Friday 17th January 2020

IIn this Sunday's Gospel, we return to the beginning of Jesus' mission.  The humble witness of John the Baptist gave people a sense that something exciting was going to happen.  John the Baptist is one of the best know saints.  He never pushed himself forward - he encouraged his own followers to leave him and become followers of Jesus.  His life (an death) witnessed to the truth about Jesus and, because of him, many people came to know and follow Jesus.  Our schools and parishes are founded in the name of Jesus and they continue to share Jesus' message, giving witness to God's love for all people. Today, we too can be great witnesses.

Parents will have received a letter from the St. Nicholas Owen Board of Directors and Academy Committee Chairs regarding the temporary senior appointments at St. Joseph's and Our Lady of Fatima Primary Schools.  Mr Carry will be the temporary Executive Head teacher and Mrs McCole will be the temporary Head of School at St. Joseph's.  Both schools are looking forward to the new opportunties this collaboration will bring for pupils, staff and parents within the Academy Company. Thank you for your continued support.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January - the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. On 10th February many Christians in Malta celebrate the Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul, marking and giving thanks for the arrival of Christian faith on these islands. The reading from the Acts of the Apostles used for the feast is the text chosen for this year's Week of Prayer. Hospitality is a much needed virtue in our search for Christian unity.   It calls us to a greater generosity to those in need. The people who showed unusual kindness to Paul and his companions did not yet know Christ, and yet it is through their unusual kindness that a divided people were drawn closer together. Our own Christian unity will be discovered not only through showing hospitality to one another, but also through loving encounters with those who do not share our language, culture or faith. In such tempestuous journeys and chance encounters, God's will for his Church and all people comes to fulfilment. As Paul will proclaim in Rome, this salvation of God has been sent to all peoples (see Acts 28:28).

Please click on the Key Information tab on the school wesbite in order to view the Spring term study plans for each year group. This will provide parents with the overarhcing themes/topics/concepts being taught within each subject. A reminder that our parents' evening sessions will take place after half term in March. 

Cross country training will take place on Monday lunchtimes with Mr Carry and Mrs McCole. If your child wishes to participate please ensure they bring in an extra sports kit for training.

On the week beginning Monday 27th January, we will be starting a new reward system at lunchtime named "The Golden Table". A child from each year group will be rewarded weekly by the kitchen staff and lunchtime supervisors for their good manners and behaviour at lunchtimes. A special "Golden Table" will be set up for them to eat their lunch at and they will receive a treat.

Our Year 6 Confirmandi, parents and sponsors are invited to attend the final evening preparation service in readiness for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 26th January at Our Lady and All Saints Church at 1pm.  Please pray for our Year 6 children next week.  Bishop David will also be meeting with the Year 6 children on Friday afternoon at St. Joseph's school.

God, giver of life, we thank You for the gift of Your compassionate love which soothes and strengthens us. We pray that our churches may be always open to receive Your gifts from one another. Grant us a spirit of generosity to all as we journey together in the path of Christian unity. We ask this in the name of Your Son who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pupils at St. Joseph's are growing to be: compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their actions and forgiving words.

Promotion of World Peace: We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.