This half term has been extremely busy. The children have worked hard to improve their handwriting and speaking and listening skills. They have settled into their classes well and forming great relationships with heir new teachers.

We have had a lot of sickness which as impacted our attendance, nevertheless the staff have shown great teamwork and flexibility and have ensure the standard of teaching and learning remains high, I am so grateful to them all for this.

We have had a safeguarding and attendance and health and safety audits to ensure we maintain high standards in these very important areas. Our measures are deemed robust and effective and this is very reassuring.

We hope everyone has a wonderful half term and returns safe and well. I am looking forward to hearing about all the things you do over the holidays.

Have a great week,

Mrs Ashley and the Team

Safeguarding

Important Safeguarding Notice: Children’s “Spy” Books

We want to make you aware of a recent issue affecting some popular children’s books by Andrew Cope, including the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pups series.

Some editions of these books include a printed web address at the back. This link used to go to the author’s website, but the domain is no longer under his control. It has since been taken over by another party and now leads to inappropriate adult content.

The publisher, Puffin, has paused sales and distribution of the books and is working with schools, libraries, and retailers to remove copies from circulation. They have stressed that the website has no connection to the author or publisher.

What this means for you:

If your child has any Spy Dog, Spy Cat or Spy Pups books at home, please check the back for website links and make sure they do not try to visit the site.
It is safe for children to continue reading the stories themselves — the concern is only with the outdated link.
We recommend talking with your child about the importance of not following web addresses in books without checking with an adult first.

We will continue to share updates from the publisher as more information becomes available.

Early Years

This week, Reception children have been busy developing their fine motor skills in the Funky Fingers area. Lucca impressed everyone with a colourful car made from mosaic tiles. Other children explored their creativity by building imaginative structures with Mobilo. Rion built a tall robot, while Melody crafted an aeroplane that soared through the skies. We look forward to more models and structure over the coming year.

Key Stage 1

Year 2 explored how schools have changed over time! The children compared modern classrooms with strict Victorian ones, discovering old-fashioned rules, chalkboards, and even dunce hats. They loved imagining what a school day was like in the past and reflecting on how lucky we are today!

Lower Key Stage 2

Our Year 3 pupils have enjoyed a variety of activities this week. As part of their learning they have taken part in a Bollywood dance session, created freeze frames to represent the sacrament of Baptism, written their own stanza’s in English and have been using concrete materials in maths. They are now looking forward to a well deserved half term.

Upper Key Stage 2

Year 5 have been completing their Creation unit in RE, where they have looked at how we can look after God's creations. They have created beautiful art work, alongside informative discussions and thought provoking questions.

In English they published their Lost in the Forest stories, which are now taking proud residence in our book corner. Maths saw the completion of Addition and Subtraction. We are so proud of the progress our children have made.

Happy Birthday!

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

Year 5: Nathaneal and Anthony Year 4: Nana Aba Year 2: Trystan Year 1: Daniyal Nursery: Liz

Key Dates

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

Page updated

Report abuse