This week has been really productive and children have been enjoying our woodland areas and doing art lessons in the afternoons as part of their transition back to school. This was a change I introduced last year to immerse the children back into their learning by doing art and creative subjects in the afternoons and as well as wellbeing and PSHE lessons. We are looking forward to seeing the art displayed around the schools and classes.

Music lessons restarted this week and it was great to have Mr Tranter back with us. He will be taking over both the Boys and school choir and I am excited to hear our choirs sing again. We have purchased a class set of guitars, which we received over the holidays. Over the half term, Mrs Tope and I will be developing a music room for the children to enjoy their lessons in.

Staff Development: Driving Innovation and Excellence

As you know staff development is a core priority at St Joseph’s. We believe that nurturing our teachers’ and leaders' skills directly benefits your children and their outcomes. I have developed a personalised approach to staff training, with colleagues choosing development pathways that best suit their strengths and interests. This supports not only excellent teaching and learning, but also staff wellbeing and retention.

Clubs and Enrichment – Starting Monday!

We’re excited to announce that our extensive enrichment programme begins on Monday. Pupils can choose from a wide range of clubs, including Baby Ballet, Gardening, Football, Art, Quiz and Nature Explorers and more! These opportunities help our children develop new skills and talents, discover passions, and make new friends. A letter was sent out yesterday and all bookings are made via the App. Booking goes live at 6pm today, spaces fill quickly, so please do look over the list in advance.

Restorative Approach to Behaviour

In line with our Catholic values, we continue to use a positive, restorative approach to behaviour. This means focusing on empathy, reflection, and making amends, helping our children grow into compassionate and responsible members of our community.

The start of the year can be challenging for some children as they adjust to their new class and teaching team. We have a loving and nurturing approach which tends to bring out the best in children and allows them to improve and interact with others well. We also know some children need additional support in order to achieve the standards we expect, we are a very responsive team so please do inform your child's teacher if you have any concerns as they are with your child all the time' and a member of SLT thereafter via the office or in person. We are here to help and want to ensure every child has the best possible school year.

We are looking forward to our beginning of year meetings with parents/carers. These will take place on 23rd September. You can see you child's class, hear key updates and messages. It is a really important part of supporting your child's educational journey so we hope to see many of you join us. Leaders will also provide you all with key updates at 4.15pm in the Junior Hall.

Please see key dates for the term below. They have also been sent out in letter form, so you can print and put on the fridge.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend,

Mrs Ashley and the Team

Wellbeing

As you settle back into the school routine, please remember the importance of a good night’s rest. It has been said that a good night’s sleep is the secret to a happy, healthy family. To function well, children need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep each night.

“Quality sleep is essential for everyone, but it holds particular significance for individuals with special educational needs, who often face unique challenges that can disrupt their sleep patterns. By making sleep the best it can be, young people can have a better chance to achieve their potential. And of course, help their wider family to sleep better”. Jan Jenner

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

This term, Reception have been exploring the topic 'All About Me', and we've been reading We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty. We've talked about who we live with and how all families are different and special. The children have loved sharing about their homes and the people who care for them. We celebrated our unique families by drawing lovely family portraits. Each picture was placed inside a colourful lollipop stick house! It's been a joyful way to learn more about ourselves and each other.

Key Stage 1

KS1 have enjoyed music Lessons with our specialist Music Teacher Mr Tranter this week.

They learnt how to clap to the rhythm and the beat. They enjoyed listening to him play the trumpet and they couldn't believe how well he played and how loud it was!

Lower Key Stage 2

Year 4 Dive into a Whale of a Quest!

This term, Year 4 have been making a splash with their English unit, inspired by the beautiful picture book The Whale by Ethan and Vita Murrow.

They’ve been exploring the exciting world of quest narratives, learning all about the special language features that bring adventures to life. Alongside their storytelling, the children have put on their marine biologist hats, researching the incredible whales that inhabit our oceans – from mighty blue whales to ancient bowhead whales and playful belugas. The results have been fantastic, our Year 4s have proven themselves to be both excellent writers and curious scientists!

Upper Key Stage 2

We are delighted to welcome the children into Year 6. They've settled into new routines with maturity and enthusiasm. In English, we began Journey to Jo'burg and in Maths our focus was on place value to 10 million. We created posters in RE to show their understanding of the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and in Art, they explored perspective for street art designs.

Early Reading

As we begin a brand new school year, we would like to remind all parents and carers of the vital role you play in supporting your child’s reading journey at home. Reading regularly with your child not only builds their confidence and fluency, but also helps them discover the joy of being a successful reader.

This week, your child will bring home a reading book, carefully matched to the sounds they have learnt and mastered in class, ensuring they can read them fluently and confidently. Sharing these books at home gives children the opportunity to enjoy their reading success with you!

Our Phonics Virtual Classroom is available via your child's Google Classroom. Here you will be able to access short videos for your child, replicating the new sounds they are learning in school each week. You’ll also find helpful parent videos, offering guidance and tips on how to best support your child’s reading and phonics development at home.

Thank you for your continued support in making reading a fun and rewarding part of your child’s learning at home. Happy reading!

Mrs Tope

AHT and Early Reading Leader

Information

Happy Birthday!

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

Year 6: Aisha and Bella Year 3: Abigail Year 2: Diana and Shaina

Year 1: Yamelis and Saraiyah-Mica

Reception: Daniela and Gabriel

Nursery: Ayah

Staff: Mrs Lopeman

Key Dates

Beginning of Year Mass at Virgo Fidelis - TBC

Family and Friends of the school welcome

23.09.25

Year Group Meetings

24.09.25

Southwark Diocese Beginning of year Mass

26.09.25- All Welcome

Macmillan Coffee Morning

02.10.25

Y5 Dulwich College Football Tournament

09.10.25

Yr6 Catholic Schools Tag Rugby Competition

10.10.25- Fundraising Coffee Morning

Wear yellow for World Mental Health Day to stand together for children’s mental health

13.10.25

Yr 4 Trip to Natural History Museum

17.10.2025

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 Summer.

The St. Joseph's Team

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