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:
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 10th 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 5th January 2022.
Wishing you all the most blessed Christmas with your family,
Mr Geaves
Executive Head Teacher
