Fortitude with Christ

In Celebration of the Word this week, we looked ahead to the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) and the warning that Jesus gives his disciples that their lives will be filled with hardship and challenges. However, he reassures them and spurs them on, "Your endurance will win!" In fact, Jesus goes further to explain, "Your endurance will win you your life."

We have been thinking this week about the Catholic virtue of Fortitude, reflecting especially on the courage and endurance of all those who have bravely given their lives in the service of our country. The children explained the different ways that they have to show courage each week: speaking aloud in class, joining new games with different friends and sitting with someone they don’t know that well over lunchtime. We've praised them for their bravery!

C - 33rd Ordinary

We will remember...

This week the Nursery children have been learning about Remembrance Day and why it is such an important time to stop and say, "Thank You" to the people who have helped keep us safe. The children enjoyed painting their own beautiful poppies, learning that the poppy is a special symbol of remembrance. We also took part in a two-minute silence, showing respect and thinking quietly about those we remember on this day. The children were so thoughtful and calm — we were very proud of them. To build on our learning, we explored a poppy sizing activity, where the children practised their maths skills by ordering poppies from smallest to largest and using lots of lovely mathematical language like big, small, and in between. It has been a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about kindness, respect, and gratitude in a gentle and age-appropriate way.

Anti-Bullying Week

This week was Anti-Bullying Week, and Year 4 celebrated in a very special way – through music! We started the day with an amazing anti-bullying rap that encouraged everyone to stand up and speak out against bullying. It was so catchy that both the children and teachers went out to break-time still singing it!

Inspired by the performance, the children then wrote their own versions of the rap, adding creative lyrics and energetic actions to match. It was fantastic to see so much teamwork and enthusiasm.

In the afternoon, we turned our attention to the song “Ugly”, which celebrates everyone’s differences, whilst remembering that deep down we are all just people who can get hurt by unkind words or actions. We also considered how our actions are a reflection of us - if we call someone something unkind, what does that say about us? Working in groups, the children learned some British Sign Language for key words and created their own arrangements, complete with harmonies, solos, and duets.

It was a joyful day filled with music, kindness, and creativity – a perfect reminder that we’re all unique, and that’s what makes us special!

Lighting up learning...

Reception has loved learning about light and dark , and exploring the excitement of fireworks and Bonfire Night! Each class has created fabulous firework pictures using water paint, teabags, pipettes, and cotton wool.

David: the unlikely shepherd king

In Year 5 this week, we have been learning about King David - the most unlikely choice for a king! He was a simple shepherd boy and his brothers were much bigger, stronger and perhaps more suited to the typical view of what a king should be, but God spoke! God wanted him and there was no changing his mind! We enjoyed spending time exploring our class treasure boxes to discover reminders of each of the key moments of David's story. It was fascinating!

Guess Who? The Science of Family Traits

Year 6 have been busy becoming genetics detectives this week as they explored the fascinating topic of inheritance in Science. The children learned the difference between inherited characteristics - those passed down from parents and acquired characteristics, which we develop through experiences and our environment.

It was wonderful to see pupils making personal connections to their learning. Diego identified that he shares his dad’s hair and eye colour, while Olivia recognised that her skin tone and hair type are just like her mum’s. Rose noticed something interesting too, she has inherited her mum’s hair colour but not her eye colour, showing how traits can vary even within families.

The class then put their new knowledge to the test by examining a selection of Mr Men characters. Using careful reasoning, they worked out which traits each character might have inherited from their parents and which characteristics could have been acquired. Their thoughtful justifications showed real scientific enquiry skills in action.

To extend this learning, we then discussed how our environment shapes who we become. We decided it was no surprise that Seb is such a talented footballer - having a dad who loves the sport, supports and encourages him has clearly helped him to develop his skills and passion!

A fantastic lesson full of curiosity, reflection and real-world connections.

London's Burning

It was a very exciting day for Year 2 on Thursday when we had our Great Fire of London day! The children dressed up and took part in many different activities such as bread making, music and water activities. The highlight of the day was, of course, the real fire at the end of the day. We all watched as the beautiful houses that had been made were set alight - a real immersive experience for the children to be involved in. A big thank you to our parent helpers who came to help supervise the children near the fire.

GFoL day 2025.mov

Out & About

Last week, Year 1 enjoyed starting our new Geography unit with a walk in the local area. Ready for whatever the weather entailed, we set off to spot different features - some that the children knew well and others that they hadn't considered before. We then considered why these things might be here - a shop so that we can buy food, a road sign so that we know where we are going, a part to play in.

It was an enjoyable afternoon for all!

The Learning Spark!

This week has been an explosion of colour and sound as we’ve begun exploring our new theme - Fireworks! The children have been busy creating beautiful pictures of fireworks and bonfires using a variety of different materials. We’ve also been learning about how to keep ourselves safe when around fireworks.

This exciting topic is a wonderful way for the children to use their imagination and creativity while also learning the importance of staying safe during firework celebrations.

Thank You from FISCH

I’m writing to thank you, on behalf of everyone involved with FISCH in Tanzania and in the UK, for the wonderful donation which you made to FISCH in July. I have only just taken on this voluntary role, so I do apologise for the delay in coming back to you. We are touched that the children of St Joseph’s parted with their toys and raised nearly £400 for uniform for children in Iringa, Tanzania.

As you are probably aware, if a family can’t afford uniform and school books, their children are not allowed to attend school and so miss out on education. You and your pupils have helped to overcome this barrier. Some of the young people in FISCH have been taught to sew, and they make items of uniform, other items we buy for the children. Here they are, keen to show off their new school equipment and uniform.

With thanks,

Sarah

Back in time...

Year 3 has been exploring the different time periods that occurred during the Stone Age. To gain a perspective on the duration of each period, they consulted a timeline. They were amazed at how long the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) era was compared to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods!

Reception Stars!🌟

This week in Reception has been truly magical as the children have been catching a star! We began our week with an exciting surprise of sparklers outside, followed by the discovery of a mysterious star hanging from our classroom ceiling. The children were full of imaginative ideas of how we might catch one of our own! There was LOTS of excitement as they worked together to make their very own star catchers using different materials.

Enduring in Faith

This week, St Martha’s class treated us to a wonderful assembly on the theme of endurance that brought the story of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat to life. Through drama, poetry and reflection, 6M beautifully showed us how Joseph’s journey, filled with challenges, setbacks and moments of great faith, is a true example of endurance. Linking perfectly to this week's Tool of St Joseph, Fortitude, the class reminded us that courage and perseverance are essential in following God’s plan, even when the path isn’t easy. Their thoughtful worship encouraged everyone to stay strong in faith, remain steadfast in love and use our God-given gifts to bring hope and light to others. It was an inspiring celebration of how faith and endurance work hand in hand to build God’s Kingdom.

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