Newsletter

10th October 2025

Attendance

National: 94.8% Our Target: 95%

Our whole school attendance this week: 95%

Infant School: 95%

Junior School: 96%

Our School Winners are: RP 94% & 3T 96%

Well done to the children and parents in these classes!

Check our Instagram page for updates throughout the week!

Dear Parents/Carers,

Happy Mental Health Day to you all! It was great to see staff, children and parents wearing yellow today in support of Youth Mental Health. Thank you for helping us to support this special charity in line with our Catholic social teaching- using our gifts and talents to support and advocate for others. We will let you know how much we raised for this charity next week.

On Tuesday, the children took part on a Global kindness assembly. They joined pupils beyond our region in a special online assembly then had special activities to do and reflections based on kindness- one of our core values. Aaron (Y6) was touched by a poster one of his friends created for him that showcased all his wonderous attributes and why his friend thinks he's so kind. Sienna Monae (Y6) created a lovely kindness bracelet that had lots of compliments and superlatives on it for the wearer. It was great to see how her creative gifts, beautiful handwriting and thoughtfulness merged to create such a wonderful bracelet. Y1 discussed how being kind makes you a good friend. I am grateful to the teachers and Mrs Phillips for organising such a memorable afternoon for the children.

I am proud to our Sporting Victory! On Thursday, a Year 6 squad went to Trinity School to play in the Catholic Tag Rugby Competition. We entered 2 teams - the red team and the blue team and according to Mr Abrahams 'We went into the tournament as the under dogs.' I am delighted to let you know that the red team didn’t lose a single game winning 4 and drawing 1. The blue won 1, drew 1 and lost 2.

At the end of the tournament, the red team won! And they brough home the silverware to prove it. Apparently the children enjoyed 'Holding the glory of their victory, in the palms of our hands.' Hearing this expression brough me so much joy! The children's excitement palpable. A special thank you to Sienna, Karter's mum who took over the coaching of the team to secure our victory! Excellent partnership in action. 'Thank you to my Mum and Mr Abrahams for coaching both the teams.' Karter 6H

Next week we are excited to welcome our parents/carers into school for our Pupil Consultation Meetings. It is a fantastic way to learn about how your child is settling into their new class and about their progress. Please remember to book an appointment. The children have been working so hard and love showing you what they have been learnring. We know we have many working parents and getting into school isn't always easy. If you would prefer a meeting online or over the phone, please let your child's class teacher know or contact the office to request one.

Communication Reminder

We send all parent communication via Arbor. We send inapp messages or emails, which go straight into your email account.

If you have a query about your child please contact your child's teacher in the first instance via the office or in person. They are very knowledgeable and with your child every day so are best placed to answer your query. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please let a phase leader know via the office or in person- Mrs Swain (EYFS), Mrs Mapp (KS1), Mrs Daniels (LKS2) Mrs Winters (UKS2) or a member of SLT - Mrs Mapp/Mrs Tope Infant School, Ms Lodge Junior School, one of us will look into the issue and come back to you.

The children have been having coaching sessions from Surrey Cricket Coaches. Today Y3 had their session and enjoyed developing skills in the sport.

A big thank you to Amalia and Ola’s mum for her very generous donation towards our Fireworks night! We are very lucky to have such generous and caring community here at St Joseph’s.

Please join me keeping those who are suffering due to conflict in our prayers. We pray for a peaceful end to all conflict in the world.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend,

Mrs Ashley and the Team

Inclusion

We know that sometimes schools and other professionals can use terms or phrases that not everyone is aware of. Our aim is to shed some light on some terms:

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ASD: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

CAMHS: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

EHCP: Education, Health and Care Plan

PDA: Pathological Demand Avoidance

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

Please be sure to refer to the Local Offer website where you can find information on the locally available support - https://localoffer.croydon.gov.uk/kb5/croydon/directory/home.page

Early Years

Reception are appreciating God's wonderful world and planted daffodils this week.

We talked about how we can care for our world and the different things that would make God happy. We talked about what plants need to grow and how we'll have to be patient while we wait for our daffodils to bloom in the spring.

Key Stage 1

This week in our Portuguese lesson, Year 1 have been busy learning how to count in Portuguese! The children have been singing catchy number songsto help them remeber the numbers, and they've really enjoyed joining in with the music and actions. It's been wonderful to see their enthusiasim as they practice saying the numbers aloud with confidence.

Why not ask them to count in Portuguese at home?

Lower Key Stage 2

This has been a very busy week for Year 3. In history, the children explored the concept of primary and secondary sources, a fundamental skill for understanding the past. They also demonstrated great citizenship by participating in "52 Lives" kindness project for schools, focusing on empathy and a kindness challenge.

To round out their busy week, they tackled a mathematical challenge, working hard on mastering their times tables. The effort and enthusiasm shown across these varied subjects made this another successful week of learning.

Upper Key Stage 2

This week in English, Year 6 have been writing letters in role as Floella Benjamin, inspired by her autobiography Coming to England. The children have been writing in the first person, developing their ability to use an informal tone suited to the target audience, and carefully including modal verbs to express possibility and intention. In Maths, the focus has been on identifying common factors and multiples, as well as learning the divisibility rules for 3, 4, 6 and 12. The children have applied their new knowledge to solve problems involving multiplication and division, deepening their understanding through practical examples and reasoning challenges.

Art Updates

This term, children across the school have been developing their artistic skills through portrait work using a range of mediums. Reception have been painting, Year 1 have been exploring lines and shapes, and Year 5 have been creating impressive collage self-portraits. It’s been wonderful to see the creativity and progression in skills from all year groups.

Year 3 have been using careful observation to add intricate detail to their drawings, while Year 6 have been developing their ideas through skills such as perspective, planning, and scaling up. It’s been a joy to see such creativity and artistic talent shining throughout the classrooms.

Happy Birthday!

Everyone at St. Joseph's wishes you the happiest of birthdays

Year 6: Clarita Year 5: Andreia Year 3: William and Rebecca Reception: Esther

Staff: Mrs Madine

Key Dates

13.10.25

Yr 4 Trip to Natural History Museum

17.10.25

Yr3 Trip National History Museum

22.10.25

Junior Bollywood Dance Experience Day

24.10.25

Infant Bollywood Dance Experience Day

October

Black History Month begins

06.11.24

PTA Musical Fireworks

07.11.25

Catholic Schools Cross Country Competition

12.11.25

Catholic Schools General Knowledge Quiz

17.11.25

Yr5 Cinema trip

18.11.25

Y3 & Y4 trip to the Cinema - Streatham Odeon

25.11.25

Y1 and Y2 Trip to Cinema - Croydon Grants

26.11.25

Y6 Cinema Trip - The Ritzy

02.12.25

Reception Nativity 9:30am

04.12.25

Reception Nativity 2pm

TBC.12.25

Infant Christmas Orienteering Day

TBC.12.25

Junior Christmas Experience Day - West End in Schools

We hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend.

The St. Joseph's Team

Looking for ways to keep the children entertained this October half-term? From spooky trails and creative crafts to musical adventures, there’s something for everyone at the Museum of Croydon.

Join us for a week of free family-friendly activities that spark imagination, celebrate Croydon’s heritage, and bring a touch of Halloween magic to your half term. Whether your little ones love exploring, making, or performing, we can’t wait to welcome you for some half-term fun!

Read on to discover what’s happening and when - all our activities are free, and no booking is required. We suggest ages 5+, but if you think an activity is suitable, you are welcome to bring younger children.

Spooky Halloween Trail

Collect a self-led trail from our front desk and explore the spooky history of Croydon hidden in our galleries! Complete the trail to win a sweet treat.

When: Wednesday 29th October - Saturday 1st November

Meccano Mornings

Come and build a Meccano model inspired by Croydon’s industrial past! Leave your creations with us, and take home a certificate.

Part of the Forge: Industries of Croydon event series. In partnership with the South East London Meccano Club.

When: Wednesday 29th October & Saturday 1st November | 11:00 - 13:30
Where: Central Library, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, CR9 1ET

Family Halloween Crafts for Art and Joy

Join us during October half-term for some spooky activities inspired by our Art and Joy sessions and Croydon Art collection! Make your very own witchy cauldron and magic wand to take home.

When: Wednesday 29th October| 14:00 - 16:00

Where: Museum of Croydon Activities Space, Level 0, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, CR9 1ET

Opera Adventures with Pegasus Opera

Join us this half term to celebrate the life and legacy of Croydon’s own Samuel Coleridge-Taylor! We’ll be making music, games, and drama in this free family workshop led by Pegasus Opera. No prior knowledge of music needed!

When: Thursday 30th October & Friday 31st October | 2-5pm
Where: Museum of Croydon Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 1, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, CR9 1ET
Important information: Drop-in, sessions last 40 minutes and start 2:15pm, 3:15pm, and 4:15pm (no worries if you are a bit late!)

Visit us

The Museum of Croydon is free to visit Wednesdays - Saturdays in the Croydon Clocktower, CR9 1ET.

We welcome visitors of all abilities, and all our areas are fully accessible. To ensure your requirements are met during your visit, contact us in advance by calling 020 8604 7501 or emailing museum@croydon.gov.uk

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