St Joseph's News and Events

• Year 6 are off to Thriftwood!

  Wed 21 May 2025

  This morning, parents, carers, and staff came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to our amazing Year 6 children as they set off on their end-of-year residential trip to Thriftwood. It was a special moment filled with pride and well wishes as we watched them embark on this exciting adventure.

  We hope their time at Thriftwood is filled with fun, friendship, teamwork, and new learning experiences. It’s a well-deserved opportunity for them to celebrate their journey so far, build confidence, and make lasting memories before moving on to the next chapter in their education. We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of them!

  

• Metropolitan Police Visit

  Tue 20 May 2025

  St Joseph's were lucky enough to experience another fantastic visit from the Metropolitan Police Service, who came to talk about the different roles and careers available in their branch of the emergency services. The children were very keen to try on different items of kit and equipment, however, the highlight of the day was sitting in the police car and operating the various sirens on the playground. The officers were very impressed by the questions the children had prepared and delivered a great talk about career opportunities to our Key Stage 2 children.

  

• Chestnut Court Care Home

  Mon 19 May 2025

  Beautiful flowers from the recent May Procession have been donated to Chestnut Court Care Home in Dagenham, bringing joy and colour to the residents’ day. A heartfelt thank you from everyone at Chestnut Court! The residents are already looking forward to the children’s next visit and can’t wait to hear their voices singing once again at Christmas!

  

• May Procession 2025

  Fri 16 May 2025

  We were blessed with a beautiful morning for our annual May Procession, a cherished tradition in our school community where we come together in faith and reverence to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The Mini Vinnies led us in thoughtful and heartfelt prayers, guiding the school in a spirit of reflection and devotion. As we processed around the playground, we sang hymns dedicated to Our Lady, filling the air with joyful praise. Each class had the opportunity to lay flowers at Mary’s feet, creating a stunning display of love and gratitude. It was a truly moving occasion, reminding us of Mary's grace and presence in our lives. A sincere thank you to all the parents and families who joined us—your presence made the celebration even more special. 

  

• Pope Leo XIV

  Fri 09 May 2025

  On Thursday 8 May white smoke from the chimney stack above the Sistine Chapel heralded the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost is the new pontiff, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

   

  Faithful God,
  You guide us on the path of life
  and your goodness is our constant companion.

  Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV,
  in his service of the Church.
  Fill him with the power of your Spirit,
  the peace of your presence
  and the compassion of Christ.

  May he walk with you,
  in wisdom and humility,
  and lead us, together with all God’s people,
  to embody your love for the world.

  
  Amen.

  

• 80th Anniversary of VE Day

  Thu 08 May 2025

  As a school, we all commemorated VE day by wearing the colours of the union Jack, participating in a live online assembly to learn more about Victory in Europe and by showing our respect for all those involved, with a two minute silence.

  

• Congratulations to our First Holy Communion children!

  Wed 07 May 2025

  We are so proud of all the boys and girls who received their First Holy Communion last month. It was a beautiful and joyful occasion, and a very special step in their journey of faith. We pray that Jesus, whom you received in the Eucharist, will always be your guide and friend. Well done to each and every one of you!

  

• VE Day Flag Raising Ceremony

  Thu 01 May 2025

  To begin commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, coming up on the 8th May, the History Pupil Voice children were lucky enough to be invited to Barking Town Hall's flag raising ceremony and even helped raise the flag! After this, the children were invited inside, where they had the opportunity to chat with the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, who also introduced them to the future mayor. They enjoyed tasty refreshments while they met many councillors and heard about their roles. It was such a special occasion, which all of the children thoroughly enjoyed being a part of.

  

• TCS Mini Marathon

  Mon 28 Apr 2025

  On Saturday 26th April, some of our lucky children had the fantastic opportunity to run the TCS Mini Marathon in London. they ran on the London Marathon course, a distance of either 2.6km or 1 mile, depending on their age category. The children arrived to the Horse Guard Parade with fantastic attitudes and incredible determination. They ran with thousands of children across the country and represented our school brilliantly, receiving a medal at the finish line. Well done!

  

• Pope Francis

  Mon 21 Apr 2025

  As a school community, our thoughts and prayers are with the Catholic Church and all its members after the very sad news of the passing of Pope Francis. "To change the world we must be good to those who cannot repay us." - Pope Francis.