St Joseph's News and Events

• EYFS and KS1 Easter Bonnet Parade

  Wed 02 Apr 2025

  EYFS and KS1took part in a fantastic Easter Bonnet Parade today! The event was filled with vibrant creativity as the children showcased their beautifully crafted bonnets. They dazzled everyone with their energetic dance moves, bringing joy and laughter to the morning. It was a wonderful celebration of talent and community, making it a truly memorable event!

  

• BIG LENT WALK - Cafod Assembly

  Mon 31 Mar 2025

  Margaret , a volunteer from Cafod came to speak to us today about the BIG LENT WALK! She spoke to us about walking in solidarity with a young girl called Chirri who walks for miles and miles each day to collect water for her family. By participating in the Big Lent Walk and by raising money for Cafod, we are enabling Chirri in Kenya to have a better future. We are on our way to completing our 200km walk this LENT!

  

• Primary Futures

  Sat 29 Mar 2025

  At St Joseph's RC Primary School, we are excited to announce we are now be part of the Primary Futures initiative, we also continue our collaboration with STEM Ambassadors, further enhancing our commitment to inspiring pupils and fostering high aspirations within our curriculum.

   

  This partnership allows us to provide pupils with direct access to professionals in various STEM fields, offering them a glimpse into exciting career paths. Through interactive workshops, engaging talks, and hands-on activities, pupils not only learn about the relevance of their education but also develop critical skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. This initiative encourages pupils to envision their futures with confidence and ambition, reinforcing our belief that there are "No Ceilings" to what they can achieve. 

  

• Year 5's Local Area History Walk through Barking Abbey Ruins

  Thu 27 Mar 2025

  Year 5 were so lucky to have the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of Barking Abbey as they toured the ruins with local historian Simone, and about St Mary and St Ethelburga, the saints for whom the parish church is named. They were fascinated by the structure of the abbey and the use of all of the different rooms, one of which was kept warm just for drying clothes! The tour ended at the curfew tower, which rang it's bell until 1900, signalling for the townspeople that it was time to go home for the night. It was a really fantastic way to cement our knowledge of local history.

  

• Year 2’s Local History Walk to Barking Market

  Thu 27 Mar 2025

  Year 2 took a fascinating local history walk to Barking Market, exploring how it has changed since the 1950s. We observed the variety of stalls and goods sold today, from fresh fruit and clothes to household items, and compared them to what would have been available in the past. We learned that while Barking Market has been a bustling hub of trade for many years, the types of products, prices, and shopping experiences have evolved over time. This hands-on experience helped us understand how our local area has changed and developed, bringing history to life right on our doorstep! 

  

• Year 3's Local Area Trip

  Wed 26 Mar 2025

  In celebration of Barking’s History, Year 3 had the fabulous opportunity to take part in a tour of Barking Abbey and the Curfew Tour. After the tour the children took part in a workshop where they learned all about daily life in the Abbey.

  

• Year 3's Natural History Museum Trip

  Wed 26 Mar 2025

  As part of our Topic ‘Rocks, Relics and Rumbles’ and British Science Week Year 3 were so lucky to visit the Natural History Museum. The children got to explore the exciting world of volcanoes and earthquakes and their effects on society in an action-packed science show. They investigated geological forces from deep within the Earth using interactive demonstrations. They even got to make a real earthquake and pour lava and save all of the people of ‘Volcano Town’ from a volcanic eruption.

  

• Year 6 Local History Experience

  Mon 24 Mar 2025

  Today, Year 6 embarked on an inspiring journey into the rich history of our local area with a captivating trip to the ruins of Barking Abbey. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, students explored the remnants of this significant landmark, uncovering stories from the past and learning about the influential nuns who once resided there.

   

  The highlight of the day was a fascinating sewing workshop led by dedicated volunteers. Students had the unique opportunity to replicate the artwork of the nuns who skilfully contributed to the renowned Bayeux Tapestry. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their understanding of historical craftsmanship but also fostered teamwork and creativity among the pupils.

   

  Overall, this experience was a wonderful fusion of education and enjoyment, inspiring our students to engage with the history of Barking and appreciate the cultural heritage that surrounds them. A huge thank you to our volunteers and expert guides for making this day truly unforgettable!

  

• St. Joseph's Feast Day Celebrations

  Wed 19 Mar 2025

  Children in EYFS and KS1 had a fantastic afternoon celebrating St. Joseph’s Feast Day with a special Stay and Play session alongside parents. Together, we created beautiful paper lilies and artwork inspired by St. Joseph, reflecting on his kindness, strength, and devotion. It was a joyful and creative way to honour our school’s patron saint.  To end the celebrations on a high note, we danced the afternoon away at a brilliant St. Joseph’s Day Disco, with the amazing DJ Joe Banana bringing the fun! It was a day filled with faith, creativity, and celebration—one we will always remember! 

  

• St. Joseph's Feast Day Mass

  Wed 19 Mar 2025

  Our school came together for a beautiful Mass with Father Paul to celebrate St. Joseph’s Feast Day. It was a special time of prayer, reflection, and gratitude as we honoured St. Joseph, the patron saint of our school. After the service, Father Paul joined our Year 6 pupils for a lovely tea and cake celebration, where they had the chance to chat and reflect on the importance of the day. It was a wonderful way to mark this special occasion, strengthening our school’s sense of community and faith.