Friday 27th April 2018

Here at St. Joseph's we help the children to grow into the best young people that they can be. The Gospel values and Catholic virtues are the foundation and act as a guide on how we should all live each day. It is wonderful to hear at the weekly Praise Assembly how the children have been actively seeking to be more grateful and generous to others during the week. One of our school rights is: to be the person that God wants me to be. The inspiration for this school right came from Pope Benedict XVI on his state visit to the UK in 2010 when he celebrated Catholic education at The Big Assembly. He addressed the many pupils present and asked them about what qualities in others would they like to see in themselves. It reminds us that we are all unique and special in the eyes of Christ. We are called to use our God-given talents to help those around us. The Gospel reading on Sunday reminds us that God loves us and wants us to live and grow in him - just like a branch grows on a vine - to be full of God's own energy. Keeping lively contact with Jesus helps us to grow in goodness and to live fruitful family lives filled with peace, kindness and love.

The education (pupil registration) regulations which came into force on 1st September 2013 made it clear to all schools that head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during the term unless 'exceptional circumstances' exist. These 'exceptional circumstances' include the bereavement of a close family member, a religious observance (close family member wedding/funeral) or if a parent is in the armed forces returning from a long operational tour. If a request form is completed then a letter will be sent outlining the decision made by the School. If the period of absence is for 10 unauthorised sessions (one session is half a day) then a referral will be made to the Education Investigation Service. This may result in a warning notice being issued or even a penalty notice. Morning registration takes place at 8.55am, pupils arriving after 9am will be marked as late. 5 minutes late each day means 3 school days missed during the year.

Thank you to everyone for contributing to this fundraising event. The sales of Hat pins, Wearing a Hat and the Film club have raised a fantastic £467.16 for this wonderful charity .

Congratulations to Emily-Mae in Year 6 who took part in the Borough wide cross country competition last Saturday. Representing Dudley Emily was placed in 8th place in the girls' race. An excellent achievement, well done!

Pupils at St. Joseph's are growing to be grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming men and women for others.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the people who help us to know you better, so that we can keep growing in goodness - to grow into the best that we can be. Amen.

Please be mindful of our neighbours when using the car park on Albermarle Road. Safety is our main concern and we have had reports of a few " near misses " this week. Please be courteous when parking and DON'T park on the entrance or exit. Thank you.

For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters. That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.