Newsletter
16th May 2025
Newsletter
16th May 2025
National: 94.8% Our Target: 95%
Well done to the children and parents in these classes!
Dear Parents/Carers,
I can't say how proud I am of our Y6 children this week. They it went so smoothly and the children said they were 'happy' and they were 'ready.'
May is the month of our Mother Mary. Today our Marian procession was wonderful as always and children, staff and parents joined together to worship. The children sang beautifully and I am so grateful to our prayer leaders for how they read beautifully and lead us all in prayer. Thanks to Mrs Phillips, Mrs Winters and Mr Teles and all who helped to organise this wonderful
celebration.
As part of our Catholic Social Teaching, all the flowers donated were take to the residents of Beulah Vista Care Home by Y6 this afternoon. They residence were very grateful and our act of kindness brought them joy.
Our new Vice Chair Mr McEvilly visited us today and spoke to the Senior Pupil Leadership Team about ways we remain safe at St. Joseph's.
I wish all the children representing the Federation in the Umbrella Trust's Netball and Football competition the best of luck for tomorrow.
We hope you and your family have a great weekend,
Mrs Ashley and the Team
The children and adults have been really supportive this week as it's been SATs week. We have all agreed it was a lot better than we thought, and we are all pleased with how it went.
We celebrated with a party and a film.
We are so proud of everyone. Well done!
Naomi Ogunbyi
Head Girl
There are a number of free, online workshops coming up that are led by external experts and can support you and your family with a wide range of issues. These workshops are run by Off The Record, who will shortly begin providing their services within our schools. If you would like help or advice with any of the items listed below, please sign up to take part in the arranged Webinars.
If you have a specific concern relating your child that you would like to discuss with us, please feel free to drop in to one of our coffee mornings, led by our SENCO, Ms Francis, every Friday at 9am in The Garden Hall.
In Reception we have been focusing on numbers 1-20 in our maths sessions. We have been writing numbers to 20. We have also been counting, ordering and building numbers to 20. We have used numicon, unifix, counters and a ten frames to help us. Next we are exploring 2d shapes and introducing adding more and taking away. It's wonderful to see the progress the children are making and we look forward to continuing their number journey in the weeks ahead.
Today, Key Stage 1 students brought a wave of joy and reverence to our school with their participation in the Marian Procession. Each child, carrying a flower as a symbol of their love and respect, joined in a procession that circled our school field, creating an atmosphere that was both holy and peaceful. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the Junior School prayer leaders. Their words about Mary and their leadership in prayer not only guided us during the procession but also inspired our Key Stage 1 students. They truly were role models, showing our younger students the beauty of faith and devotion.
Another exceptionally busy week in Year 4. We have been reading 'How To Train Your Dragon' since the beginning of term and have now started to use this as our focus and inspiration for writing fantasy stories in English.
In science this week, we spent some time in the forest school, as we were collecting leaves in order to classify them. We had to create our own classification keys based upon the properties of the leaves - we had fun but also learned lots.
We are learning about Pentecost and made some beautiful doves to remind us that the Holy Spirit visited the apostles at this time and gave them the courage and the tools to begin to spread the word of God - this was the beginning of the Christian church.
Year 5s Fantastical Journeys Begin!
This week, Year 5 have eagerly embarked on their latest Yellow Write adventure -creating their own version of The Nowhere Emporium! Inspired by the mysterious shop that appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as quickly, the children have been crafting rich, imaginative settings filled with wonders beyond the ordinary. Each narrative opens the door to a place where nothing is quite as it seems and anything is possible, so long as you can believe it.
The stories have already taking unexpected turns, with secret doors, strange creatures, and unusual powers hidden in plain sight. Some emporiums contain rooms that shift with your thoughts, while others trap time in jars on dusty shelves. Characters find themselves bartering dreams, unlocking hidden memories or following clues that vanish as quickly as they appear.
But just as it seems the mysteries might be solved, something stirs in the shadows -leaving readers on the very edge of their seats, wondering what might happen next...
It’s been a lively term so far! Pupils in Years 2, 4, and 6 have been thoroughly enjoying their lessons with Mr Tranter, diving into rhythm, melody, and the joy of making music together. Hymn practice has been equally uplifting, as children sing their hearts out to traditional favourites while also learning some new songs. The enthusiasm in the hall is infectious – it’s wonderful to see so many happy, confident singers!
Our individual music lessons are also going well. Guitar and drum sessions with Mr Lamdin have been a big hit. One budding guitarist shared, “I'm learning different strings on the guitar and I like using the picks in guitar lessons, as I never used them before.” It’s moments like these that show how music helps children discover new talents and grow in confidence.
We had an incredible response to choir sign-ups this term - thank you to everyone who showed interest! Unfortunately, due to limited space, we weren't able to accommodate all pupils this time. We encourage those who missed out to keep singing and try again next term.
This week, our choir began learning a popular hit from the 1990s, and the enthusiasm has been fantastic. We're working towards a performance for parents at the end of the term (date to be confirmed), and we can't wait to share what we've been working on.
Looking ahead, we’re really looking forward to the Samba Drumming Workshops next week for Years 1 through 6. It will be a vibrant, high-energy experience that will get every student moving to the beat!
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/widening-participation/learners/primary/bring-your-family-university-days
Year 6: Ayelen Year 4: Micaela
Year R: Silvia Maria
18.05.25
Year 6 Football and Netball Tournament @ Margaret Roper
21.05.25
Samba Drumming Workshop KS1
22.05.25
Samba Drumming Workshop KS2
02.06.25 - 13.06.25
Year 4 Multiplication Check
06.06.25
Year 5 (Small group) science day BTG
13.6.25
Reception trip to Virgo Fidelis church for talk and tour with Father James.
16.06.25 - 20.06.25
Science Week
20.06.25
World Music Day (21st) - Assembly
27.06.25
Catholic Athletics @ St James the Great
27.06.25
Dulwich College Boys Visit
27.06.25
Year 5 Partnership Visit to Dulwich College
30.06.25 - 02.07.25
Year 6 PGL Residential
03.07.25
Infants Catholic Sports Day @ St Thomas Becket
04.07.25
Year 3 Trip to Crystal Palace Park & Museum (tbc)
Year 4 Trip to Tower Bridge
10.07.25
Year 6 Production (tbc)
11.07.25
Year 2 Trip to the Tower of London
04.07.25
Reception Trip to Norwood Park
17.07.25
End of Year Mass-parents/carers welcome
Yr 6 End of Year Celebration Party
18.07.25
Last Day of the Year
We hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend.
The St. Joseph's Team