Friday 4th November 2022

The Promise of Eternal Life

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In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Sadducees (who thought themselves rather superior) did not believe in the resurrection or heaven, but they came to ask Jesus what marriage would be like in heaven. Jesus knew that they didn’t really want an answer to their question; they were just trying to trap and embarrass him. So, he gave a two-fold response to their question. Firstly, marriage is for this life: in heaven love is unlimited and embraces everyone equally. Secondly, in God, we all remain alive, safe and treasured. We were created for heaven: to live in complete harmony and happiness with God and each other – forever!

Gifts from God

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Congratulations to the following children who have been chosen by their class teacher this week.  Well done also to St.Matthew for gaining the most house points this week.

Year Group Good Work Catholic Virtues (Compassionate and Loving)
Reception Class Jose Elijah
Year 1 Willow Darcy
Year 2 Elienne Ciara
Year 3 Darci Mathilda
Year 4 Freddie Jack
Year 5 Ethan Amelia
Year 6 Megan Gabrielle

Curriculum Study Plans - Autumn 2

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The year group study plans for Autumn 2 are now available to view on the school website.  These can be accessed via the 'Key Information' tab on the website landing page.  

Martin Impey - Author and Illustrator to Visit St. Joseph's

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We are delighted that award winning children's illustrator Martin Impey will be visiting St Joseph's on Tuesday 15th November. Martin, who illustrated the beautiful stories of Where the Poppies Now Grow, The Christmas Truce, Flo of the Somme and Peace Lily, will work with children across the school to share his work and inspiration. This will of course complement our current learning about remembrance. Martin will also sign copies of his books –an order form will be sent home on Monday. To allow us to facilitate such an amazing experience for our children we will shortly be requesting a voluntary donation of £2.00 per child.  Further details to follow.

PE Days - Autumn 2

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During the winter months, children will need to wear their school jumper and tracksuit bottoms (plain navy or grey) over their school PE kit. Children in Key Stage 2 also need to bring in a pair of trainers that they can change into at lunchtime to then go onto the field. We have also noticed that children are not bringing in a coat to school.

Year Group Day 1 Day 2
Reception Friday
Year 1 Wednesday Friday
Year 2 Monday Tuesday
Year 3 Tuesday Friday
Year 4 Tuesday Friday
Year 5 Monday Thursday
Year 6 Wednesday Thursday

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Dates for your diary - November 2022

Friday 11th November - Year 2 Remembrance Assembly (10.45am) - parents of Year 2 are welcome to attend 

Sunday 13th November - Remembrance Sunday / World Day of the Poor

w/c Monday 14th November - Maths England Week

w/c Monday 14th November - National Anti Bullying Week - theme for 2022 is 'Reach Out'

Tuesday 15th November - Martin Impey - illustrator and author in school 

Sunday 20th November - Feast of Christ the King / Youth Sunday

Tuesday 22nd November - Pantomime - paid for by the PTA - thank you

Sunday 27th November - First Sunday of Advent 

Tuesday 29th November - Dudley Tag Rugby Finals - Good luck to our Years 5 and 6 mixed team

Wednesday 30th November - St. Andrew's Day

Wednesday 30th November - Year 1 Advent Assembly - parents of Year 1 are welcome to attend 

 

 

 

Dudley Council Bird Flu Guidance

Wednesday 19 October 2022

Public urged not to touch sick or dead wild birds – as avian influenza confirmed by Defra in Dudley

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has now confirmed there is avian influenza A(H5N1) in wild bird populations in the Dudley borough area.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people in Dudley borough not to touch any sick or dead wild birds in the borough – with die off in wildfowl including Canada geese and swans in a number of locations including Mary Stevens Park, Withymoor, King George VI Park Kingswinford, and Himley Hall.

The A(H5N1) strain is now the most common strain of bird flu in this country and is highly pathogenic to other birds. While the risk to human health is considered very low, it is vital that people do not touch sick live birds or bird carcasses, and infection control measures may be necessary if they do.

Kate James, UKHSA West Midlands Lead Health Protection Practitioner specialising in avian influenza, said:

The risk to the public from this strain of avian flu is very low, however it is possible for humans to catch the virus, so it is vital that people do not touch any sick or dead birds; or have contact with their droppings, eggs or bedding. As a precaution, anyone who has not worn appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) while in contact with a sick or dying bird and its bedding, in an area where the infection has been confirmed, will require close monitoring and follow up with UKHSA.

Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for public health at Dudley Council, said:

We have been liaising with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) West Midlands over the last couple of weeks, for guidance and support. As a precaution, we made the decision to close areas of Mary Stevens Park and the pool at Himley Hall & Park until we knew more. Now avian influenza has been confirmed in the borough, and the strain we are dealing with is low risk to human health, we have revised our restrictions and will reopen areas that had been closed. However we will continue to review the situation. I urge members of the public to follow the guidance and not touch or let pets near to sick or dead birds.

Reporting sick or dead birds in Dudley

  • If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.
  • Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. If you have found a sick or injured bird, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Do not touch the bird.

Outside the Dudley area

  • If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, please do not touch them and call the Defra helpline on 03459 335 577For further advice see GOV.UK.

Please note

In areas where the infection has been confirmed or is suspected, anyone who has been in contact with sick or dead birds or their droppings, while not wearing the correct PPE, should make sure any footwear is properly cleaned and thoroughly wash their hands in soap and water. They should then notify the UK Health Security Agency’s West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 so that public health experts can determine if antiviral medication and active surveillance of their condition is necessary. If someone handled infected birds while wearing adequate PPE, they must still undergo active surveillance.

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and on commercial premises, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain, to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

Anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds should also take extra precautions including keeping their birds indoors or taking appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. The RSPCA has provided a simple guide to help backyard flock keepers to protect their birds from bird flu. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of disease, if you are concerned about your birds’ health or suspect Avian Influenza, please contact your vet immediately.

Living with Covid Guidance

On Tuesday 29th March, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, set out the next steps for living with COVID-19 in England from Friday 1st April.

Free COVID-19 tests will continue to be available for specific groups, including eligible patients and NHS staff, once the universal testing offer ends on Friday 1st April.

Updated guidance will advise:

·         adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, and who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature

·         children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school, college or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend

·         adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice will be 3 days.

For education and childcare settings from Friday 1st April:

·         regular asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended in any education or childcare setting, including in SEND, alternative provision and children's social care settings. Therefore, settings will no longer be able to order test kits

·         residential SEND settings may be advised by their local health protection team to re-introduce some time-limited asymptomatic testing. This would be an exceptional measure, for targeted groups of staff and pupils or students (secondary age or above) in the event of a possible COVID-19 outbreak. These settings are scheduled to receive an automatic delivery of contingency supply test kits during the week commencing Monday 28 March

·         the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will publish new guidance. Most of the specific COVID-19 guidance for education and childcare settings will be withdrawn from GOV.​UK on Friday 1 April. The operational guidance on the testing in education settings document sharing platform will also be removed on the same day.

Link to The Wednesday Word

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The Wednesday Word can be accessed via following link: The Wednesday Word Primary School Resource | Catholic Church.  Please go through this with leaflet with your child so that they become more familiar and understand the focus of the Gospel each week.

Prayer of the Month - Holy Souls

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Throughout November we pray for repose of the soul of those who have died and for the souls of those in purgatory. We also pray for faith and hope of new life with God in heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Virtues Focus - Faith-filled and Hopeful

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Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be Faith-filled in their beliefs and
hopeful for the future.

Pope's Francis' Monthly Intention

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NOVEMBER

For children who suffer

We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.

 

 

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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