St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Newsletter 10th December 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

Advent- A time to Prepare

In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist prepares for the coming of Jesus. He tells them to share with others and to show mercy- to put people (not money or power) first; to feel for those who suffer and to do something to help.

This Church encourages us to perform Spiritual Works of Mercy. These include being compassionate; being patient with others even if we are being treated unfairly; forgiving others (even if we feel they don’t deserve forgiveness); sometimes giving people more than they deserve.

Merciful people do things out of their love and care for others and this makes the world a better place. A true message of Christmas for us all to share this year.

Annual Fun Christmas Challenge- Reminder

This year’s challenge has now been set by the Chair of Governors. We would like children to design and make their very own candle holder. All entries will need to be in by Monday 13^th December where they will be judged by the Chair of Governors at the Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 14^th December. Have fun and good luck.

Christmas Crafts-Reminder

All the Christmas Crafts that the children would have sold at the Christmas Fair are now available to buy on the ParentPay website. Please give generously and thank you for your support.

Leading Lights Christmas Hamper Collection Starts- Monday 6^th December

Christmas is always a wonderful time to think of others who are not as fortunate as ourselves. The annual collection of food products begins next week with all donations to be given to the local Foodbank via the school. I know that in the past you have been most generous with this so we look forward to your donations. Y6 will be sorting out a collection area in the hall and we will share some photos of the donations when they have all been collected.

FS and Key Stage 1 Christmas Parties Monday 13^th December-Reminder

Children can wear their party clothes and party!! Please can we make sure footwear is appropriate to wear all day at school.

Christmas Lunch Tuesday 14^th December-Reminder

Christmas Pantomime Wednesday 15^th December

Dick Whittington will be performed in the school hall for all children. Oh no it isn’t, I can assure you it definitely is! Children can wear Christmas Jumpers this day to enter into the festive spirit if they want to.

Key Stage 2 Christmas Parties Thursday 16^th December

Children can wear their party clothes and party!! Please can we make sure footwear is appropriate to wear all day at school.

Last Day of Term- Friday 17^th December

Christmas films in classrooms and also we are hopefully planning to sing some carols either in school or Church or possibly both. Please watch out for more information on this early next week.

As a parent of two children myself I know just how busy this time of year is. For those who like a simple calendar table to help keep organised see below.

Date	Event	Remember
Ongoing	Christmas Challenge	Candle holders in by Monday 13th December
Ongoing	Christmas Hamper Collection	Food products into school.
Mon 13th December	FS/KS1 Parties	Party Clothes
Mon 13th December	Christmas Challenge	All entries in by today
Tues 14th December	Christmas Lunch
Weds 15th December	Christmas Panto	Christmas Jumpers
Thurs 16th December	KS2 Parties	Party Clothes
Friday 17th December	Last Day of term

 

COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.

We are all wondering what the next few weeks will bring with the new variant and cases locally still high.

Currently in school we only have 1 positive case amongst children and staff so let us pray this continues to be the case.

Please support the school by wearing a face covering at drop off and pick up time. If you do need to come to the school office you must wear a face covering. Staff are also wearing face coverings when moving around the school and we have Carbon Dioxide monitors in all classrooms to help monitor the flow of air in classrooms. We are opening windows and doors periodically during the school day so please can all children wear jumpers and cardigans every day.

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]

If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their R.E. sessions.

 

• Little Joey’s- Parker
• FS1- Noah and Hannah
• FS2- Dottie and Kaden
• Y1- Isaac and Connie
• Y2- Alexis and Imogen
• Y3- Holly and Joseph
• Y4- Jolie and Bella
• Y5- Sienna and Isabelle
• Y6 –Brooke and Isabelle

Reception Applications

We still have a limited number of places still available for next year’s Reception (FS2) class. We encourage you to let your families and friends know should they wish to apply. We are happy to show prospective parents around our School so please encourage anyone who may be interested in sending their child to our School know and Mr Geaves or Miss Wright will happily show them around.

You can apply for a primary school reception place online and the website is now open for applications.

Children who are due to start reception class in September 2022 and who were born between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2018 are eligible to apply now. Parents will be invited to submit their preference for the primary school that they would like their child to attend. Specific places are only allocated once the application form has been filled. Please click on the following link to access the application:

https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/resident/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions/Pages/Applying-for-a-Primary-School-Place.aspx

We also still have some places available in our current Nursery (FS1) class. Contact school for further

information. We are more than happy to show parents around our school and discuss our values, aims and curriculum further.

Christmas Raffle

The raffle will be drawn remotely in school on Friday morning. Fingers crossed you will be lucky.

Final Thoughts

Please take care everyone. I know the latest COVID news can be upsetting and make us feel anxious about making plans for the future. My advice is to keep yourself and your family safe in everything that you do. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing my family this Christmas and hope that is manageable this year. The greatest gift that we can give everyone at this time is love- so make sure you spread Christmas joy wherever you go as you never know how greatly that may be appreciated.

Take care everyone, keep yourself safe and thanks you for reading this week’s newsletter.

Remember no after school clubs next week.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 3rd December 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

Advent- A time to Prepare

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear about John the Baptist calling people to prepare themselves for Christ’s arrival. John alerted the people of the need to change some of their ways and to the fact that Jesus was coming.

This Gospel can serve to remind us about the importance of preparing ourselves as Christmas approaches: to repent (to look into our hearts and see if there are any ways that we could make a change for the better), and to be busy doing the things that Jesus told us to do, loving God and loving one another through our words and through our deeds. In these ways we prepare our hearts to be filled with a joy that lasts long after the Christmas festivities have passed.

Please take the time to read through the newsletter this week as we inform you of what the next two weeks will look like as a school this Christmas time.

Annual Fun Christmas Challenge

This year’s challenge has now been set by the Chair of Governors. We would like children to design and make their very own candle holder. All entries will need to be in by Monday 13^th December where they will be judged by the Chair of Governors at the Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 14^th December. Have fun and good luck.

Christmas Crafts

All the Christmas Crafts that the children would have sold at the Christmas Fair are now available to buy on the ParentPay website. Please give generously and thank you for your support.

Leading Lights Christmas Hamper Collection Starts- Monday 6^th December

Christmas is always a wonderful time to think of others who are not as fortunate as ourselves. The annual collection of food products begins next week with all donations to be given to the local Foodbank via the school. I know that in the past you have been most generous with this so we look forward to your donations. Y6 will be sorting out a collection area in the hall and we will share some photos of the donations when they have all been collected.

Christmas Story Books- Next Week

Children can bring a Christmas Story into school on Monday 6^th December. These will then be shared on Christmas story day on Friday 10^th December. On Friday 10^th December children can wear PJs or Christmas jumpers for the story day. We will share the stories safely together and hopefully the smell of Hot Chocolate will fill the air.

FS and Key Stage 1 Christmas Parties Monday 13^th December

Children can wear their party clothes and party!! Please can we make sure footwear is appropriate to wear all day at school.

Christmas Lunch Tuesday 14^th December

Yum yum!! After filling ourselves the Christmas Challenge will be judged today.

Christmas Pantomime Wednesday 15^th December

Dick Whittington will be performed in the school hall for all children. Oh no it isn’t, I can assure you it definitely is! Children can wear Christmas Jumpers this day to enter into the festive spirit if they want to.

Key Stage 2 Christmas Parties Thursday 16^th December

Children can wear their party clothes and party!! Please can we make sure footwear is appropriate to wear all day at school.

Last Day of Term- Friday 17^th December

Christmas films in classrooms and also we are hopefully planning to sing some carols either in school or Church or possibly both. Please watch out for more information on this early next week.

As a parent of two children myself I know just how busy this time of year is. For those who like a simple calendar table to help keep organised see below.

Date	Event	Remember
Ongoing	Christmas Challenge	Candle holders in by Monday 13th December
Ongoing	Christmas Hamper Collection	Food products into school.
Monday 6th December	Christmas Story Books	Christmas Story Book into school
Friday 10th December	Story Book Day	Christmas Jumpers/PJs
Mon 13th December	FS/KS1 Parties	Party Clothes
Mon 13th December	Christmas Challenge	All entries in by today
Tues 14th December	Christmas Lunch
Weds 15th December	Christmas Panto	Christmas Jumpers
Thurs 16th December	KS2 Parties	Party Clothes
Friday 17th December	Last Day of term

COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.

We are all wondering what the next few weeks will bring with the new variant and cases locally still high.

Currently in school we only have 1 positive case amongst children and staff so let us pray this continues to be the case.

Please support the school by wearing a face covering at drop off and pick up time. If you do need to come to the school office you  must wear a face covering. Staff are also wearing face coverings when moving around the school and we have Carbon Dioxide monitors in all classrooms to help monitor the flow of air in classrooms. We are opening windows and doors periodically during the school day so please can all children wear jumpers and cardigans every day.

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]

If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their P.E. sessions.

• Little Joey’- Thomas
• FS1- Jack & Hazel
• FS2- Stanley & Rory
• Y1- Jack & Aurora
• Y2- Oskar & Jacob
• Y3- Dexter  & Lucy
• Y4- Megan  & Mason
• Y5- Sofia & Conrad
• Y6 –Holly & James

Attendance

Thank you for your continuing support with ensuring that your child is punctual to School on a morning and that they attend School, should they be well enough to do so.

Reception Applications

We still have a limited number of places still available for next year’s Reception (FS2) class. We encourage you to let your families and friends know should they wish to apply. We are happy to show prospective parents around our School so please encourage anyone who may be interested in sending their child to our School know and Mr Geaves or Miss Wright will happily show them around.

You can apply for a primary school reception place online and the website is now open for applications.

Children who are due to start reception class in September 2022 and who were born between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2018 are eligible to apply now. Parents will be invited to submit their preference for the primary school that they would like their child to attend. Specific places are only allocated once the application form has been filled. Please click on the following link to access the application:

https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/resident/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions/Pages/Applying-for-a-Primary-School-Place.aspx

We also still have some places available in our current Nursery (FS1) class. Contact school for further

information. We are more than happy to show parents around our school and discuss our values, aims and curriculum further.

Final Thoughts

What a week we have had at the school!!

On Monday we arrived to find the front office covered in water. The storm last weekend took its toll on the roof and sadly we have some damage to the front office which will need repairing.

Then on Tuesday the heating decided to stop. I have to say the decision to partially close the school on Wednesday was a difficult one but it did enable us to get the necessary maintenance work carried out quickly and safely and minimise the impact on all the children.

I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding with this matter and also thank the amazing staff for adapting to the circumstances so quickly.

On the subject of thanking staff,  for those of you who do not know, Mrs O’Hara will be retiring at Christmas. I have only worked with her for a term but she has worked with generations of children at the school for 36  years. She is quite simply a legend and I can see that not only will we miss her brilliant work ethic but more importantly miss her warm and beautiful caring personality. We wish her well on her new adventure and many years of happy retirement. Thank you, Mrs O’Hara, we will miss you.

I hope that is the last of the drama and we can enjoy a busy festive last two weeks at school.

Take care everyone, keep yourself safe and thanks you for reading this week’s newsletter.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 3rd December 2021

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Closing Date: Wednesday 24th November 12 noon

https://online.fliphtml5.com/qsqrk/tejj/#p=1

Newsletter 12th November 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

Anti-Bullying Week Next Week- One Kind Word

Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration and charity can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us.

This is one of the reasons, that ‘One Kind Word’ has been chosen as the theme of Anti-Bullying Week taking place from 15 to 19 of November 2021.

One Kind Word can be a turning point. It can change someone’s perspective. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying.

Best of all, one kind word leads to another. Kindness fuels kindness. We can all play a part in a chain reaction that powers positivity. This upbeat message will resonate with children who know all too well how unkind words can hurt and undermine them.

In order to fully become immersed in this theme I will start the week with a special assembly and we ask everyone to wear odd socks on Monday. This will show that we are thinking carefully about kindness and how to spread joy and happiness rather then hurt and pain.

Odd Socks Day on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week has a serious message behind the fun: let’s pull on odd socks to show we’re ALL unique and different, and let’s be kind to each other and respect each other’s individuality.

New After School Club on Thursdays

I am delighted to announce that from Thursday 18^th November we will be running a Lego and Game of Actual Life Club. This will be run by the Simon carsson Sports Coach and offers a different after school club experience to some of our other ‘sporty’ clubs. Please get in touch with the school and sign up on ParentPay as spaces are limited.

Y3 Parent’s Evening: Monday 15^th and Tuesday 16^th November

We look forward to welcoming parents and carers to Parent’s Evening. All appointments can now be booked on the Arbor App. We are still waiting for the last few.

COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]

If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

 

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

 

Next week’s Highlights Dates:

• Monday 15^th / Tuesday 16^th November Y3 Parent’s Evening
• Anti-Bullying Week Odd Socks Day
• Thursday New Lego and Game of Actual Life after school club with Simon Carson
• Friday 19^th November Children in Need Day- No School Uniform Voluntary Donations of £1

ADVANCED NOTICE OF KEY EVENTS

PD DAY SCHOOL CLOSED TO PUPILS FRIDAY 26^th NOVEMBER 2021

• Tuesday 14^th December- School Christmas Dinner (All orders in by Monday 29^th November)

School Uniform Final Reminder

I have noticed that some children are not wearing the correct footwear when attending school. Please can I take this opportunity to remind all our families that trainers are not permitted to be worn to school unless it is a P.E. Day. On P.E. days please can children wear the correct school P.E. uniform. Can we avoid wearing branded and sometimes very expensive tracksuits and active wear and stick with plain colours.

After School Clubs:

We have the following clubs on offer for the next 6 weeks for children from FS2 to Year 6:

Monday – Football

Tuesday – Netball (Only Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6)

Wednesday – Winter Art and Crafts

Thursday –NEW CLUB LEGO AND GAME OF ACTUAL LIFE
Friday – NEW CLUB DODGEBALL (ONLY KS2 – Y3 to Y6)

Clubs need to be booked via Parent Pay in advance.  To ensure that clubs can run smoothly we ask you to sign up for a block of sessions, the cost of each club is £9 for the 6 weeks.

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their Science  tasks.

• LJ’s – Tommy
• FS1- Savannah and Arabella
• FS2- Maisie, Kaden, Reuben, Athena
• Y1- Lewis and Genevieve
• Y2- James V and Abigail
• Y3- Henry and Oscar
• Y4- Ava and Logan H
• Y5- Jack and Joseph
• Y6 – Jayden F and Ben

Final Thoughts

This Sunday’s Gospel shows us that if we look beyond the troubles of the world, we can find something more important. Jesus assures us that although many things in the world may change, his love and faithfulness will last forever. We can be certain that our faithfulness to God will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come. Enjoy the weekend and remember to pause on Sunday morning at 11am to remember.

 

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 12th November 2021

Newsletter 5th November 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome the children back to school after the half-term break this week. One of the greatest joys of this week was the first meeting of our New Holy Communion Group. It is brilliant to see this important sacrament being prepared for in such a special way at school.

It is now just 50 days until Christmas, even John Lewis and Marks and Spencer’s have released their Christmas TV Adverts so I think we can start mentioning the ‘c’ word.

Some parents have approached the school asking about the upcoming festive season and the proposed events. Please check the school calendar on the website for the dates of all the planned festivities. I know last year because of the pandemic many events were modified or even cancelled. If I have learned anything over the past 18 months it is to be wary of planning to far in advance and making promises that we cannot keep. As soon as we can we will inform you of the exact logistical arrangements for our Christmas events, including whether or not visitors can be included and in what manner. Please can I ask for your patience and understanding with this matter as we want all our families to enjoy Christmas in a safe way.

COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]

If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Y3 Parent’s Evening: Monday 15^th and Tuesday 16^th November

We look forward to welcoming parents and carers to Parent’s Evening. All appointments can now be booked on the Arbor App.

Next week’s Highlights Dates:

• Tuesday 9^th November Y3 Stone Age Day
• Thursday 11^th November Remembrance Day Assembly
• Friday 12^th November Very Small Group of singers attending Trust singing choir event.
• All shoeboxes in by Friday 12^th November

 

ADVANCED NOTICE OF KEY EVENTS

• Monday 15^th / Tuesday 16^th November Y3 Parent’s Evening
• Friday 19^th November Children in Need Day- No School Uniform Voluntary Donations of £1
• Tuesday 14^th December- School Christmas Dinner (All orders in by Monday 29^th November)

Packed Lunch Reminder:

It is lovely to see so many children bringing in fruit as part of their packed lunch. If children are bringing in grapes please cut them in half to prevent them being a potential choking hazard.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

School Uniform Reminder

I have noticed over the last week that some children are not wearing the correct footwear when attending school. Please can I take this opportunity to remind all our families that trainers are not permitted to be worn to school unless it is a P.E. Day. Also on P.E. days please can children wear the correct school P.E. uniform. Can we avoid wearing branded and sometimes very expensive tracksuits and active wear and stick with plain colours.

Children in Distress Shoebox Appeal 2021

This year’s “Love in a Box” Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2021 is here!

This appeal ensures that infants and children from the poorest families or in orphanages, hospices or hospitals know someone cares at Christmas. It’s a volunteer-led appeal to ensure they receive a Christmas gift. Because so many of the donors involved now also fill boxes with senior citizens in mind, the appeal also ensures that those living alone or in care, are not forgotten. These special gift boxes will, for many, make the difference between a little joy and warmth or simply going hungry over the festive season.

Please can all shoeboxes be returned by next Friday.

After School Clubs:

We have the following clubs on offer for the next 6 weeks for children from FS2 to Year 6:

Monday – Football

Tuesday – Netball (Only Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6)

Wednesday – Winter Art and Crafts

Thursday – Multi sports

Friday – Sports

Clubs need to be booked via Parent Pay in advance.  To ensure that clubs can run smoothly we ask you to sign up for a block of sessions, the cost of each club is £9 for the 6 weeks. A new rota of clubs will be set up for next half-term in due course.

Bonfire Night

If you are celebrating bonfire Night this weekend have lots of fun and hot dogs, but please keep the children safe and keep an eye on your lovely pets.

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their climate change tasks.

• FS1- Toby & Harriet
• FS2- Teacher absent this week double stars next week.
• Y1- Tabitha G & Matilda J
• Y2- Bella T & Charlotte G
• Y3- Isla L & Joseph D
• Y4- Ben E & Ellie S
• Y5- Harvey S & Layla F
• Y6 – Jayden S & Mia H

Final Thoughts

This Sunday’s Gospel shows us that even the smallest of good deeds, done with love, does not escape Jesus’ attention. Jesus reminds us that the amount we give is not as important as the love with which we give a gift. This certainly gives us a timely reminder of the gift of love as we start to prepare our busy family life at Christmas time.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 5th November 2021

Newsletter 8th October 2021

Friday 8^th October 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

The school is alive with colour (in particular yellow) today as the sun shines and we enjoy some unseasonal Autumnal warmth. I cannot believe that another week has gone by! Please take the time to read the following notices and reminders and let us hope the sun stays out for the weekend.

Hello Yellow Day

Thank you for your generosity towards this charity no school uniform day. As we all struggle with how we’re feeling sometimes we know it’s normal to have ups and down. Children have not only worn yellow today but also taking part in special activities to celebrate World Mental Health Day. This is something that is so important to discuss and here at St Joseph’s it is one of our key priorities to work on for the year.

Parent’s Evening: Reminder to Book

Thank you to all those who have already booked their appointments. I can see we are still waiting for a few parents to sign up. If you could do this by Friday 15^th October we would be grateful. All bookings on the Arbor App.

COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.

We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]

If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Upcoming Events: When did you last check the school website???

Please check our school website for the dates for some of the key events which we have planned for this year. Dates for events such as Sports Days and Nativities are on our calendar. In sharing these dates with you, our aim is to help our families organise time off work, for instance, so that everyone is able to make the most of the precious memories that will be made on these dates

Some Headline Dates:

• Monday 18^th October Parents Evening 3.30-6.00pm (bookings open on the Arbor App)
• Tuesday 19^th October Parents Evening 3.30-6.00pm (bookings open on the Arbor App)

Next Week’s Highlights:

• Friendly Football Fixture against Handle Primary School at St Joseph’s Loftus after school. Monday 11^th October
• Year 5 walk to High Street for Geography work (on a dry day)
• FS2 walk around school grounds for Autumn work. (on a dry day)

After School Clubs:

We have the following clubs on offer for the next 6 weeks for children from FS2 to Year 6:

Monday – Football

Tuesday – Netball (Only Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6)

Wednesday – Art and Crafts

Thursday – Multi sports

Friday – NPCAT Sport

Clubs need to be booked via Parent Pay in advance.  To ensure that clubs can run smoothly we ask you to sign up for a block of sessions, the cost of each club is £9 for the 6 weeks.

Stars of the Week:

Last week Year 5 were enjoying a trip so we were not able to report the Stars of the Week.

They were Sienna & Ollie- well done to you both.

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their writing tasks.

• Little Joeys- Arthur
• FS1- Isaac & Harley
• FS2-Dottie & Athena
• Y1- Aurora & Millie
• Y2- Charley & William
• Y3- Toby & Lucy M
• Y4- Mason & Tilly
• Y5- Bridget & Olivia
• Y6 – Violet & Eva

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 8th October 2021

Newsletter 1st October 2021

Friday 1^st October 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

This week we have been looking at Maths. I have spent time in each classroom getting to know the children better but more importantly seeing for myself fist hand how this important subject is being taught. The children have once again worked very hard to achieve in many different ways.

COVID 19

The same rules apply regarding reporting cases to school. If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Upcoming Events: A reminder to check the website

Please check our school website for the dates for some of the key events which we have planned for this year. Dates for events such as Sports Days and Nativities are on our calendar. In sharing these dates with you, our aim is to help our families organise time off work, for instance, so that everyone is able to make the most of the precious memories that will be made on these dates. As the year progresses, further dates and events will be added. We will inform you of significant events in either the weekly newsletters or class newsletters.

Some Headline Dates:

• First Holy Communion First Session at School Monday 1^st November TBC
• Monday 18^th October Parents Evening 3.30-6.00pm (bookings will open on Monday)
• Tuesday 19^th October Parents Evening 3.30-6.00pm (Bookings will open on Monday)

 

After School Clubs:

 

We have the following clubs on offer for the next 6 weeks for children from FS2 to Year 6:

Monday – Football

Tuesday – Netball (Only Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6)

Wednesday – Art and Crafts

Thursday – Multi sports

Friday – NPCAT Sport

Clubs need to be booked via Parent Pay in advance.  To ensure that clubs can run smoothly we ask you to sign up for a block of sessions, the cost of each club is £9 for the 6 weeks.

Next Week’s Highlights:

Monday 4^th October Sacred Heart Open Day 5-7.30pm

Message from Sacred Heart Secondary School:

An invitation to all parents and children to the Y6 Open Evening on Monday 4th October 5.00 – 7.30pm. The event will give you the chance to hear the progress we are making as a school and my vision for the coming years, as well as important information from other key staff and pupils. You will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the school to experience our subject areas and facilities for yourselves.

The Y6 Open Evening is one of the highlights of our academic year and we hope to see you there. We will be working closely with our feeder primaries over the coming year to ensure a smooth transition into secondary education for your child. We look forward to welcoming you all into the Sacred Heart School family. If you have any queries about open evening, please contact us either by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01642 487100.

Wednesday 6^th October Y1 Walk

Year 1 will be walking to Rosecroft Woods on Wednesday. Please can we make sure children have a coat and appropriate shoes or wellies!!

Thursday 7^th October School Lunch Pupil’s Choice Day

We have a special one-day menu full of the children’s favourite dishes and hope as many pupils as possible join us to sample this delicious food.

Friday 8^th October Hello Yellow Day

We all struggle with how we’re feeling sometimes and it’s normal to have ups and downs.

This year might have felt a little more down than up. But it’s the little things that have got us through it – the morning walks, singing in the shower, the perfect cuppa, that Netflix show that got us all buzzing, the bestie who makes you LOL, the teacher who has your back.

Saying Hello Yellow this World Mental Health Day is a little thing we can do to make a BIG difference to young people’s mental health. Because a little yellow goes a long way.

We ask that all children wear yellow and bring in a voluntary contribution of £1 on Friday 8^th October.

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their Maths tasks.

• Little Joeys- Connie
• FS1- Mabel & Jack
• FS2- Pippa & William
• Y1- Genevieve & Morgan
• Y2- Jacob & Imogen
• Y3- Oliver & Charleigh
• Y4- Logan Luke & Ava
• Y5- (on a school trip so will let you know next week)
• Y6 – Scarlett & Macey

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 1st October 2021

Newsletter 24th September 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

Another week has tumbled by and it is evident that he children are truly trying to act out the school’s mission statement. They are showing that they really do come to school to learn and encourage each other to do their best, even when things are difficult. As normal routines are becoming established the children continue to impress me with their positive ‘can do’ attitude towards learning.

This week I have been fortunate to collect in many English books to look at the quality of the children’s writing and how some are already making progress since the start of the year. See the stars of the week for those who have excelled in writing.

COVID 19

The same rules apply regarding reporting cases to school. If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Upcoming Events:

Please check our school website for the dates for some of the key events which we have planned for this year. Dates for events such as Sports Days and Nativities are on our calendar. In sharing these dates with you, our aim is to help our families organise time off work, for instance, so that everyone is able to make the most of the precious memories that will be made on these dates. As the year progresses, further dates and events will be added. We will inform you of significant events in either the weekly newsletters or class newsletters.

Some Headline Dates:

• Monday 18^th October Parents Evening 3.30-6.00pm
• Tuesday 19^th October Parents Evening 3.30-6.00pm
• First Holy Communion First Session at School Monday 1^st November TBC

Car Parking:

Can I remind everyone that you should not park directly opposite the school entrance. Please be considerate when parking on the road outside school. We want to make sure that everyone is safe.

P.E. Kits- Reminder

We have decided to change the way that children get ready for P.E. Instead of bringing their PE kit into school and changing at their allotted time we will now revert back to the conditions we had last year. This means that children can wear their PE Kit on the days they complete PE all day. This avoids time being wasted on changing and lost school uniform and P.E. Kit.

Please see list below that details when each class has P.E.

• FS1/Little Joeys- Do not change for PE.
• FS2- Tuesday
• Y1- Monday & Friday
• Y2 Monday & Friday
• Y3- Wednesday & Thursday
• Y4- Wednesday & Friday
• Y5- Tuesday & Thursday
• Y6- Tuesday & Thursday

After School Clubs:

We have the following clubs on offer for the next 6 weeks for children from FS2 to Year 6:

Monday – Football

Tuesday – Netball (Only Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6)

Wednesday – Art and Crafts

Thursday – Multi sports

Friday – NPCAT Sport

Clubs need to be booked via Parent Pay in advance.  To ensure that clubs can run smoothly we ask you to sign up for a block of sessions, the cost of each club is £9 for the 6 weeks.

Packed Lunches:

As a Healthy School, we aim to promote healthy eating. Please don’t send sweets or too many treats in the packed lunch box. We still have children attending the school with nut allergies so don’t send anything that has nuts in please.

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their writing tasks.

• Little Joeys- Jessica
• FS1- Poppy & Harriet
• FS2-Arthur & Rory
• Y1- Gabriel & Henry
• Y2- Charlotte & James
• Y3- Gracie & Isla
• Y4- Freddie & Oscar
• Y5- Freya & Sofia
• Y6 – Lucian & Riley

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 24th September 2021