Newsletter Friday 10th June 2022
Friday 10th June 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
I would like to begin this week’s newsletter by thanking you all for coming to the jubilee event at the end of the last term. I was thrilled to see so many parents, grandparents and friends support the life of the school in such numbers. Thank you so much, your support for the school is not something we take for granted. We hope to have similar numbers at the upcoming sports days and summer fair.
Congratulation to Miss Wright who successfully became the permanent Deputy Head of the school on Wednesday. After a robust interview process with members of the Trust Board, Diocese and Governing Body the decision to appoint her was unanimous. We are delighted that the work she has done already is now recognised and look forward to her continued commitment to the school and the children.
Today we say farewell to Mrs Bailes who has been on teaching placement this year. We wish her well as she now qualifies as a teacher and starts her first job at St Peter’s in Brotton in September- good luck.
Advanced Notice of some Key Dates:
Next week we have three school events:
- On Monday it is the rearranged Y5 & 6 Athletics Competition
- On Tuesday Y3 are visiting Skinningrove Beach.
- On Wednesday some Y3/4 children are taking part in an Athletics competition.
Sports Day is planned for June 24th 2022. The morning will be the Nursery and Little Joey competitors with FS2-6 trying their best at 1.45pm in the afternoon. Should be great fun and rumours of a barbeque are also now circulating!!
Year 5 and Year 6 will be going on their residential trip to Edinburgh from Wednesday 29th June to Friday 1st July 2022. We have arranged an information meeting for parents of Y5 and Y6 on Wednesday 22nd June at 4pm.
Teachers are busy writing end of year reports which will be shared with you all on Friday 15th July.
Also, on the 15th July we will be hosting a Summer Fair at the end of the day with class stalls and some fun for us all to look forward to.
The school term finishes on Wednesday 20th July 2022 and children return on Monday 5th September 2022.
Children’s Cancer Run
We are very excited to be holding our very own Children’s Cancer Run at our school this summer! The run will take place during Sport’s Day on the 24th June. All of the funds we raise will improve the lives of children with cancer. Anything you donate will help Children’s Cancer North invest in life-saving research into new treatments and onward activities for children going through treatment right now. As you will know, we have an inspirational boy in school who was diagnosed with Leukaemia in December 2019. The work of Children’s Cancer North has been invaluable to him and his family.
This cause is close to all our hearts. If you’d like to donate, please visit our fundraising page:
The link for this will be posted on Facebook and Twitter. There will also be donation buckets dotted around the field on Sport’s Day.
Wraparound- 30 Hour Provision Nursery
If you wish your child to attend our wraparound service, please can you ensure you have made your booking and payment via Parent Pay on the Friday before the week you wish your child to attend. If in case of an emergency and you need to book a place for your child on the day, then you must still make the booking/payment on Parent Pay, but it is very important you contact the school office to make school aware of this booking. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Wednesday Word
Please click on the link below for the latest edition of the Wednesday word:
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/half-term-holiday-special?pid=MTA101634&p=3&v=61.20
PE DAYS FINAL HALF TERM
- Monday- Y3 FS1 and Y5
- Tuesday Y3 and Y4
- Wednesday Y6, FS2, Y1, Y2 & Y4
- Thursday Y1 & Y2
- Friday Y5 & Y6
After School Clubs this Half-Term
- Monday MFC Football
- Tuesday Coding KS2 only
- Wednesday Tennis
- Thursday NPCAT Sport – Cricket.
Holidays in Term Time:
If you intend to take your child out of school in term time you must complete an absence in term time form from the office. The form should be completed 21 days before any planned absence. This must be completed for planned holiday absences even though these cannot be authorised. Can I encourage all families to continue supporting the school with this matter as we enter peak holiday season. We have a duty of care to know where our children are during term time and have visited homes this week when we do not know if a child is ill or on holiday. Thank you in anticipation of your support.
Students of the Week
This week students have been nominated for their Computing work.
Well done to the following pupils:
Nursery/FS1- Savannah & Etienne
Reception/FS2- Archie & Ellie
Year 1- Ciara & Jack
Year 2- James & Abigail
Year 3- Joseph & Lucy D
Year 4- Maisie & Fiann
Year 5- Harriet & Sofia
Year 6- Lucy & Holly
Final Thoughts for this Week: Honesty
Reflect, today, upon how honest you are in all areas of life. Have you built a habit of truthfulness in both big and small matters of life? Do people recognise this quality in you? Speaking the truth and being a person of the truth are ways of proclaiming the Gospel with our actions. Commit yourself to honesty today and the Lord will do great things through your spoken word.
Thank you and have a lovely weekend when it comes,
Mr Geaves
Newsletter Friday 6th May 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
As we move into the month of May hopefully the weather will start to pick up.
This Sunday is traditionally known as ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and that, if we listen to him, we can rely on him to guide our lives in the right direction.
With this in mind we wish the Y6 children good luck next week as they take part in their End of Key Stage 2 Assessments (SATS). As I have said time and time again all we would like the children to do Is their best. The four days of testing will not shape their Secondary School education or future at all. It is just a check on their understanding of English and Maths at this moment in time.
Please can I remind the Y5 parents to complete the questionnaire regarding Secondary Schools for September 2023. I have been informed that presently only a handful have managed to complete this task.
Advanced Notice of some Key Dates Reminder:
Sports Day is planned for June 24th 2022. The morning will be the Foundation Stage competitors with Y1-6 trying their best in the afternoon. Should be great fun.
School is closed on Monday 6th June as this is a PD day in lieu of the Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday.
Year 5 and Year 6 will be going on their residential trip to Edinburgh from Wednesday 29th June to Friday 1st July 2022.
The school term finishes on Wednesday 20th July 2022 and children return on Monday 5th September 2022.
Holiday Absence in Term Time Reminder:
As we return to some sense of normality after the pandemic many of our families are starting to book holidays again, which is wonderful.
Please can I remind you that I am not permitted to authorise any holidays in term time unless there is an exceptional circumstance. If you are planning on taking your child out of school during term time please fill in the correct form with 20 days’ notice. If you take your child out of school during term time for a holiday this absence is recorded as unauthorised and you may be given a Penalty Notice by the Local Authority.
The only exceptional circumstances are as follows:
- A recent serious illness or bereavement of an immediate family member;
- A member of the Armed services whereby they need to undertake a tour of duty, which conflicts with school holidays;
- Restrictions on police leave or other emergency service where specific duties are undertaken in relation to a national event, which conflict with school holidays.
Thank you in anticipation of your support with this matter.
Year 5 Secondary School Letter Reminder
Year 5 parents have been sent a separate letter regarding moving on to Secondary School in September 2023. Whilst this might seem a long way off it will be here before we know it. Please can I ask all parents to read the letter, the booklet and then complete the online questionnaire by Friday 13th May.
Queen’s Jubilee Events at School: The Queen’s Green Canopy
To join in with the nation’s celebration of the Queen’s jubilee here at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we are going to be taking part in the Queen’s Green Canopy.
Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates are being encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees during the official planting season between October to March.
The scheme is creating a countrywide map of where trees are being planted in honour of the Queen. We will be logging our tree and putting up a commemorative plaque up when it is planted.
In order to do this we are asking for voluntary donations of £1-2 from everyone to buy a beautiful tree and commemorative plaque to plant in our school grounds to honour this special event and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Please support this wonderful National occasion by making your donation via ParentPay – ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.
Year 6 Timetable for SATS Next Week
Monday 9th May: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Tests.
Tuesday 10th May: Reading Test
Wednesday 11th May Maths Arithmetic Test & Reasoning Test 1
Thursday 12th May: Maths Reasoning Test 2
Return of Statutory Tests
All statutory testing will resume this Summer term:
- Year 2 teacher assessments (throughout May)
- Year 1 Phonics (week beginning 6th June)
- Year 4 multiplication tests (week beginning 6th June)
Wednesday Word
Please click on the link below for the latest edition of the Wednesday word:
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/life?pid=MTA101634&v=58.17
After School Clubs this Half-Term Reminder
- Monday MFC Football
- Tuesday Singing/Drama
- Wednesday Netball – KS2 only
- Thursday NPCAT Sport – Cricket.
Students of the Week
This week students have been nominated for their English work.
Well done to the following pupils:
Little Joeys- Arthur
Nursery/FS1- Hannah & Jessica
Reception/FS2- Stanley & William
Year 1- Harper & Gabriel
Year 2- Bella & Alexis
Year 3- Orlaith & Charleigh
Year 4- Sunley & Logan
Year 5- Layla & Sienna
Year 6- Jayden F & Florence
Final Thoughts for this Week
As we are in the month of May, the month of Mary. So, it’s common for Catholics to have a daily recitation of the Rosary during May. Therefore, the final thought of this week is the prayer that we say throughout the Rosary, the Hail Mary.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Thank you and have a lovely weekend when it comes,
Mr Geaves
Executive Head Teacher
Newsletter Friday 29th April 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome back everyone and here we go into the Summer Term. Longer evenings, warmer weather and an opportunity to prepare for the next stage in our children’s learning. I really enjoy this term but know that it happens so quickly and we have some special events taking place.
Advanced Notice of some Key Dates:
First a change in plans. The planned Parent’s Evening for May 16th and May 17th will no longer take place. These were planned before we had to delay the Spring Term meetings because of COVID. These consultations will take place in the final half-term a date will be shared with you in due course.
Sports Day is planned for June 24th 2022. The morning will be the Foundation Stage competitors with Y1-6 trying their best in the afternoon. Should be great fun.
School is closed on Monday 6th June as this is a PD day in lieu of the Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday.
Year 5 and Year 6 will be going on their residential trip to Edinburgh from Wednesday 29th June to Friday 1st July 2022.
The school term finishes on Wednesday 20th July 2022 and children return on Monday 5th September 2022.
Judo Taster Sessions Next Week
On Tuesday morning next week the children will be taking part in Judo Taster sessions. These sessions are for all children from Year 1-6. Therefore, the children will need to wear their P.E. Uniform on Tuesday.
Holiday Absence in Term Time
As we return to some sense of normality after the pandemic many of our families are starting to book holidays again, which is wonderful.
Please can I remind you that I am not permitted to authorise any holidays in term time unless there is an exceptional circumstance. If you are planning on taking your child out of school during term time please fill in the correct form with 20 days’ notice. If you take your child out of school during term time for a holiday this absence is recorded as unauthorised and you may be given a Penalty Notice by the Local Authority.
The only exceptional circumstances are as follows:
- A recent serious illness or bereavement of an immediate family member;
- A member of the Armed services whereby they need to undertake a tour of duty, which conflicts with school holidays;
- Restrictions on police leave or other emergency service where specific duties are undertaken in relation to a national event, which conflict with school holidays.
Thank you in anticipation of your support with this matter.
Year 5 Secondary School Letter
Year 5 parents have been sent a separate letter regarding moving on to Secondary School in September 2023. Whilst this might seem a long way off it will be here before we know it. Please can I ask all parents to read the letter, the booklet and then complete the online questionnaire by Friday 13th May.
Exciting News- A New School Song Update
On Wednesday 27th April the school was visited by Joe Hammill from the band Cattle & Cane. He worked with various groups of children during the day composing a new school song for us to share. He loved our school and the children and was really impressed with how they entered into the spirit of the activity.
A video was also taken during the day so that when the song is finalised we will be able to share it with you all in a creative way. I am sure you would like to join me in thanking him for his efforts and wish him well this weekend as he gets married on Saturday.
Queen’s Jubilee Events at School May 2022
It has not escaped our attention that there is a special celebration happening very soon across the country. Whilst the actual extra Bank Holiday celebrations are during half-term week we will mark the occasion in some way before we break up. Initial ideas we have had is a school picnic lunch on the field on Friday 27th May with children wearing red, white and blue. Possibly a design a crown competition but all these ideas are in the initial phases of being planned. We will confirm details next week and look forward to celebrating the loyal Service of Queen Elizabeth to our country.
Return of Statutory Tests
All statutory testing will resume this Summer term:
- Year 6 SATs (week beginning 9th May)
- Year 2 teacher assessments (throughout May)
- Year 1 Phonics (week beginning 6th June)
- Year 4 multiplication tests (week beginning 6th June)
Wednesday Word
Please click on the link below for the latest edition of the Wednesday word:
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/lent-easter-card?pid=MTA101634&p=3&v=57.15
After School Clubs this Half-Term Reminder
- Monday MFC Football
- Tuesday Singing/Drama
- Wednesday Netball – KS2 only
- Thursday NPCAT Sport – Cricket.
Students of the Week
This week students have been nominated for their Science work. Well done to the following pupils:
Nursery/FS1- Rosie & Harriet
Reception/FS2- Reuban & Kaden
Year 1- Martha & Lola-Rey
Year 2- Ruby- Mae & Charlotte
Year 3- Toby & Holly
Year 4- Darcy & Benjamin
Year 5- Ollie & Diwainashe
Year 6- Archie & Jayden S
Final Thoughts for this Week
As we enter the month of May this weekend, the month in which the earth springs into bloom and we start thinking about planting gardens, family picnics and making holiday plans. It’s also the Month of Mary. So, it’s common for Catholics to have a daily recitation of the Rosary during May. Therefore, the final thought of this week is the prayer that we say throughout the Rosary, the Hail Mary.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Newsletter Friday 1st April 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
Final Shared Lent Liturgy
On Monday afternoon at 2.30pm we will once again be opening to visitors as we celebrate Lent through our Lenten Liturgy sessions. This liturgy is for the younger children in the school in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Everyone is most welcome to come and join us with this celebration.
Easter Raffle and No School Uniform Day
The children are a real credit to you all. Following some special prayers at school both in classes and as a whole school they have asked if we can make a difference.
Therefore, we will be holding an Easter Raffle with a ‘star’ prize of a large soft cuddly teddy bear. Tickets will be open to donations and All the money raised will be donated to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. We will also hold a no school uniform day on the last day of term where any voluntary donations will also be collected. A designated ParentPay will be set up for the raffle and No School Uniform donations. As I say the children have asked for this and with such kind thoughts and actions we really couldn’t say no. Thank you to one of our families for the giant soft cuddly bear that we will use as the ‘star’ prize.
Football Competition Success
I am delighted to say that a group of footballers from Year 5 and Year 6 took part in cluster football competition on Wednesday against four other schools. They returned victorious proudly wearing their winners’ medals for the rest of the day. Well done boys.
Did you know that so far, we have taken part in boys and girls football competitions, netball, tag rugby and basketball.
Beat the Street 2022- Second Place Come on St Joseph’s Keep Moving!!!
Beat the Street continues. The game runs from Wednesday 2nd March to Wednesday 13th April 2022
We are currently second in the average points leader board which is amazing. We are currently only 2 points per person off of first place. Come on St Joseph’s if we continue like this we will be in line for a special prize.
Check out our progress here: https://www.beatthestreet.me/redcarcleveland/leaderboards
Parent’s Evening Spring Term Update- Reminder
Thursday 7th April 3.30-5.30pm.
Thank you to all the families who attended this week.
A short-written update report will also be completed by all teachers before the end of this term.
Students of the Week
This week students have been nominated for their PE work. Well done to the following pupils:
Little Joeys- Lilly
Nursery/FS1- Etienne & Georgia
Reception/FS2- Elkie & Phoebe
Year 1- Isaac & Jack
Year 2- George & William
Year 3- Gracie & Dexter
Year 4- Meadow & Logan
Year 5- Harvey & Chloe
Year 6- Sam & Jayden S
Final Thoughts of the Week
This Sunday’s Gospel continues with the theme of forgiveness. In John 8:1-11, Jesus shows us how we all, at times, need God’s forgiveness. Jesus reminds us that it is easy to judge and to condemn others for their shortcomings. At St Joseph’s, we teach our pupils the importance of forgiveness and not to hold grudges. We encourage our pupils to forgive those who have done wrong and to give another chance; just as Jesus tells us to. Our First Holy Communion pupils from Years Five and Four are busily preparing for this special Sacrament. A sacrament is a special way of expressing our relationship with God. We pray for all of our First Holy Communion pupils and their families as they journey forward at this time.
Mr Geaves
Executive Head Teacher
Newsletter Friday 11th March 2022
Friday 11th March 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
Rambling Reads & World Book Day
The last of the Rambling Read walks took place this week and have gone really well. Thank you for all your support with this exciting adventure. We cannot believe how luck we have been with the weather!!
Alongside this, we are running a competition for unusual places to read. The more imaginative the better! Photos can be added to Google Classroom, sent to [email protected] or sent into school. The winner of the competition will receive vouchers for Chapter One
Bookshop in Loftus! The closing date for this competition is TODAY and judging will take place next week.
Celebration of the Feast Day of St Joseph ALL INVITED
The feast day of St Joseph is Saturday 19th March. We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a special celebration assembly on Monday 21st March at 2.30pm. It would be lovely if children could bring in some flowers to decorate the statue of St Joseph.
I am thrilled to announce that if parents want to attend this session they will be most welcome. As we start to learn to live with COVID we can now open the doors wide and have family members back in school to share the wonderful work that is going on. It will be lovely to see the hall full of joy to celebrate the patron saint of the school. I hope this is the first of many events we can now start to invite you too.
Time to say Good Bye to Mrs Farrier
It is with sadness that I write to tell you that Mrs Farrier will be leaving the school at Easter. She has served the school loyally for the past 8 years and is the friendly voice on the end of the phone and has certainly helped me as I have started at the school. She has a very exciting adventure ahead of her and we wish her well and are grateful for all that she has done for our school. Her next chapter is certainly a journey of joy and I know that she has earned a very happy time ahead with her family for many years to come. Thanks for everything Mrs Farrier we will miss you greatly.
Beat the Street 2022- Currently in 3rd Place Come on St Joseph’s Keep Moving!!!
Beat the Street has begun! The game runs from Wednesday 2nd March to Wednesday 13th April 2022. In the total points we are currently 14th which for a school our size is amazing with 26,410 points. In the average points table, we are currently in 3rd place with 162 cards registered averaging 163 points per card.
What do the points mean? Our school will sit on the school leader board which can be viewed by visiting www.beatthestreet.me. These leader boards will be live once the games commence. Top school teams will win hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers. Individuals can also win on lucky spot prizes, including vouchers and Beat the Street goodies.
Come on St Joseph’s we can beat the streets of Redcar and Cleveland. Please send us your photos via [email protected] and we will post them on our social media pages.
Rearranged Parent’s Evenings.
You may recall we had to postpone our termly Parent’s Evening last half- term because of the COVID 19 cases we had in school. I am delighted to announce that these have now been rearranged for Thursday 31st March 3.30-6.00pm and then on Thursday 7th April 3.30-5.30pm. These will be face to face meetings and an opportunity for you to get an update on how your child is doing at school. Please make every effort to attend. Parents of children in Little Joeys we will be in touch with you about arranging appointments to speak with Mrs Breckon on these mornings.
Loftus Lantern Light Festival-Reminder
The children have made some wonderful lanterns in school this week. The children’s work will be displayed at Loftus Light Festival which will be taking place on the 12th/13th March. Tickets can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/loftus-village-of-light-tickets-269504183267.
It looks a brilliant event and we even have a discount code of VOL22.
PE and After School Club Timetable-Reminder
- Monday FS1, Y2, Y4, Y5 After school: MFC Multi Sports
- Tuesday FS2 After school: Cooking/Baking Mr Scarlett
- Wednesday Y3 (Swimming), Y4, Y6 After school: Running Mrs Fleming (Y3 or older)
- Thursday Y1, Y2, Y3 and Sports Leader training After school: Tag Rugby Josh Mitchell
- Friday Y1, Y5, Y6
Students of the Week
This week students have been nominated for their Maths work. Well done to the following pupils:
Little Joeys- Beatrice
Nursery/FS1- Rambling Readers!!
Reception/FS2- Phoebe & Harry
Year 1- Harper & Henry
Year 2- Jacob & Jack
Year 3- Oliver & Emelie
Year 4- Meadow & Logan
Year 5- Harriet & Olivia
Year 6- Quinn & Florence
Final Thoughts of the Week: Ukraine
As we all come to terms with the constant sad events coming from Ukraine I thought I would take this opportunity to point you in the direction of some supportive materials that are in place if you or your family need them. It is tricky as a parent to know how to speak with children about such news. We held prayer sessions on Ash Wednesday for the people of Ukraine and this sparked some conversation amongst the pupils.
This website is an excellent resource with practical tips on what you might consider going forward:
https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/2022/02/28/speaking-with-children-about-the-war-in-ukraine
In some classes we also used the CBBC Newsround materials to help deliver the message appropriately.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60554258
Hope this helps and it seems right to finish with a prayer.
Dear God,
We thank you for giving us your peace.
Help us to spread peace at home and at school by loving and caring for one another.
Help us to spread peace by listening to one another, even when we don’t agree.
Help us to spread peace by thinking and praying for children who have no food or who are frightened and live in fear.
Let us pray every day for peace for the world, for our families, for our friends and for ourselves.
Amen
Mr Geaves
Executive Head Teacher
