We have had an event filled week, ensuring that the children explored and understood the Easter message. That they are so special, they are worth dying for and that God loves them very much.

The Year 3 children were impressive in their Easter production and their acting and singing talents brough many of us to tears. Thank you to Mrs Daniels, Miss Arthur, Ms Luri and Mrs Parry for making this production a success.

We had a wonderful assembly to farewell to Mrs Langford-Jackson and Mrs Mulhern. It was a momentous way to end the term and the choir opened up the assembly by singing 'This is me' from the Greatest Showman. Their harmonies and parts were uplifting and impressive in equal measure - well done to all the choir members.

Mrs Lopean wrote new word to the melody of Mama Mia to say thank you for all she has done for St. Joseph's and it reduced many of us to tears. Miss Bickmore had all of us singing 'Stand by Me' as a goodbye to Mrs Mulhern and the children enjoyed singing both in their best voices.

As a well done for all their hard work, the children had an easter egg hunt this afternoon and they were so excited!

Well done to the whole school community for what has been another fun-filled, productive half term.

We hope you and you family have the most wonderful Easter, remembering how special and blessed you all are.

Happy Easter,

Mrs Ashley and the Team

Pastoral

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Early Years

Reception have been busy with lots of Easter activities. One activity was making Easter nests with shredded wheat, chocolate and mini eggs. This was great fun, we melted the chocolate and stirred in shredded wheat. We then spooned the mixture into a baking cases and added mini eggs. We then carefully placed our Easter nest into the Easter basket we made earlier in the week. We look at how heat can melt the chocolate and talked about the changes. We saw a solid material change into a liquid and back again.

Key Stage 1

Year 2 had an exciting trip to Brockwell Community Gardens to learn about minibeasts. They explored the beautiful gardens, searching for microhabitats and discovering various creatures that live there. The children enjoyed pond dipping where they observed and identified different pond life. They also walked through the woodland habitat, spotting minibeasts hidden among the trees and leaves. It was a day full of learning and adventure with Year 2 making lots of new discoveries.

Lower Key Stage 2

The Year 3 pupils delivered an outstanding performance in The Easter Production of the Good News, leaving their parents beaming with pride and joy. Their heartfelt acting, expressive storytelling, and angelic singing filled the hall with warmth and emotion. Every child confidently played their role, bringing the story to life with energy and enthusiasm. Their dedication and countless rehearsals were evident in the seamless flow of the production. The audience was captivated by their well-coordinated movements, clear voices, and passionate delivery. Beautifully crafted costumes and a stunning backdrop added to the charm of the performance. Parents were moved by the powerful message of hope and love, which the children conveyed so beautifully. The children’s teamwork and discipline shone through, proving their hard work had paid off. Applause filled the hall as they took their final bow, leaving everyone in awe. It was a truly magical and inspiring evening, showcasing the young talents of Year 3.

Upper Key Stage 2

We've had a fun and busy week of learning across the curriculum in Year 5!

In English, we’ve begun exploring non-chronological reports, with animals as our focus. The children are enjoying researching and gathering fascinating facts to include in their writing. In Maths, we’ve just finished our topic on area and perimeter, using our measuring and calculation skills with great confidence. In R.E., we’ve been learning about the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on each moment of Jesus’ journey and its importance in the lead-up to Easter.

In Geography, we’ve been comparing the desert with West Norwood, finding both differences and surprising similarities in climate, landscape, and human activity. Science has been hands-on and investigative—we’ve been exploring friction through experiments, and we've also been learning how to interpret and create line graphs to show scientific data. Finally in P.E., an exciting milestone—we played our first full game of netball! It was a brilliant display of teamwork, energy, and sportsmanship.

Curriculum Update: RE

This term has been busy and reverent. We started in January when the Jubilee Year was presented with the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. we will continue to revisit this theme throughout the year and we are planning some displays and a 'march' for next term as the weather becomes more pleasant.

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, we celebrated mass with Father Celestine at St Matthew's Church in West Norwood. It is the first time that we have been there as a school and it was a wonderful mass. We are looking forward to returning there in the near future.

Throughout Lent we have taken part in lots of events and activities. Every class from Y1 - Y6 has joined the parishioners of Virgo Fidelis at early morning masses during Lent, a huge thanks to the parents who have accompanied us and celebrated the mass with us. All the children made their Lenten promises where they decided what they were going to give up for Lent or what they were going to do extra for Lent. We had a wonderful mass at Virgo on St Joseph's Day, where the children sang there hearts out. We were so proud of them and there fabulous attitudes to the mass.

Year 3 did their Easter production during the last week of term and what a performance they pulled off - they were brilliant!

Then, on Thursday of this week, Year 5 lead us in the Stations of the Cross. They were wonderful, as were all of the children from Y2 - Y6 who attended, it was a truly fitting end to the term.

Of course, Lent continues for the next 2 weeks while we are on holiday. From all the St Joseph's community we wish you a joyful and peaceful Easter.