Friday 28th August 2020

We look forward to welcoming our children back to school on Thursday 3rd September after such a challenging few months.  Our new Reception parents will be meeting with their child's class teachers on either Thursday or Friday and we also welcome them to our school community from Monday 7th September onwards.  I understand that some of our parents have been frustrated with the decision to integrate the transition of our new children over a longer period, however, the decision has been made with the best interests of the children at heart and in following the guidance from the Local Authority. It has certainly been a period of our lives which we will all never forget and unfortunately for some of us there has been heartache and loss.  Now more than ever our own wellbeing and those of our children is at the paramount of our lives.  We understand that for many children there may be some anxiety and uncertainty in returning to school, however, we will ensure that our children are supported to feel safe and happy in order for them to learn, develop and grow. The initial fornight will be spent on activities to reintegrate and reconnect the children with their peers and staff.  This will be conducted though PSHE, Circle Time activities, The Rainbow Hour programme and also through Collective Worship and Meditation which for the time being will only take place in class groups.Regular attendance at school is vital for children and young people's educational progress, for their wellbeing, and for their wider development. We want children, young people and their families to be confident that schools are ready and safe for them to return. We have undertaken risk assessments and have been working closely with public health colleagues and are well-prepared to deal with any cases and fully understand public health procedures. Please look at the latest version of the school's risk assessment within the Covid 19 section on the website landing page and also the details of the logistics for opening i.e. staggered start and finish times to the school day.  We look forward to continue to work in partnership with the home, school and parish to ensure that all our children have the opportunities to develop to be the person God wants them to be and achieve their potential.

The Government has published updated guidance for parents and carers to support with children returning to school.  This can be found via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=25%20August%202020%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

I am sure that many of you are aware but it is with great sadness to inform you that our school chaplain and parish priest, Fr Des Devenney, will be leaving Our lady and All Saints Parish next weekend to take up a new post as parish priest of the St. John Fisher Parish in Coventry.  His role will also include supporting Walsgrave Hospital and the Romero Catholic Academy.  Fr. Philip Griffin has been appointed as parish priest of Our Lady and All Saints Parish. On Friday 4th September, our school community will be watching the live stream of the daily Mass which Fr Des will dedicate to our school.  If you are able to watch through the live stream please join us in this last opportunity to see Fr. Des and celebrate Mass together.  The live stream weblink to Our Lady and All Saints can be located by this link: https://mcnmedia.tv/camera/our-lady-all-saints

We now have new stocks of uniform please place your orders via ParentPay. If you have not activated your ParentPay account email the school office at info@st-jo-st.dudley.sch.uk for a Username and Password.

At the Birmingham Diocesan Education webiste there is a webpage containing links to Prayer and Learning Resources for both home and school. This includes the CAFOD Virtual Sunday Children's Liturgy and a child's prayer for Spiritual Communion. More resources will be added as they become available. https://www.bdes.org.uk/des-support-for-schools-through-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

O God, we long to know you and to love you, but the busyness of life often gets in the way. Help us to recognize the ordinary, daily ways that our family can learn about you and grow closer to you. We know that you are with us, leading us and guiding us on our way. Amen.

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

The Maritime World: We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.