Newsletter
2nd May 2025
Newsletter
2nd May 2025
National: 94.8% Our Target: 95%
Well done to the children and parents in these classes!
Dear Parents/Carers,
We have had a great start to term and I am glad to able to be back in seeing you and the children more.
This is a very important term for the children as the statutory assessments are happening in Y1 (phonics screening), Y4 (Multiplications checks) and Y6 (SATs). The teaching team and children have been working hard all year to ensure that the children perform well and to the best of their ability. At St. Joseph's, we love examinations as this is an opportunity to showcase our leaning and growth and this is the approach we will continue to take. The children are ready and as you know we do all we can to ensure your child has the best possible education and start in life.
Over the next few weeks parents will be invited to attend meetings so we can explain the processes and answer and queries you may have. Rest assured there is nothing for you and/or your child to be worried about and if you have a concern, please let us know via the office or inform your child's teacher so that you get the reassurance you need.
Our Y2 children were also been selected to take part in a DfE pilot for exams and they did so superbly this week with the support of Miss Bickmore, Miss Langford-Jackson and Mrs De Jesus. The examiner feedback about the welcoming nature of our school and was impressed by the children's conduct and readiness. Thank you to both the team and the children. Once again you were a wonderful example of the St. Joseph's way and responded brilliantly to an unfamiliar, pressured situation.
I want to extend a huge congratulations to all those who took part in the Mini Marathon on Saturday. I had so desperately wanted to take part this year but due to my injury I wasn't able to come. Thank you so much to all the parents, Mr Abrahams and Ms Burgess for making this event both successful and memorable. It was heart-warming to see the children wearing their (heavy) medals around school this week- I know this will encourage many to become professional athletes in the future. They definitely have the aptitude.
We hope you have wonderful weekend with your family,
Mrs Ashley and the Team
This year the annual Mental Health Awareness Week will run from Monday 12th May until Sunday 18th May. People who are affected by mental health issues often also experience poorer physical health, living with higher rates of conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, COPD, coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. If you have a long term health condition, being active can help to manage some of these conditions. We Are Undefeatable aims to get people moving to help both their physical and mental health. This leaflet https://www.rethink.org/media/4101/15-ways-to-move-more-at-home.pdf has lots of ideas about how we can move around more at home, so you don't have to go out to be active.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, 52 Lives - School of Kindness have also launched their May Kindness Challenge which is all about how we can be kind to ourselves. The challenge encourages the children to think about the things that they do to look after themselves. Some examples from Year 4 are: participating in sports; cuddle time with their soft toys; pampering themselves with a shower and doing their nails and eating their favourite meals with their families. Remember, self care is not being selfish it's what enables us to take care of all those who are important to us. What do you do to take care of yourself?
Nursery have been busy digging up the potatoes they planted. We watered and took care of our planting and now have potatoes. We are going to make potato salad and we know it will taste delicious. Throughout the term the children observed the changes as the plants sprout and grow, leaning about the life cycle of plants and the importance of water, sunlight and care. Watching the potatoes grow, picking them and cooking them is a very rewarding experience teaching the children patience and instilling a love of gardening.
This week, Year 2 have been busy with exciting learning across all subjects! In Maths, the children have been developing their understanding of doubling and halving numbers extending their knowledge and understanding of the two times table as well as dividing by 2. In Science, they launched a plant observation experiment, where they are investigating how different conditions, like sunlight, warmth, and water, affect plant growth. The children have really enjoyed watching how the plants are growing and we cannot wait to see how they change over the bank holiday weekend. In English, we have started reading a new book called Little Red Reading Hood. As part of this, they have explored different settings for enjoying their reading and have been working on writing detailed character descriptions. We have also started our new art topic with Mrs. Oliver exploring sculpture through clay. It's been a fantastic week of curiosity and creativity! Not to mention, finishing the week with running the min-marathon.
This week, Year 3 pupils have journeyed back in time to learn about the legendary Boudica. The pupils have been acting like true detectives, carefully examining different historical sources to piece together clues and draw their own insightful conclusions about her powerful character and formidable leadership. Meanwhile, in maths, our budding mathematicians have been putting their multiplication skills to the test, tackling those times tables with impressive determination and achieving fantastic results. Keep up the amazing work, Year 3!
Year 6 is continuing the topic ‘Circuits, batteries and switches’ in Science. Children had the opportunity to build simple series circuits to explore voltage and resistance using an electric circuit simulator. Working collaboratively, they learned there is more than one way of changing bulb brightness: by increasing the voltage and lowering the resistance. They thoroughly enjoyed the lesson!
In Maths, children have been working on interpreting dual bar charts, learning how to compare and analyse data effectively.
We are thrilled to share with you the resounding success of our participation in the London Mini Marathon this past Saturday. A record 48 committed children from our school took part in this exhilarating event, each running a remarkable 1 mile or 2.6 kilometers!
The London Mini Marathon is not just a race; it is a testament to the dedication, determination and sportsmanship of our students. Witnessing them give their all on the course filled our hearts with pride and admiration. Their commitment to training and their exemplary performance on the day are a true reflection of the values we strive to instill in our students.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents and caregivers who came out to support our young athletes. Your encouragement and presence undoubtedly played a significant role in their achievements. Your unwavering support is deeply appreciated.
Furthermore, we would like to express our sincerest thanks to Mrs. Burgess for her exceptional support and guidance throughout the event. Her dedication to our students and their commitment to ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for all involved is truly commendable.
Once again, congratulations to our incredible students for their outstanding performance at the London Mini Marathon. We couldn't be prouder of their achievements, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes together in the future.
Feel free to download the photo movie from the link (once on page - to download click the arrow).
With warm regards,
Mr Abrahams
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/widening-participation/learners/primary/bring-your-family-university-days
Year 6: Jake Year 5: Ezekiel Year 4: Aaron
Year 3: Christopher and Rhoda
Staff: Mrs Power
01.05.25- Group (class) photos with Kittle Photographic LTD
26.05.25
London Mini Marathon
12th-15th May
Year 6 SATs
14.05.25
Year 3 Trip to the British Museum
16.05.25
Marian Procession
17.05.25
Year 6 Football and Netball Tournament @ Margaret Roper
21.05.25
Samba Drumming Workshop KS1
22.05.25
Samba Drumming Workshop KS2
We hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend.
The St. Joseph's Team