Children at St Joseph’s actively participate in the Catholic life and mission of the school. Children attend mass in the school chapel on Monday during their lunch break of their own choosing.

     

Each week on a Tuesday morning a different class attends mass with the parish at St Joseph’s Church.

Each Wednesday lunchtime Exposition of the Holy Eucharist takes place in our school chapel. During religious periods such as Lent parents are invited into school to adore with their children.

Mini Vinnies and other groups of children reach out to the community, they understand he role of being a servant. They regularly visit ‘The Little Sister’s of the Poor’ care home to spend time with the residents, offering companionship and care. The children made Lenten crosses personalised with the residents names when they visited recently.

             

Children fundraise throughout the year for local and global charities. We have a weekly ‘Bottle Aid’ collection at Friday’s assembly where children donate coins they can spare. The children understand the importance of almsgiving.

 

At St Joseph’s we have a strong chaplaincy provision and children actively participate in opportunities provided by the school. Children eagerly apply for leadership roles and wear their badge with pride. The impact of this means children are actively engaged in living out the schools mission and contribute strongly to its Catholic life.

                                                                                    

As our school mission statement states we always strive ‘To be the best that we can be.’ We begin each year celebrating this looking at differences, inclusion and talents.

                 

All children know that they belong to the family of St Joseph’s and are created in the likeness of God. During International Week we celebrate the diverse cultures we bring to this family.

At St Joseph’s it is important to us that every child feels noticed and loved. Children are greeted each day at the classroom door with a welcoming smile and have the opportunity to talk to their teachers before the day begins.

 

We are Pilgrims of Hope. We launched the Jubilee year with every class looking at how we can live out Pope Francis’ message and be pilgrims of hope. We used it as a focus for our hall displays to remind us during this important year.

The children have many experiences of our common home through the schools commitment to off site trips and visits. The children learn how to act in each environment, knowing how to be a good citizen, whilst also having a lot of fun. 

                                                                           

We have made our classroom doors into ‘Holy Doors’ to remind us of the special significance that the holy door takes on during the Jubilee. In crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, pilgrims are reminded of the passage from chapter 10 of St John’s Gospel: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Passing through the Holy Door expresses the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd. 

We remember significant events in British History and recently marked VE day with an outdoor picnic. 

This year at the start of May, 18 staff members took part in ‘Race For Life’ supporting cancer research. It was done in memory of those in our St Joseph’s family we have lost and those still fighting.