Friday 11th October 2019

This Sunday will be a joyful occasion to witness the Canonisation of Blessed John Henry Newman by Pope Francis in Rome.  John Henry Newman lived in England over 100 years ago and he is the first English person to be canonised in nearly 50 years.  He was originally a well-known vicar in the Church of England but then decided to become a Catholic and eventually was made a cardinal in the Catholic Church.  John Henry Newman cared for the poor Irish famiies who had fled the famine in Ireland.  He spoke honestly and from the heart; people trusted what he said and travelled from many miles to listen to him speak about God. John Henry Newman is also known for the beautiful poems, prayers and hymns which he wrote. He loved to learn about God and encouraged everyone to learn and to think for themselves by reading the Bible and discovering more about God.  For further information about the life of Blessed John Henry Newman and his upcoming canonisation please go to: https://www.newmancanonisation.com/

During November Project Gambia will be shipping 'Christmas Shoe boxes' to children who live in Kotusilo and children who attend schools at Half Dye, Madiana, Hanne Vibe and The Methodist Special School.  Your child received a flyer last week which included further information and a list of items to include within the shoe boxes.  Please can these be returned to school by Monday 14th October. This will further support the Extraordinary Mission Month with the dimension of Missionary Charity to help our young brothers and sisters from around the world.

From this coming Monday morning, parents will be able to sign up for a five minute slot to discuss their child's initial progress with their class teacher. These will be displayed in the main reception or alternatively please call the school office for an appointment time. A reminder that the sessions will take place on Tuesday 22nd October (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Wednesday 23rd October (5pm-7pm).  Children can be brought into school and will be supervisded in the IT suite during your appointment slot.  There will also be PCs and iPads available for parents to complete the new questionnaire too.  We look forward to welcoming you all.

RB Gym & Sportwho deliver the gymnastics breakfast clubs in school will be running Activity camps at St. Joseph's over the October half term. To book your child's place visit www.rbgymandsport.co.uk. For more information a leaflet has been sent home in your child's school bag.

Congratulations to the children in Years 5 and 6 who took part in the local School Games Tag Rugby Competition at Old Halesonians on Thursday.  The mixed team of 12 children played exceptionally well together topping their group with three wins qualifying for the semi-finals.  At this stage they were guarenteed a place at the Dudley wide competiton in March 2020 whcih will be played at Stourbridge Rugby Club.  However, they went on to beat both Howley Grange Teams in the semis and final to win the overall competition, two consecutive years in a row!  Thank you to our staff (Mrs Bradley and Mrs Debbie) and our parent helper (Mrs Abbotts) for supporting this event too.

Please bring any items into school outlined below so that we can pass on these essentials to our brothers and sisters in need.  Thank you.

FOOD SHORTAGES: TINNED FRUIT, TINNED MEAT, 1L CARTONS OF UHT FRUIT JUICE, 1L CARTONS UHT MILK, TINNED POTATOES, ,TINNED FISH, INSTANT MASH, TINNED VEG READY MEALS (e.g. MACARONI CHEESE, VEG CURRY), TINNED CUSTARD

NON-FOOD SHORTAGES: SHAMPOO, DEODORANT, WASHING-UP LIQUID, TOILET ROLLS, ADULT TOOTHPASTE, WASHING POWDER (SMALL BOXES)

God our Father, you granted to your servant John Henry Newman wonderful gifts of nature and of grace, that he should be a spiritual light in the darkness of this world, an eloquent herald of the Gospel, and a devoted servant of the one Church of Christ. For his insight into the mysteries of the kingdom, his zealous defence of the teachings of the Church, and his priestly love for each of your children. We pray for his upcoming canonisation. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Children in St. Joseph's School 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.

That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary 'spring' in the church.