Friday 17th May 2019

This Sunday's Gospel we listen to the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.  He gives his friends, the disciples, a new commandment: love one another; just as I have loved you.  Love is life's greatest blessing.  St Teresa of Calcutta once said, "Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do that matters...but how much we put into it." The new commandment which Jesus gave to his friends is for us too - today!  Everyone likes to be loved and family and school life become more joyful when we follow Jesus' command to love one another.   

Thank you to the small number of parents who have generously contributed to school funds either through a one off donation or have signed up to a monthly payment scheme.  Every penny will help support the school through very challenging financial times.  The government states that more money than ever is being invested into education, however, in real terms to schools this is not the case.  With an increasing expenditure and an income which does not reflect inflation, the school is having to make difficult decisions on which services are retained and removed whilst aiming to continue to improve standards. The PTA are always looking at ways to help support the school financially and I urge you to support the events planned for this term. Further details about these events will be released shortly. Thank you for your continued support.

A reminder that this year's School Games Day (Sports Day) will take place on Thursday 27th June.  The Reception and KS1 event will take place at 9.15am and then KS2 (Years 3 to 6) from approximately 11am.  Please note that there will not be a picnic during the afternoon and the children will have lunch at their usual allocated time. However, refreshments will be served throughout the morning by our kitchen staff.  The alternative day due to any inclement weather will be the morning Tuesday 9th July. 

Well done to our Year 6 pupils who completed their end of key stage tests earlier this week.  After half term, Year 6 will be going to Whitemoor Lakes Outdoor Education Centre from Wednesday 5th June to Friday 7th June.  Mrs Riley (visit leader), Mr Peniket (designated first aider) and Mrs Faux-Conduit will be accompanying the children.  Thank you to our staff who will be giving up time away from their own families to support this residential. If you have any queries regarding this visit please contact the school office.

This year's Summer Fayre will take place on Saturday 22nd June - 12 - 3pm. To make the fayre a success we NEED your help. There are sign up sheets in the school's main reception area; if you can spare an hour on that day please sign up as a volunteer. We are also looking for donations of raffle prizes too.

Interested in hiring you own stall or sponsorship/advertising your company please leave your details at reception and a member of the PTA will contact you.

All monies raised by our Summer Fayre helps to enrich the school lives of our children here at St. Joseph's. Thank you.

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.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being our loving friend.  Please help us always to love you and to keep growing in love for one another. Amen.

That the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for this continent.