and faith. You can learn more about HCPT’s inspiring work by watching their short campaign video here: https://youtu.be/XIJ7wKhBDcE.

We are asking for a £1 donation per child, which can be paid via the Arbor app. All funds raised will go directly to supporting our local HCPT group and their pilgrimage.

15-23 November

This year's theme is 'Connection or Coincidence?'

Maths Week England: 17th November to 21st November 

As the name suggests, Maths Week is a week-long celebration of all things maths. Some perceive maths as being a little bit elitist (that is, being only for extremely clever people)! Maths Week sets out to encourage children to pursue maths by promoting a more positive and inclusive approach. 

If you use maths as part of your career in any way, we would love to hear about it and even better, if you would like to come into school to chat to our classes, please let Mrs Hickman know! It doesn’t matter what your job is, as long as you can talk about the type of maths you use.

Autumn study plans available here –

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Stourbridge - Curriculum Plans

all dates for the academic year so far can be found on our school calendar St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Stourbridge - Calendar 

Monday 10th November – Odd socks day / Anti bullying week
Tuesday 11th November – Remembrance assembly
Tuesday 11th November – 2:45pm Remembrance projects showcase for all parents – (all classes)
Monday 17th November – Maths week England and Road Safety Week
Tuesday 18th November – Flu vaccinations
Monday 1st December – 9am Whole school Advent assembly(all can wear purple) parents welcome
Wednesday 10th December – 9:10am Music and Mince Pies (parents invited)
Thursday 11th December – Christmas jumper day
Thursday 11th December – 5:30-6:30pm – Carols by Candlelight at OLAS
Monday 15th December – Reception Christmas performance
Wednesday 17th December – 1:30pm – Year 1 and 2 Nativity performance
Wednesday 17th December - 5:30pm - Year 1 and 2 Nativity performance
Friday 19th December – 9:05am – Whole school Advent Mass
Friday 19th December – Final day of term. School closes at 3:15pm – carols sung in the hall.

Have a great weekend

Mr Wilkes

Interim Executive Principal