Dear Parents and Carers,

This term, we're placing a special focus on handwriting across the school. Good handwriting is an essential skill that supports children's learning and helps them express their ideas clearly and confidently. Our teachers will be working with pupils to develop their letter formation, consistency, and presentation skills. We'll be encouraging pupils to take pride in their written work and to develop the fine motor skills needed for fluent, legible handwriting. Please support your child at home by encouraging them to take their time with their writing and to practise regularly.

We're currently reviewing our homework approach to ensure better consistency across all year groups. Our aim is to make sure that homework is meaningful, manageable, and supports what children are learning in class. We want to ensure that all pupils and families have a clear understanding of expectations and that homework enhances learning without creating unnecessary pressure. We'll be consulting with staff and will share our updated homework policy with you once the review is complete. Your feedback is always valuable, so please do share any thoughts you may have.

We had our first SLT day this week and attending the BETT education show. This is one of the leading education technology events, showcasing innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology that can enhance teaching and learning. I was inspired by the range of digital tools and resources available that could support our pupils' learning and help our teachers deliver even more engaging lessons. I'm excited to explore how we might incorporate some of these innovations into our practice at St Joseph's, always keeping in mind what will genuinely benefit our children's education and development.

I'm thrilled to announce that I've secured funding for our Year 5 pupils to take part in Shakespeare Workshops this term, supported by the Delight Charity. This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to engage with Shakespeare's work in a creative and accessible way. The workshop will begin on 3rd February, where children will watch a live performance. We have invited children from Good Shepheard to join us too. Our teachers will receive specialist training from the Globe Theatre, ensuring they have the expertise to deliver high-quality Shakespeare education.

Additionally, specialist creative teachers will work directly with our Year 5 pupils, bringing the plays to life through drama, performance, and exploration. This enriching experience will develop our pupils' confidence, creativity, and understanding of one of the greatest writers in the English language. I'm incredibly grateful to the Delight Charity for making this possible.

As a Catholic school community, we hold each other in prayer, especially those who are unwell. At this time, I ask that you join me in praying for all those in our school community who are sick – whether pupils, staff members, or family members. May they find comfort, healing, and strength during their time of illness. Let us remember that we are all part of God's family, and we support one another through prayer and compassion.

We hope you and your family have a good weekend,

Mrs Ashley and the Team

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1 

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, in partnership with Young Minds – the UK's leading children's mental health charity - has found high levels of problematic mobile phone use, disturbed sleep, and self-harm among young people impacting mental health. There is a growing concern on how excessive use of smartphones can affect our children. In addition to the effects of seeing inappropriate content online, the risk of cyberbullying and grooming, it is important that we also highlight the effects of smartphone use on our children’s mental health. If your child is using a smartphone then please try to ensure they maintain a healthy screen time limit. According to King’s College London, two new studies of smartphone habits in children and teenagers  have identified links between problematic smartphone use and depression, anxiety and insomnia.

We've compiled some tips and advice below:

1.    Involve everyone in the conversation

Before you speak to your child, think about how you’d ideally like them to use their smartphone, and then ask them how they feel about their device use.

2.     Choose your timing well.

No-one wants to talk about how they use their smartphone when they’re tired, if they’ve just got home from school or when they're about to go out somewhere. Choose an appropriate time to talk.

This could be:

● In the car or on the bus together

● At dinnertime

● Whilst watching TV or gaming together

● Before bed, when a lot of children open up more about their day.

3.     Create a family agreement

You could also create a family agreement or device management plan that everyone has their say in, and that you all agree to.

This could include:

● Naming device-free zones in the home

● Times of the day which are device free (such as at the dinner table and bedtime)

● Having one place to charge phones (such as in the kitchen)

● Other expectations around phone use, such as being kind to others, and prioritising face-to-face conversations.

4.     Model good smartphone use yourself

One idea is modelling healthy device use behaviours yourself, and encouraging children to point out to you when you’re using your device too much! Children have likely seen their parents on devices from a young age and will want to have a device of their own to use as their parents and older siblings do.

Modelling good smartphone use might include:

● Not looking at your phone when your child is talking to you

● Putting your phone away at certain times of day or for certain amounts of time

● Not checking your phone late at night 

● Leaving your phone charging in the kitchen or hallway at night.

5.     Consider what activities they’ll do instead

        Many children will feel their social lives are connected to their device, so it’s important to factor that in if you’re trying to reduce their screen time. Make a list of things that you’d like to do individually, and things you’d like to do together, then make plans to do these. This will help with reducing time on screens. When we give up a habit that involves holding something in our hands, we need to replace it with something else that involves our hands too. Devices have many addictive elements but tackling the habitual part of needing to reach for something and do something with your hands is a good way of starting to break the cycle. Even something as simple as having putty or modelling clay around to make things, or a pen and paper to doodle on can be helpful. These types of activities involve the hands but also require thought and creativity which can help to keep the mind active and distracted from thinking about devices.

As with the advice given for gaming, please do monitor how your child is using their phone and  add safety control measures. 

Do let us know of any issues and if we can assist in any way. 

DSL EMAIL: dsl@st-josephs.jun.croydon.sch.uk

06.01.26

School reopens for Spring Term 8.50am

06.01.26

Holy Feast Day of the Epiphany 

3rd-5th February Parents Evening