St Joseph's News and Events

• Virtual Reality Experience

  Thu 07 Dec 2023

  As part of our Science Curriculum children in Years 2 - 6 had the exciting opportunity to experience virtual reality. The children in Y4-6 learnt about The Human Body exploring the circulation system, the digestive system and the skeletal system. Year 2 and 3 learnt about Mini Beasts, they got up close with some fascinating garden invertebrates and met some incredible beetles and insects viewing the world from their perspective. Year 5 were transported into space, flying their research vessel around planets and moons, learning about the solar system. 

  

• Reception’s visit to Barleylands

  Tue 05 Dec 2023

  After a long countdown, the day finally arrived for chestnut class to go to Barleylands. Everyone was very excited and had so much fun.
   

  The day began with a slightly excitable coach ride which flew by then the real fun began. First the children listened to a Christmas story about a donkey. Then to their surprise they actually got to stroke a donkey! Following on from that, they went on a very bumpy tractor ride all around the farm then it was time to get creative and make Christmas decorations. After a busy morning they stopped to have lunch before feeding the animals. They were very hungry! Finally the children met Santa and he gave them Christmas gifts. The children then decorated their Santa letters that they wrote in school before posting them. Sadly it was then time to return to school but fun was had by all. 

  

• Chestnut Court Care Home - Christmas Carolling

  Tue 05 Dec 2023

  The St. Joseph’s Mini Vinnies were able to spread some festive cheer and joy to the residents of Chestnut Court Care Home today. The children gave out beautifully hand made cards by the children in EYFS all the way up to Year 6. They also gifted the residents with delicious biscuits to share at tea time. To end our visit, the children sang Christmas Carols for the residents and the staff. It was a touching experience to see all the people who stay at the care home overjoyed with such emotion. 

  

• Advent Stay and Pray

  Wed 29 Nov 2023

  Thank you to all the families who joined us at our Advent Stay and Pray session. It was a wonderfully solemn gathering and a beautiful way to start the holy season of Advent. May God bless you all. 

  

• Pro Strike

  Thu 23 Nov 2023

  All the children took part in Pro strike speed challenge today!  Each child had several attempts at a shot at goal and the speed was displayed on a digital screen for all to see. All the children had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience! A big well done to all the children (who were much better than the teachers taking part). 

   

  Prize winners winners will be announced next week.

   

   

  

• Canon Young Visit

  Wed 22 Nov 2023

  We welcomed Canon Young to school this week. He met with each class to discuss the season of Advent. The children learnt that Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. They had prepared some very thoughtful questions to ask Canon Young and engaged in a discussion with each other about the meaning of Advent.

  

• Year 2 trip to Eastbrookend Country Park

  Fri 17 Nov 2023

  Year 2 had a fantastic time at Eastbrookend Country Park. It was a wonderful opportunity for their learning to come to life. They visited different habitats at the country park such as wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. They even had an opportunity to do some pond dipping and bird watching. To end the day, the children enjoyed exploring the Adventure Playground.
   

  Take a look at some of the brilliant woodland habitats that the children made in groups. We had some very creative habitat designs.

  

• Anti-Bullying Week 2023 took place from Monday 13th – Friday 17th November with the theme ‘Make A Noise About Bullying’.

  Fri 17 Nov 2023

  This week we observed Anti-Bullying Week. We urged children alike to come together to have discussions about what we mean by bullying behaviour, how we can tell the difference between ‘banter’ and bullying and how we can make changes to reduce bullying. Together, we can make a difference if we make a noise to stop bullying. The pupil- voice children organised the week with several activities in school and also conducted an Anti-Bullying whole school assembly on the theme- Make a noise about Bullying. The children were reminded strategies of how to approach bullying and why it is not acceptable at St Josephs. The children were also given prizes for their lovely Anti-Bullying posters, which are proudly displayed in our school.

  

• Count Down to Pro Strike

  Thu 16 Nov 2023 MB

  As you aware on Thursday 23^rd November 2023 the pupils of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School will be taking part in our sponsored ‘Speed Challenge’. 

  Our Speed Challenge involves a giant inflatable football goal with integrated speed camera system.  When a pupil (or teacher) takes a shot at goal the speed is displayed on a digital screen for all to see. Every child in the school will receive a personalised certificate showing their top speed on the day of the event.

  Like many fundraising events, funds are raised via pupil sponsorship; children will ask friends and family members to sponsor them to take part in the speed challenge. The more each child can raise, the more prizes they will win. Our prizes include, drinks bottles, gym bags, wristbands, medals, trophies and footballs!

  Sponsorship forms deadline is Thursday 23rd November.

  

• Operation Christmas Child - Shoebox Appeal

  Mon 13 Nov 2023

  The children of St. Joseph's have put their faith in to action by participating in the Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child, Shoebox Appeal. The Mini Vinnies have done an excellent job at leading this whole school project. They made posters for the appeal and packed all the generous donations we received. This was a wonderful way for everyone to put our Catholic Social Teaching Principles into action! We were able to donate a staggering 101 boxes towards this wonderful appeal! Thank you for all your kind donations!