St Joseph's News and Events

• Year 5 Local Area Walk

  Wed 18 Dec 2024

  For our Geography fieldwork in Year 5, we used Google Maps print outs of our local area to guide our walk around Barking Abbey Grounds. Along the way, we identified landmarks to check our positioning. We then created our own version of the map, adding any additional landmarks we spotted along the way, including Morrisons and the Barking Abbey ruins site, which is of historical interest. We also made our own key to help others clearly read and understand our map. For example, a cross represented St Margaret's Church, and a basket signified the supermarkets.

  

• KS1 Nativity

  Thu 12 Dec 2024

  Our KS1 children put on a truly wonderful Nativity performance, sharing the story of the birth of Jesus with heartfelt songs, acting and joy. The children worked so hard to prepare and their efforts shone brightly on stage as they reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas—celebrating the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.  We were delighted to see so many families join us to celebrate this special occasion. Thank you for your support and well done to all the children for such a fantastic performance! 

  

• Year 4 Geography Field trip

  Thu 12 Dec 2024

  As part of our Year 4 Geography topic, Interconnected World, students have been learning about the National Railway Network and how it connects towns and cities across the country. To enrich their learning and provide practical, real-world experiences,, the children went to visit the bus stops in Barking. There they looked at the different destinations and maps of the bus journeys.

  

• Year 6 Geography Fieldwork - Road Safety

  Thu 05 Dec 2024

  Today, the Year 6 class researched and conducted road safety field work in order to determine whether the locality around our school is safe for all road users. To start, they analysed local traffic data and the number of incidents that have occurred in the local area on urban roads. They then conducted a traffic count the determine the volume of different types of road user. Following this, Year 6 were able to draw conclusions, such as, the number of pedestrians compared to cars is relatively high, so a recommendation might be to make the existing crossings more secure and safer. 

  

• Christmas Carol Concert at Barking Town Hall

  Wed 04 Dec 2024

  Children at St Josephs shared the magic of Christmas with their Christmas performances at the Barking Town centre. Our Year 4 and Year 5 children have been CONFIDENT and ENTHUSIASTIC, singing Christmas Carols in front of a huge audience. It was a joy to see the children take centre stage, at the Town Hall with the Mayor, as the Christmas lights came on. Lastly they enjoyed their treat of a hot chocolate and delicious mince pies.

  Well done to all of our Amazing St Josephs Stars!!!!

  

• Advent- Stay and Pray

  Wed 04 Dec 2024

  Our school came together to celebrate the holy season of Advent with a beautiful whole school Advent Mass at St. Mary & St. Ethelburga Catholic Church. It was a special moment for us to reflect, pray and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.  
   

  After returning to school, we welcomed families to join us for an Advent Stay and Pray. This was a wonderful opportunity to unite as a community, sharing in prayer and reflection during this sacred season.  It was truly heartwarming to pray together as a school and with our families, embracing the spirit of Advent and drawing closer to God. Thank you to all who participated and made it so meaningful!

  

• Chestnut Court Care Home - Mini Vinnie Carol Singing

  Wed 04 Dec 2024

  Our Mini Vinnies visited Chestnut Court Care Home in Dagenham to sing Christmas carols, deliver Christmas cards and bring joy to the residents. This heartwarming visit was a wonderful way for the children to live out our Catholic Social Teaching principles, showing compassion, solidarity, and respect for the dignity of every person.  Through singing and spreading kindness, the Mini Vinnies shared the true spirit of Christmas.

  

• Year 2 - Local fieldwork trip

  Mon 02 Dec 2024

  Year 2 enjoyed a hands-on learning experience at Barking Abbey Park, where they conducted a data collection exercise by counting the different types of vehicles passing by. Back at school, they used the data to create graphs and had thoughtful discussions about their findings, interpreting the results together.  

   

  

• KS1 and EYFS Celebrate the Start of Advent with Christingles

  Mon 02 Dec 2024

  As we enter the holy season of Advent, our KS1 and EYFS children have been reflecting on its meaning and preparing their hearts for the coming of Jesus. To mark this special time, they created beautiful Christingles, each filled with powerful symbolism to remind us of Jesus as the Light of the World. Through making these Christingles, the children deepened their understanding of Advent and reflected on how they can share God's love with others during this season of preparation. It was a joyful and meaningful activity that brought the message of Christmas to life in a truly special way.  

  

• Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal Success!

  Mon 02 Dec 2024

  We are thrilled to share that today, 119 shoeboxes were picked up for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal! A huge thank you to everyone who generously donated and helped make this possible.  This incredible effort is a wonderful example of us putting our Catholic Social Teaching principles into action by supporting those in need. Your kindness and contributions will bring joy, hope and love to children around the world. Well done, everyone!