Friday 12th January 2018

Peace Sunday 2018

At the start of this New Year we are challenged by the all too familiar images of women, children and men who continue to seek refuge and asylum, some within our own country. Pope Francis has made these women and men the focus of his 2018 World Peace Day message. He describes them as 'seekers of peace'. In his message he says, "the increased numbers of displaced persons is one of the consequences of the "endless and horrifying sequence of wars, conflicts, genocides and ethnic cleansings" that had characterized the twentieth century. To this date, the new century has registered no real breakthrough: armed conflicts and other forms of organized violence continue to trigger the movement of peoples within national borders and beyond."

Refugees and migrants are 'seekers of peace'. Pope Francis urges us to draw inspiration from Saint John Paul II: "If the 'dream' of a peaceful world is shared by all, if the refugees' and migrants' contribution is properly evaluated, then humanity can become more and more a universal family and our earth a true 'common home'. Throughout history, many have believed in this "dream", and their achievements are a testament to the fact that it is no mere utopia."

The work of Pax Christi - the Peace of Christ - is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Its vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. Pax Christi is rooted in Catholic Christianity but is open to all who share its values and work. The movement Pax Christi itself was born out of the experience of war - another era of displacement and refugees. Its founder, Martha Dortel-Claudot, initiated a campaign of prayer for peace in 1945 for reconciliation between the people of France and Germany and to encourage people to work to bring an end to war. Today Pax Christi is present in 50 countries: a network of Christians inspired by faith to work for peace, reconciliation and nonviolent change. In England and Wales Pax Christi, through its small team of 4 staff members, its volunteers and its members, works to create opportunities to support the Catholic community to become involved in peace-making. Let us consider how we might be peacemakers by supporting the work of Paxi Christi in the coming year ahead. You could become a member, make a donation or pray to support the work of Paxi Christi. For further details about this year's Peace Sunday and the work of Paxi Christi please go to: http://paxchristi.org.uk/

Free Taster Session with Hagley High Flyers

Hagley High Flyers Trampolining Club are offering a free taster session on Mondays between 4.45pm and 5.45pm at Haybridge Sports Centre, Brake Lane, Hagley DY8 2XS. The session dates are as follows: 15th, 22nd and 29th January and 5th and 12th February. If you would like further information or to book a session please enquire at the school office. This club is open to all pupils from Reception to Year 6.

Sponsorship Required to Support The Hagley Pyramid Concert

If you have a business and would like to place an advertisement in this year's Pyramid Concert programme then please contact Mr Mallinson at Hagley High School via the following email address - fmm5@hagleyrc.worcs.sch.uk. Our Year 5 children have been working hard in preparation for this special event and will continue their final preparations during the course of the next six weeks. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to perform at a first class venue in front of a large audience. The concert will take place on Thursday 15th February at Birmingham Town Hall starting at 7pm. Tickets are £10 and are available from the school office. Please support this event as future funding for next year and beyond is uncertain.

Up-to-date Contact Information

If you have changed your mobile number recently or there is any other any change to your contact information please inform the school office. Thank you.

What's On

Saturday 13th January 10.30am First Holy Communion Children's Session
Sunday 14th January 10.30am First Holy Communion Preparation Mass / Peace Sunday
Monday 15th January Year 4 Confessions
Tuesday 16th January 2.15pm Reception Class Mass
Tuesday 23rd January 9.10am Year 4 Class Assembly (St. Nicholas Owen)
Thursday 25th January Year 6 Confessions
Thursday 25th January 7pm Year 6 Service of Light at OLAS
Sunday 28th January 10.30am Year 6 Confirmation Preparation Mass / Racial Justice Sunday
Tuesday 30th January 2.15pm Year 3 Class Mass

DPA Open Evening, 20th March 2018 @ Netherton Arts Centre, 6.00pm - 8.30pm

Children and families are invited to the Arts Centre to find out about learning a musical instrument. We hope that you will encourage children who have expressed an interest to come along and try a range of instruments/meet teachers. This is an excellent opportunity for schools with whole class programmes to provide an opportunity for students to think about learning next year.

Macmillan Cancer Support Charity Event

Mr Gibbons, one of our parents here at school, will be running for Macmillan Cancer at the London Marathon on Sunday 22nd April 2018. In order to help him raise as much money as possible, we have agreed to hold an event here at St. Joseph's School on Saturday 10th February 2018 from 10am until 12noon. This will include a table top sale of children's toys, games and books as well as a coffee morning. All proceeds from this event will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Further details about this event will be provided through a flyer which your child will receive in their school bag shortly. We will be collecting donations of any unwanted children's books, games or toys from this Monday 5th February which can be brought to school via the main office. Nearer the time we would also appreciate any donations of cakes to help with the coffee morning too. Thank you for your continued support for our brothers and sisters in need.

Lunchtime Sports Clubs

In preparation for the Stourbridge Learning Partnership Cross Country Competition at the beginning of next month, training for children in Years 4 to 6 will take place on Tuesday and Friday lunchtimes from 12.30pm. Please ensure that your child has a separate sports kit for this club including plenty of warm layers. Thank you.

Virtues Focus - Curious and Active

Children in St. Joseph's School are growing to be curious about everything; and active in their engagement with the world, changing what they can do for the better.

Prayer of the Week

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to be always ready to make a new start with you and with others as we start this new year. Amen.

Pope's Intentions for January

That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practise their faith in full freedom.

Praise Assembly

Year Group Catholic Virtues Good Work
Reception Holly Lois and Rose
Year 1 Megan Esme
Year 2 Harvey Alexia
Year 3 Whole Class Harry W
Year 4 Will Lucian
Year 5 Thomas Elisabeth
Year 6 Hannah Lola
Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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