St Joseph's News and Events

• Year 6 Retreat - Aylesford Priory

  Wed 14 Jun 2023

  The children of Year 6 had a wonderful opportunity to spend a beautiful, sunny day on a pilgrimage retreat to Aylesford Priory. On arrival, they were warmly greeted by Carmelite Friar Father Francis who told the history of the Priory. The children of Year 6 had the chance explore the grounds, including the peace garden and relic chapel, taking a moment to reflect on their time at St. Joseph's. In the gardens, Year 6 took part in a collective act of worship, where they were able to give thanks and recall some of their favourite memories of primary school. The children were then invited to join the Mass at midday, led by Father Francis, along with other pilgrims. Overall, the children had a fantastic day of relaxation and reflection; truly deserved after their amazing efforts this year. 

  

• Phoebe the Therapy Dog

  Wed 14 Jun 2023

  A huge welcome to our newest member of staff, Phoebe the therapy dog. Phoebe came to use through the charity underdog, who provide dogs as therapy to schools and other settings. 

  Phoebe loved her first visit, and this term will be listening to children to read. Phoebe will be visiting St Joseph's once a fortnight on Friday afternoons. 

  

• Primary Music Festival

  Tue 13 Jun 2023

  The children of Yr3 and 4 got an opportunity to attend the Primary Music festival. There they got an opportunity to perform songs and listen to different musicals from different schools. It was great time for the children to showcase their love for music. In addition, the parents too enjoyed being a part of this lovely experience. They joined in singing and dancing to the song 'Three little birds' by Bob Marley.

  

• World Ocean day

  Mon 12 Jun 2023

  World Ocean Day is celebrated every 8 June as a reminder of how integral our seas are to life on Earth.

  As a part of World Oceans day, the children got an opportunity to deep dive into studying about the ocean. They wrote letters to the Prime Minister suggesting him ways to protect the oceans and addressing the harmful effects of pollution. In addition, the children made a collage showing different ocean zones. 

  

• Coronation Seeds Eco Warriors

  Fri 09 Jun 2023

  More than 200,000 packets of wildflower seeds were sent to primary schools across the UK to mark the King's coronation on 6 May.

  Our Eco Warriors have a been working hard at planting the seeds. The Department for Education (DfE) and educational charity, the Eden Project, who are the running the wildflower scheme say the seeds would create around 40 hectares of new wildflowers across England.

  Check back for an update!

  

• KS1 Music in Round

  Wed 07 Jun 2023

  The Year 1 and Year 2 got an opportunity to join in a brilliant musical event at The Broadway. Along with several other children from different schools, the children participated in a ensemble singing songs based on a musical narration. The children engaged in top-quality music making, singing alongside with professionals on the story 'Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants'.

  It was an amazing experience for the children and their smiles said it all.

  

• Laudato Si' Week 2023

  Fri 26 May 2023

  Laudato Si’ Week at St. Joseph’s has been a truly special event. This week, the children have been learning about Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. The children have been thinking about the message Pope Francis has sent out to everyone on earth of caring for our common home. The children have been talking about the small steps they can take to play their part in caring for our planet. They have covered topics such as recycling and waste (EYFS), sustainable farming and fair trade (Year 2, 3, 4) and our responsibility towards the poor and future generations (Year 5 and 6). We also reviewed our whole school Laudato Si' Pledge to see if we have been complying with what we have pledged to do this year. 

  

• Playground Challenge

  Fri 26 May 2023

  Today we held a Playground Challenge to raise money for Mary's Meals. This playground challenge was led by our wonderful Mini Vinnies who led the children through a fun and exciting obstacle course in our school playground. Thank you for all your generous donations and continued support so far we have raised £194!

   

  Our help will make a tremendous difference to the lives of children across the globe. For more information about Mary’s Meals, please www.marysmeals.org

  “Let all your things be done with charity.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

  

• Chestnut Court Care Home

  Thu 18 May 2023

  Thank you to everyone from our school community to brought along flower offerings to our lady during the May Procession. While some flowers are still surrounding Mary in our school hall, other bunches of flowers were donated to Chestnut Court Care Home in Dagenham. The care home would like to extend their gratitude for our offerings. The residents of the care home enjoy participating in flower arrangement, so our flower offerings were very much appreciated!

  

• Other Faiths Week

  Thu 18 May 2023

  Miss Narvades kindly led a whole school assembly on Islam this week. It was a wonderful way for the children to learn about the Muslim faith. It also gave them an opportunity to see various artefacts from Islam.