Friday 9th March 2018

We are inclined to think that conversion, is a dramatic moment, that maybe occurs once in a lifetime. But we are all invited to 'convert', to a daily conversion, away from all that obstructs God's presence in our lives and towards a better way of living, more in tune with God. St. Ignatius of Loyola spoke of a 'resolve to do better' and we are all in need of this conversion which becomes a life-long adventure into freedom and greater love. Such daily conversion comes with the realisation that God really forgives us of all that is narrow and petty in our lives, and that God really longs for us to grasp that freedom and love which he offers. In God is our true and lasting joy!

Dudley's Education Investigation Service has published the latest information on how the Local Authority will support schools to manage poor attendance and unauthorised absence. As mentioned in previous newsletters and in the leaflet distributed at the beginning of the academic year, the Principal cannot authorise any holidays during term time. Any requests for absence must be completed on a form from the school office. In future, a letter will be sent to parents stating whether the leave of absence has been granted or whether this will be classed as unauthorised. There are only very exceptional circumstances when leave of absence will be authorised. This includes bereavement of a close family member or a religious observance. The principle is that 'exceptional' is defined as rare, significant, unavoidable and short. If your child is absent from school for 10 sessions of more (5 school days) in a four week period as unauthorised then a referral will be made to the EIS. This will result in a penalty notice being issued. Poor attendance of 12 sessions of unauthorised absence within a six week period will also result in a penalty notice. Where pupils' absence is poor due to illness, the school will investigate the reasons for this and liaise with parents. Where absence due to illness is a continuing issue where no medical evidence is provided, then a letter will be issued to parents. This could lead to a referral to the EIS. Please also ensure that your child attends school punctually, registration closes at 9am each day and your child will be marked as late on the register after this time.

Thank you for attending your child's Parents' Evening session earlier this week. We hope that you found this to be an informative opportunity to know how your child is progressing at school. We also welcome the feedback received and thank you for the positive comments and also your suggestions on how we can improve our practice. Please ensure that you have the opportunity to feedback to us by completing the online questionnaire which can be accessed via the tab on the home page of the school website. Alternatively, a paper copy can be obtained form the school office. Thank you for your continued support.

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.

Dudley Term Dates for 2018-19 are available on the School Website under the 'Term Dates' tab.

Your Sport will be running an Easter Football Camp from Monday 9th April - Friday 13th April 2018 at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School . The cost will be £15 per day or £35 full week. Booking forms will be sent home on Thursday with more details. Alternatively you can contact Robyn Hingley on 07850 975995 or Stuart How on 07984 414553 to book your child's place on this camp.

The tennis coaching team at Stourbridge Tennis Club will be running an Easter Camp from 11th until 13th April. There are options for full day or half days and even an early drop-off. For further details please contact Kirk Woodhall (07792 755567) or Grant Chapman (07800 936550). We are also looking to start an after school tennis club next term on a Wednesday which will be led by Grant. This will be for Key Stage 2 pupils on a Wednesday after school starting after the Easter break. Final details will be confirmed shortly.

Congratulations to our Cross Country team who took part in Round 1 of the Stourbridge Learning Partnership Competition here at St. Joseph's on Tuesday after school. Overall the boys' team were ranked third and the girls' team second. Well done to Jonathan (Year 4) and to Emily-Mae (Year 6) who were both placed second in each event. The next round will take place at Ridgewood High School on Wednesday 14th March starting at 4pm. We also wish our team every success at tomorrow's Dudley Cross Competition at Baggeridge Park.

Congratulations to the 12 children from Years 5 and 6 who took part in the South Dudley Finals of the Sportshall Athletics Competition at Windsor High School on Tuesday. It was a very close competition with three out of the four teams only separated by three points. The winners of the event Howley Grange Primary will now represent South Dudley at a borough-wide competition.

Pupils at St. Joseph's School are growing to be intentional in the way they live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example they set to others. Intentional means planning our actions and choosing to live how God wants us to. Prophetic means spreading the word of God through how we live our lives.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Thank you for all the kind people in our community who show us your way of love and self-giving. Amen.

Say "No" to Corruption - That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption.