Friday 15th December 2017

Joy is something we all desire. We don't have to search around for joy: it comes from within. When we follow Jesus by loving God and others, we are filled with joy! a joyful heart is a sign of God's spirit within us. In this Sunday's Gospel, the humble witness of John the Baptist gave people a sense that something exciting was about to happen. John delivered the joyful news of God's arrival into our world in the person of Jesus - he recognised Jesus as the Christ. We often don't recognise Jesus when he comes, when he is standing among us. But be assured: Jesus is always with us, waiting to fill us with joy.

A final reminder for any donations of men's toiletries and socks for our Advent Charity 'Birmingham Sanctuary'. Each class has a collection box for these items. Many thanks for your continued support to our homeless, especially during such harsh weather we have experienced recently.

Parents will only be notified by the text messaging service and on the home page of the school website by 7am if the school was to be closed prior to the start of the day. Please ensure that the school office have an up-to-date mobile contact number so that you are able to receive this information. If you would like further information about how to access the school website as an app on your smart phone then please contact the school office.

If you have a business and would like to place an advertisement in this year's Pyramid Concert programme then please contact Mr Mallinson at Hagley High School via the following email address - fmm5@hagleyrc.worcs.sch.uk. Our Year 5 children have been working hard in preparation for this special event and will continue their final preparations after the Christmas break. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to perform at a first class venue in front of a large audience. The concert will take place on Thursday 15th February at Birmingham Town Hall starting at 7pm. Tickets are £10 and are available from the school office. Please support this event as future funding for next year and beyond is uncertain.

Children in St. Joseph's School are growing to be learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways they use their learning for the common good.

Dear Lord Jesus, as Christmas approaches, please help our families to experience the joy that you bring, and to share your joy with all those that we meet. Amen.

That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations.

Congratulations to the children of St. John's house who have accumulated the most points this term. They will be awarded a treat on the first day of the Spring term (Monday 3rd January). The House Fest Day for St John will also be rearranged and a Mass date agreed with Fr. Des.

In winter, children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water, and adults can find themselves at risk in attempting to save them. Taking a nice walk in cold weather with your family, friends or dogs in tow can be really refreshing, just make sure you know some simple tips on how to stay safe in winter.

Areas with frozen lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs can be beautiful places to visit during the winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water. Drowning Prevention charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has these useful tips to help you know what to do in an emergency. http://www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety/water-safety/water-safety-in-winter/

A reminder to any parents of children born between 01.09.13 and 31.08.14 to complete an application for Reception intake September 2018. Parents can apply online at www.dudley.gov.uk /admissions or they can phone the Dudley Admissions Office on 0300 555 2345 for a paper form. The closing date for all applications is 15th January 2018.