Newsletter Friday 18th February 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

Well today marks the last day of an extraordinary half-term. January 2022 is one I will want to forget as the school was hugely impacted by COVID absences. However the good news is that your children are brilliant and with your support have continued to work hard and try their best. Have a lovely Half-Term and we start back with a bang with our Rambling Reads trips to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of World Book day.

Rambling Reads & World Book Day

We will be celebrating the 25th Annual World Book Day on Thursday 3rd March. We would love, as usual, to see the children dressed up in their best story themed costumes.

This year, with your help, we are hoping to combine World Book Day with some fundraising to

allow us to transform our school library into an imaginative space for our children which will

encourage a lifelong love of reading.

We are excited to announce that between 28th February and 11th March, our children will

complete the St Joseph’s Rambling Reader Challenge! This will involve a ramble, in school hours,

stopping at various points along the way to read their favourite book!

• Little Joeys & FS1 will be rambling around Kirkleatham Woods.
• FS2, Y1 & Y2 will be rambling to Captain Cook’s Monument.
• Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6 will be rambling up Roseberry Topping.

In the first week back Reception will be rambling on Monday 28^th February. Year 2 will be rambling on Tuesday 1^st March and Y1 on Thursday 3^rd March.

Dates for Key Stage 2, Nursery and Little Joeys have been sent out via the class teachers and a reminder will put in the next newsletter after half-term.

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!

PE and After School Club Timetable Spring Term Changes for After Half-Term 2022

• 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

Sickness Reminder

If your child is sick at school, we will ask you or your emergency contact to take your child home. They should not return for 48 hours. We appreciate that this is inconvenient in many cases, and you may not believe your child is ill, but you will appreciate that we do this in all cases and it should reduce the risk of infection for all children in school.  

Thank you for your understanding with this.  Further guidance on infection control may be found on the Public Health England Website.

COVID 19 Updates

If the rules change over half-term or on February 28^th we will communicate this to you by email and Marvellous Me.

At this stage please continue to 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]

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

 From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.

All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

Summer Term Residential June 2022

Now that COVID cases are further under control both locally and nationally we are looking at the feasibility of running a residential trip for Y6 before they leave St Joseph’s We will be in touch very soon regarding this trip.

Beat The Street 2022

Beat the Street is a free, fun initiative that will see Redcar and Cleveland transformed into a giant game!

See how far you can walk, cycle, run, scoot and roll in just 6 weeks. There are great challenges to enjoy and prizes up for grabs.

The game will start on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 and end on Wednesday 13th April 2022. Launch assembly on Monday 28^th February and packs will be sent home then.

Students of the Week

This week students have been nominated for their Art/DT work.  Well done to the following pupils:

Little Joeys- Finley

Nursery/FS1- Amelia & Connie

Reception/FS2- Dottie & Freddie

Year 1- Cimmera & Kaiden

Year 2- Vinnie & Oskar

Year 3- Bobby & Oliver

Year 4- Daisy & Darcy

Year 5- Isabelle & Chloe

Year 6- Ben & Mia

Final Thoughts of the Week:

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches the people about how we should treat others. He calls us to do something exceptional: we must love all people and be kind to them. Jesus’ life is a lesson in how we are to be kind to all people – even those people who aren’t kind to us in return.

Ask your child what the word ‘kindness’ means to them. Each of you speak about a kind person. How does that person show their kindness? Has anyone ever been especially kind to you – even when you didn’t deserve it? If so, how did it feel?

Kindness is part of everyday life, particularly family life. Even small, everyday acts of kindness are most valuable in God’s eyes. Every act of kindness done to someone else is also done to Jesus, and it will be rewarded accordingly. In this coming week, how can we show kindness to each other?

Have a wonderful half-term and see you on February 28^th 2022.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

PE Timetable Spring 2

Newsletter Friday 4th February 2022

Friday 4^th February 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

COVID 19 Updates

I am delighted to report that we have returned to a much more normal position within the school this week. We still have a few children absent due to COVID and despite numbers being much lower in school and in the community the virus is still around.

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]

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.

All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

Children’s Mental Health Week

I am delighted that next week the school will be taking an active part in Mental Health Week. The theme for this year is Growing Together. We are encouraging all children (and adults) to consider how they have grown, and how they can help others grow. We have all had to endure many difficulties caused by the Pandemic or by events in our lives generally. Next week we will give the children an opportunity to express this in a variety of ways.

On Monday the school will be visited by the author Jessica Bowers. Her brilliant book Fantastic Fin Faces his Fears really helps children to understand their emotions and feelings better.

As you know this book is available at a discount price of £5.60 with £3.60 going to the charity Place2Be. For more information about the stunning work this charity does please visit their website: https://www.place2be.org.uk/ This book can be purchased through ParentPay.

On Friday the school will be finishing the week supporting Dress to Express Day. By getting involved in this not only will it continue to raise awareness of Mental Health issues it can also raise vital funds to ensure every child has access to mental health support. We have set up a donation payment of £2 so children can express themselves in colourful clothes rather than school uniform.

Please visit this website which has a host of activities for children and some interesting articles for us all to read.

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

Safer Internet Day Tuesday 8^th February

Safer Internet Day explores new issues which impact the lives of young people in the UK.

On 8th February 2022, the theme will revolve around safety in online gaming and apps. Play your part and we can make An Internet We Trust.

Another great website for you to explore is https://www.saferinternetday.org.uk

School Photograph Day

Thursday 17^th February 2022 the school photographer will be in school. Best school uniform at the ready. If children do PE on a Thursday we will ask them to change for PE for this day only so that all photographs will be in full uniform.

School Meals Reminder

Every day that I am in school I have one of the wonderful school meals produced by the school kitchen. Over the past couple of weeks with high absence levels and other bits and bobs our numbers have been out for lunches which might result in unnecessary food waste or even worse shortages. Please can you let the school know with a minimum of a week’s notice if you are changing your child’s dinner from packed lunch to dinners or vice versa.  This does also include the children who are able to claim the Universal Free School Meal in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

School Minibus Service

Again we have noticed with the high absence levels another little procedure that we require families to follow. If your child is ill and not attending school and they are booked on the minibus, please can you phone the minibus mobile numbers as well as letting the school know of your child’s absence. This helps the minibuses stay punctual in the morning and avoid them waiting for pupils who are not coming to school. The telephone numbers are listed below:

• Mr Cuthbert and Mrs Atkinson’s bus mob 07927030192
• Mrs Philpott and Mrs Grey’s bus mob 07927030210

Postponement of February 2022 Parent’s Evening-Reminder

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter we will be rearranging Parent’s Evening for next half-term. This will give teachers and children the chance to have a more continuous run at school following the COVID absences and enable us to provide you with an update in as safe a school environment as possible.

Students of the Week

This week students have been nominated for their topic work. One of the joys of a primary school is finding out about the wider themes in our engaging curriculum. Well done to the following pupils:

Little Joeys- Lilly

Nursery/FS1-Noah & Macy

Reception/FS2- Reuben & Stanley

Year 1- Morgan & Tabitha

Year 2- James & Bella

Year 3- Orlaith & Bobby

Year 4- Fiann & Bella

Year 5- Konrad & Freya

Year 6- Rowan & Polyanna

Final Thoughts of the Week:

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter (after a night of failed fishing) is finally successful and realises his true calling because he listens to and follows Jesus’ instructions.

It’s important to make the right choice about who or what we follow in life. Simply following our desires and feelings, which often change, can leave us feeling unsatisfied. Jesus invites each and every one of us to make following him our most important priority.

We follow Jesus whenever we are kind, try to make peace, and make others feel welcome. Choosing to follow him is not always easy but it really does guide and help our families to keep growing in wisdom and love.

 

This message seems most appropriate as I am aware of some issues in some of our classes with children and adults not following this example and making the right choices. As a parent myself I am acutely aware of the daily influence I have on my two daughters who watch, listen and copy my words and actions.

As we prepare for Children’s Mental Health Week let us be kind to each other and remember we are all growing together.

Take care everyone, stay safe and good luck to the Boro tonight!

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter Friday 4th February 2022

Please click below for the latest newsletter:

Newsletter Friday 28th January 2022

Newsletter Friday 14th January 2022

Friday 14^th January 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

COVID 19- 2022 Updated Guidance

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We have had 25 positive cases in the school since Christmas including members of staff. Whilst this is a huge increase within our school it is in line with what we are seeing across the local area.

As we are experiencing some colder weather at the moment please can we remind children to wear jumpers and cardigans as we keep windows and doors open for increased ventilation. On particularly cold days children may wear P.E. hoodies if this makes them comfortable.

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]

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

 From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

If the result of either of their tests is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.

Further information on self-isolation for those with COVID-19 is available.

Support for children and parents

Encourage your child to talk to you or their teacher if they are feeling anxious or stressed.

Online resources to help you support your child with mental health and wellbeing, include:

• MindEd – a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health
• Every Mind Matters – an online tool and email journey to support everyone in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing
• Bereavement UK and the Childhood Bereavement Network – information and resources to support bereaved pupils, schools and staff
• the DfE blog – includes mental health resources for children, parents, carers and school staff

Advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing includes actions you can take to support your child and emphasises the importance of taking 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Youth Sport Trust and Sport England have advice and support on helping children and young people stay physically active.

NHS mental health services remain open and have digital tools to connect with people and provide ongoing support. Please use your local children and young people’s mental health service when needed.

Reception Applications Closing Date Tomorrow

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 1^st 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.

Wraparound Nursery Care Provision-Reminder

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 the 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.

Term Dates 2022-2023- Reminder

The term dates for the next academic year are on the school website.

https://stjosephs.npcat.org.uk/term-dates/

Children with Medical Needs Register 2022

Miss Wright has updated our medical needs register over the past couple of days. Please get in touch if your child has any medical needs or any changes to medical needs. This means we can keep our records up to date. Please speak to Miss Wright if you have any queries.

PE Timetable Reminder

 

• Monday: Y2, Y3 and Y4
• Tuesday Reception
• Wednesday: Y6, Y3 and Y5
• Thursday: Y4, Y2, Y1 and Reception
• Friday: Y5, Y1 and Y6

Remember that children wear their PE kit to school on their allotted PE day. On Thursday Reception will be using the balance bikes so please make sure they are dressed for this appropriately.

Dress to Express Day- Friday 11^th February £2 donation

The week 7^th -13^th February is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on children and young people’s mental health. By getting involved, you’ll not only be raising important awareness, but also vital funds to ensure every child has easy access to mental health support.  We have set up a donation payment on Parent Pay of £2 so that children can dress to impress for a day. Looking forward to seeing all the amazing colours.

Peat Rigg Residential

I know that the Year 4 and year 5 children are looking forward to their upcoming residential trip on Monday 17^th January through to Wednesday 19^th January. Hopefully the weather is kind and they enjoy some brilliant experiences.

Students of the week- Focus English

Little Joeys- Tommy

FS1- Grace & Lily

FS2- William & Athena

Y1- Connie & Lewis

Y2- Vinnie & James

Y3- Isaac W & Emelie D

Y4- Maisie & Oscar

Y5- Jack & Harvey

Y6- Holly M & Nikita R

Final Thoughts

In this Sunday’s Gospel below, we read from the Gospel of John. John does not record many of Jesus’ miracles, so why is this miracle of changing water into wine given so much importance? It is important for us to know that, although divine, Jesus was also human and enjoyed human happiness.

In the Gospel, Jesus helps out the unfortunate bridegroom whose wedding celebrations are on the verge of disaster because they’re about to run out of wine. Jesus’ miracle brings joy to his own mother and gives a joyful celebration to the whole village.

This miracle also reminds us about the joy of heaven, which is often described as a wedding-feast to which we are all invited. Jesus came to bring joy to everyone in every age. Happiness comes and goes, but the joy that comes from close friendship with Jesus stays forever.

Take care everyone and stay safe.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 7th January 2022- correct

Dear Parents/Carers,

Can I begin by wishing the entire school community of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School a belated Happy New Year and let us pray that 2022 is a kind one to us all.

It has been a joy to welcome the children back to school this week after the Christmas break. They have been full of stories of their Christmas time at home and it has been wonderful to start the new school term together.

COVID 19- 2022 Updated Guidance

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We have several children who have tested positive for COVID across the school both over Christmas and in the last few days.

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]

From Monday the new guidance is that if a person tests positive on a LFT they no longer need to book for a PCR test.

With the guidance changing regularly we will endeavour to share the most up to date information with you. Please take the time to read the following guidance from the government that was last updated yesterday.

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

Here are some edited highlights for you all to consider:

1.If you suspect your child has coronavirus or has a positive test

Do not send your child to their nursery, childminder, school, college if:

• they are showing one or more coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms
• they have had a positive test result
• there are other reasons requiring them to stay at home, for example, they are required to quarantine

You should follow public health advice on when to self-isolate and what to do.

If you insist on your child attending nursery, school, or college when they have symptoms, they can take the decision to refuse your child if, in their reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect other pupils and staff from possible infection with COVID-19. Their decision would need to be carefully considered in light of all the circumstances and current public health advice.

For everyone with symptoms, they should avoid using public transport and, wherever possible, be collected by a member of their family or household.

 

2. Testing positive for Covid-19 – ending of self-isolation on Day 8

 

Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for Covid-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason. Individuals may now take lateral flow tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation periods. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. If both these test results are negative, and your child does not have a high temperature, they may end their self-isolation after the second negative result and return to school from day 8. If your child is unable to take a Lateral Flow Test on day 6 and day 7 they must complete the full 10 days of self-isolation. If your child tests positive on a Lateral Flow Test or a PCR Test, please contact the school to report their absence.

 

3. Daily testing of close contact

 

People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years, identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19, should take a Lateral Flow Test every day for seven days and continue to attend school as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

4. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age. This means it’s your legal duty as a parent to send your child to school regularly if they are registered at one.

5. Face Coverings: In primary schools, we recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff, adults, and those aged over 11 (including visitors) when moving around in corridors and communal areas. Health advice continues to be that children in primary schools should not be asked to wear face coverings

6. Support for children and parents

Encourage your child to talk to you or their teacher if they are feeling anxious or stressed.

Online resources to help you support your child with mental health and wellbeing, include:

• MindEd – a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health
• Every Mind Matters – an online tool and email journey to support everyone in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing
• Bereavement UK and the Childhood Bereavement Network – information and resources to support bereaved pupils, schools and staff
• the DfE blog – includes mental health resources for children, parents, carers and school staff

Advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing includes actions you can take to support your child and emphasises the importance of taking 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Youth Sport Trust and Sport England have advice and support on helping children and young people stay physically active.

NHS mental health services remain open and have digital tools to connect with people and provide ongoing support. Please use your local children and young people’s mental health service when needed.

Reception Applications

We still have a 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 1^st 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.

Wraparound Nursery Care Provision

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 the 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.

 

Term Dates 2022-2023

The term dates for the next academic year are on the school website.

https://stjosephs.npcat.org.uk/term-dates/

After School Clubs Reminder

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

Monday – Football with MFC

Tuesday – Arts and Crafts

Wednesday – Hola! Spanish Club

Thursday – Dodge Ball

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. These clubs restart on Monday 10^th January.

PE Timetable Reminder

• Monday: Y2, Y3 and Y4
• Tuesday Reception
• Wednesday: Y6, Y3 and Y5
• Thursday: Y4, Y2, Y1 and Reception
• Friday: Y5, Y1 and Y6

Remember that children wear their PE kit to school on their allotted PE day. On Thursday Reception will be using the balance bikes so please make sure they are dressed for this appropriately.

Peat Rigg Residential

I know that the Year 4 and year 5 children are looking forward to their upcoming residential trip on Monday 17^th January through to Wednesday 19^th January. I pray for their good health over the next week so that all children are able to attend. I also thank the three members of staff for giving up their time to assist the children with the trip.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of how Jesus was baptised. Something very special happened to him that day as he was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can help to make us brave and to bring us joy. Just as we can tell that a tree is good because of the fruit that grows on it, we can tell if the Holy Spirit is working in us by the way that we act and how we treat other people. As we all continue to struggle with the daily events of the pandemic this is an important reminder of how to act.

Take care everyone and stay safe.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 7th January 2022- correct

Newsletter 17th December 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

Advent- A time to Prepare

This week has reminded us of the true message of Christmas, ‘To love another as I have loved you’. In Luke’s Gospel, we read that Jesus was sent to earth to,

“Shine on those living in darkness, to guide our feet into the path of peace”

(Luke 1:67-79)

For nearly two years now, we have been living under the restrictions that Covid 19 has imposed upon us. For many, it has been a very dark and difficult time. This time last year, we were unable to carry out many of the activities that usually fill us with delight and we approached Christmas celebrations in School with a very different pathway. Nativities, parties, Christmas lunch as a School family and even Educational Visits have been made possible due to careful risk assessments, frequent sanitisation, wearing of face masks, social distancing and the support of our families to act upon any potential risks.

Mrs O’Hara

Every now and then you come across a real gem of a person. Mrs O’Hara is one of them. She has worked with love and dedication for 36 years at the school. In fact I know she has supported many of you parents when you were at the school. Now is the time for us to say good bye as she retires and moves to Ireland. I am sure you wish her well as we do and the children have made her cards and sang songs to her in the hall this morning which has filled the hall with joy.

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Irish Blessing

Wednesday Word and Nine Day Retreat

Please click on the link below for the Wednesday Word Christmas Holiday Booklet:

https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/christmas-holiday-special?pid=MTA101634&v=47.2

The Diocese of Middlesbrough have put together a prayer resource, ‘Nine Day Retreat for Advent’ from Friday

17th December to Christmas Day. This gives families a great opportunity to lead into the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Reception Applications

We still have a 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.

After School Clubs:

Monday: Football with MFC

Tuesday: Arts & Crafts

Wednesday: Hola! Spanish Club

Thursday: Dodge Ball

These will restart on Monday 10^th January and are £9 for the full half-term. Please sign up on ParentPay.

PE Timetable for Next Term:

Monday: Y2, Y3 and Y4

Tuesday Reception

Wednesday: Y6, Y3 and Y5

Thursday: Y4, Y2 and Y1

Friday: Y5, Y1 and Y6

Remember that children wear their PE kit to school on their allotted PE day.

Final Thoughts

As the news of the Omicron variant dominates the airwaves I ask you all to take care over the next two weeks. If you need to contact the school in an emergency situation then please phone 07826789383 as this phone will be manned by myself. We do not need to act as test and trace over the Christmas period but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I would like to take this moment to thank the staff at St Joseph’s for making me feel so welcome this term. Their dedication and hard work in very difficult circumstances makes me proud to be the Head Teacher of this school. There is always a special buzz around the school with keen, enthusiastic, motivated learners and that is because of the engaging opportunities the staff are providing. Thanks also to all the support team, cleaners and kitchen staff who have ensured that everything is running smoothly during this busy term.

Finally, can I remind you that school opens to pupils on Wednesday 5^th January 2022.

Wishing you all the most blessed Christmas with your family,

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher

Newsletter 17th December 2021

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