Take to the skies!

Year 1 have had a challenge on their hands over the last couple of days - helping Santa's reindeer take to the skies. This is a fantastic science problem, if you haven't had a go at home: using tissue paper reindeer and a balloon, can you make the reindeer fly? - We've had all sorts of creative solutions proposed by Year 1 and some extremely inventive suggestions. There has been no fear of problem solving here as the children have got stuck right in, testing and refining their theories. Great Christmas fun!

A stroke of success!

Many congratulations to Charlotte and Lauren, both of whom have rounded off a successful year's swimming for Wey Valley with these impressive trophies as a reward for their efforts. Both girls dedicate a huge amount of time and energy to pursue their passion for swimming and this success has been hard won. They are a credit to St Joseph's and an inspiration to us all! - Thank you Lauren and Charlotte for witnessing to us the great rewards that come with hard work and dedicated.

Spreading the Christmas spirit!

A HUGE thank you to everyone in our St Joseph's community who donated goods to the North Guildford Food Bank collection. Some willing Year 5 helpers and Mrs Dollner gathered everything together for collection today, and the volunteers from North Guildford Food Bank were overwhelmed by the generosity of the school. They told us how important these donations would be to help people in our local area enjoy Christmas.

Thank you again for your gift of giving - Merry Christmas!

A Green

God is with us!

As we look ahead to the Fourth Week of Advent, we receive the reassuring message that Jesus - the Christ child - is the Emmanuel. His name means "God is with us". We learn that Mary's baby is a gift from the Holy Spirit and, for that reason, Joseph is encouraged in a dream to proudly accompany her on this exciting journey and to take comfort in God's plan for salvation. We are asking the children this week to consider the times in their lives when they feel close to God, when they feel his presence in their lives. We are challenging them to make room for him this Christmas.

The gift of singing

On Wednesday afternoon, our KS2 Choir shared their amazing gift of singing with patients and workers at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. It was a heartwarming, festive afternoon for our community and the children sang beautifully. Led by Mrs Edwards and Mrs Jopson, the children of St Joseph's proudly demonstrated the importance of reaching out to members of our community, especially at this time of year. Thank you to all who were involved with this wonderful event.

A Green

Christingle

This week, Year 1 have been extremely busy learning all about Christingle, including where the tradition comes from, what the parts of a Christingle represent and why it is important. Using oranges, sweets, raisins, candles and ribbons, the children have each made their own Christingle to take home. It has been such a joyful (and colourful!) occasion for us to recognise that Jesus is the light of the world.

A Green

Peace this Advent

A huge thank you to Father Sebastian and Monsignor Tony for leading the Year 6 children in the Sacrament of Reconciliation this afternoon, as they continue their preparations this Advent. Reconciliation is an enlightening opportunity to be relieved of our wrongdoings and make a fresh start this Christmas.

A Green

A big PFSA Thank You!

What a fantastic atmosphere on Saturday at the PFSA Christmas Market! - A big "Thank You" to the remarkable team involved; we were set up in record time and supported by an incredible team of volunteers to clear away at the end too. Thank you! We were blessed with good weather and the playground was buzzing with festive cheer all afternoon. Thank you to all those who attended for their support (and their cash!) We're hoping to announce the total funds raised soon. Watch this space...

Be prepared!

As we look ahead to the Third Sunday of Advent (Year A), we hear that Jesus encourages John the Baptist in his ministry and proclaims to the crowd that John is no less than a great prophet. We hear that John's ministry, preparing the way for Christ, was foretold in the Scripture, long before he appeared in the desert. We recognise that John's message of repentance and baptism is still relevant today and that we too have got a lot to learn about being prepared, not just for today or tomorrow but for the day we will meet Christ face to face.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas was well and truly upon us yesterday with a fun-filled day of festive hats and a gorgeous turkey dinner. Huge thanks go to our wonderful team of caterers from Edwards & Ward. The crib scene is now installed in the Main Hall and the Wise Men are roaming a corridor near you. We're now gearing up for the PFSA Christmas Market on Saturday and can't wait to see you all there!

RRS Right of the Month

December’s ‘Right of the Month’ is:

Article 23: If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you have the right to special care and education to help you develop and lead a full life.

During this month, we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3rd December. This is a day to celebrate and acknowledge the experience and capabilities of people with disabilities, and also a chance for people and organisations all over the world to focus on measures to support greater integration and equality for people with disabilities.

One of our role models is Olivia Breen, a paralympic athlete. Here is a short video if you would like to learn a little more about her:

I'm sorry...

As we look forward to the second Sunday of Advent (Year A) we hear all about the urgent message of John the Baptist, preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah. He baptises the crowds and encourages them to turn away from their old selves by repenting and changing their behaviour. We spoke in worship this morning about the difference between saying sorry and feeling sorry - when we know the difference between right and wrong words are not enough; our actions need to demonstrates that we truly are sorry.

Back in time...

This morning Year 5 went back to Saxon times and helped people go about their working lives. They made candles, clay pots, decorative weaving and even made Thor necklaces! They had a chance to make ink and write with quills and helped the wise old woman with her medicine for the ailments of the camp. In the afternoon they became archaeologists and applied their history skills to work out what our school site used to be; a real step back in time.

Huge thanks to Sue from Off the Page and the Year 5 parent helpers who so generously gave of their time!

A beautiful scene

This week, the children in the Nursery have been making this beautiful Nativity scene as part of their Advent preparations. What a wonderful way to learn about the story of Jesus' birth!

Keep watch around the school for more signs and symbols of Advent and Christmas as we get ready for the coming of Jesus Christ...

A Green

The power of patience

The Spiritual Councillors in Year 4 have been busy preparing Class Worship this week. They led a beautiful worship in each of their classes on the power of patience and what it means to wait during Advent. The Spiritual Councillors asked every child to respond to this week's theme on their own pebble and led the children in a discussion about the different feelings we have when we are waiting for something to happen. What a wonderful example of worship from the children.

A Green

Hockey Tournament

On Tuesday afternoon, St Joseph's Hockey Team competed in the Guildford Quicksticks Tournament at Surrey Sports Park. We played a total of 6 games, winning 2 and losing 4. Whilst other school teams were playing matches, a coach also taught us some brilliant drills that focused on defending and shooting. Despite the rain and cold weather, we had lots of fun and played well together as a team. We had an amazing time and are very proud of ourselves. William Farquhar and Tamlyn Gilbert

Whilst the team were there, they also received a very generous donation from the organiser of the event: some hockey sticks and balls for our school to use during training!

A huge thank you to Mrs Currie, Mrs Peedell, Mrs Smith and Mrs Richardson for all of their help.

Be ready!

Year 5 have already been demonstrating how we can be ready for the Advent season and the coming of Jesus Christ with their beautiful Advent wreaths. They have been busily creating a variety of styles of wreaths, including the important symbols. Please do keep an eye out around the school; the wreaths have been shared around to help us all prepare during this special season in the Church's year.

Thank you very much to Year 5!

A Green

Let the waiting begin!

Happy new year! - We're celebrating the first Sunday in Advent this week (the start of the Church's liturgical year). Jesus' message is a stark one: stand ready. As we continue to await the second advent, it is a timely reminder of the need to wait vigilantly, just as the Israelites were encouraged to do throughout the Old Testament. Children can find waiting an incredibly painful experience and it is one we are keen to help them see the value in. I'm sure the children would enjoy hearing about some of the long waits you've had to endure in your life too?

Making memories!

This morning, Saint Luke's class led us in a wonderful worship all about 'memories'. They shared some of the best memories from their own lives (including a trip to the Natural History Museum and a holiday in Dubai!) and then taught us about Jesus and how we remember him for his powerful service. The children delivered the important message with such conviction and passion and did amazingly to remember so much information! At the end, the class devoted time to prayer and thanked God for all of the memories he has given us. Well done Saint Luke's class!

A Green

Out and About

Year 1 were out and about in the local area today, putting their map skills to the test. Having studied a bird's eye view of their surroundings, they kept their eyes peeled for the landmarks they had identified in class. There were shouts of joy reported as the local postbox was located! The school allotment was the highlight for many children. Eventually, the adults had to get their motivational voices out as children reached the summit of Rydes Hill Common. All in all, a fantastic afternoon's fieldwork.

Get a move on!

Year 2 were striking a pose in the Infant playground this afternoon, experimenting with movement in their artwork. Inspired by the eye-catching style of Keith Haring, they were full of excitement! The bold chalk colours and distinctive poses really gave the impression of movement, not to mention Haring's iconic action lines. Despite the cold, Year 2 weren't deterred. They were working so cooperatively I couldn't resist the opportunity to take a few snaps!

Life as a soldier...

On Monday morning, Year 6 had the opportunity to become WW1 soldiers with an inspiring workshop!

They began training as new recruits by learning how to march, follow orders, use a rifle and build trenches. They were even taught how to dispose of their own waste!

It was a very eye-opening experience to consolidate their learning about the First World War and bring to life exactly what it must have been like to be a soldier.

Please do ask the children to show you what they discovered.

A Green

Jesus, remember me

This week is like New Year's Eve for the Church. We're celebrating the end of another liturgical year with the solemnity of Christ the King. In this year's Gospel, we read of Jesus on the cross, being mocked by all around him. In his pain and loneliness, the compassion of the "the good thief" is what is remembered. We're asking the children this week to consider what people remember about them and to avoid being remembered for their bad choices. It's a good opportunity to talk to your children about what you remember of different stages of their lives...and the braver ones amongst us might ask them in return what they remember about us!

Catholic Parish of Guildford

Advent Family Day - Help Wanted

Our Advent Family day is next Saturday and we really need foliage for families to use to create wreathes. Kelly will be collecting donations outside St Mary's church hall (next to the school) next Friday (22nd) 9-9.15am, so do drop them off after the school run or you can bring donations along to St Joseph's Church Hall on Friday 22nd between 9.30-2.30. We always run out of foliage by the end of the day, your bag could help stop this - every little really does help!

Thank-you and God Bless,

The Catholic Parish of Guildford Children Youth and Family Team (fhc@cpg.church)

Back in time...

It was like walking back in time today...I stepped into Year 3 to find children scratching away on sandstone walls, using earth-coloured pigments to represent the world around them. The tools were rudimentary, having been scavenged from a nearby woodland (the school field) but the artists were not deterred. It was a joy to see children so intensely focused on their artwork and so enthused by the challenge of taking on the role of a Stone Age artist. The end results will be going up on a cave wall somewhere near you.

The Dot

Throughout the day, our Reception classes have been looking at the inspiring book 'The Dot', which is all about having self-belief and perseverance. RF spent this afternoon creating their own HUGE class dot, all contributing their individual creations to form an amazing piece of artwork! It was a wonderful activity of colouring and sticking that the whole class was involved in.

A Green

Dodgeball!

On Tuesday afternoon, Miss Moore and 10 Year 3 and 4 children attended a Dodgeball Tournament with other local schools. Although the children didn’t win every game, they approached the games with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed taking part! The team were even praised for showing the important values of self belief, respect and passion - well done! It was a fantastic afternoon and Miss Moore was very proud of how well the children worked together.

An odd sort of day...

In keeping with Anti-Bullying Week, we're celebrating Odd Sock day - an opportunity to raise awareness of our differences and the joys these can bring. It has been so much fun to talk to the children about their odd socks, their unique qualities and what sets them apart from the crowd. Today offers an opportunity to discuss the theme of tolerance - both a Gospel value and a Fundamental British Value. It can be difficult in any community to learn to love and celebrate the differences between us but that's exactly what we are called to do. Fancy a challenge? - Do you recognise these odds socks? - Which Junior classes do they belong to?

Lest we forget

Today, I had the absolute pleasure of reading some of Year 5's responses to their optional homework task based on the lives of people during the war. The words and reflections of the children are incredibly moving, and the efforts they have gone to at home are truly exceptional! Thank you for taking the time and sharing the importance of remembering the fallen.

Please do ask your child what they have been doing this week to mark Armistice Day.

A Green

The value of a number...

Year 2 have been working hard to understand the value of numbers by partitioning them into their tens and ones. The children have been finding a variety of ways to show exactly what numbers are worth: diagrams, bar models, Dienes and digits. I was particularly impressed with how carefully Year 2 were considering each and every digit before solving their calculations.

Please do find out what your child is focusing on in Mathematics this week.

A Green

Congratulations!

After becoming inspired by Fighting Fitness Judo's assembly earlier on this term, some of the children of St Joseph's have joined the Judo club. It has been amazing to hear about what they have been learning and how their passion for Judo is developing.

A special congratulations to those who have also recently passed their first grading. Keep up the hard work!

Fighting Fitness Judo Website

A Green

Your endurance will win!

In the Gospel this week, Jesus explains that life will be full of difficult, painful experiences, and that this is especially true if we are witnessing to the Good News. However, his message is one of comfort and strength; don't be afraid and don't give up - your endurance will win. Jesus reassures us that enduring through these trials will be a witness to the community and will serve to make our faith stronger. This Armistice Day, we spent some time thinking about the endurance and sacrifice of thousands of men and women who have fought to make our world a safer place.

The butterfly of hope...

This morning, we were treated to Saint Thomas' class assembly on our Gospel theme of 'hope'. The children performed the Greek myth of Pandora's box to show us that even when there are terrible things going on in the world and within our own lives, having hope makes all of the difference. The children conveyed the story with such energy, passion and emotion; we definitely have some inspirational actors and actresses in our midst!

5T then went on to talk about their hopes for themselves, others and the world around them, before reenacting the story of Jesus calming the storm. They explained that having hope is all about having faith, and how Jesus and our Heavenly Father are our constant source of hope.

They led us in such a beautiful assembly with a very important message.

A Green

Sing it loud!

This week, our KS2 Choir led an assembly to showcase the variety of songs they have been learning and practising during their Choir Club this term. The children were so enthused and animated in their performance that we all wanted to join in!

Congratulations to all in the KS2 Choir for putting on such an enjoyable assembly and for sharing your passion with our school community.

A special thank you to Mrs Edwards and Mrs Jopson for leading Choir Club and inspiring our children!

A Green

RRS Right of the Month

November’s ‘Right of the Month’ is:

Article 38: You have a right to protection in times of war. If you are under 15, you should never have to be in an army or take part in a battle.

During this month we celebrate Remembrance day on the 11th November.

This day commemorates the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11 am on 11th November 1918 – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

You may like to think about countries where children are affected by war such as Yemen, Syria and Iraq. How do you think war affects children? What could we do to help?

PFSA Power!

A huge thanks to the boys and girls of 1st Rydes Hill Cubs who have spent their half term painting our shed. They’ve done a lovely job and the shed has had a great makeover. Thank you to all those involved who made this happen.

However it’s not complete yet - with an additional feature still to come...

Our sure hope

In the upcoming Gospel this week (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C) we learn how Jesus responded to the Sadducees when questioned about the nature of heaven. He explains to them that our heavenly lives will not be like our earthly ones and that the hope of eternal life should encourage and motivate us. We explored how hope can be a powerful motivator in our daily lives, like the experience of going fishing but having an empty net. This week we're asking the children to consider the role of hope within their own lives and talk at home about your hopes as a family.