New Parent? - Please see our New Parents' Resources page here.

B - 16th Ordinary

Showing Pity

As we look ahead to the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear that Jesus takes pity on the crowd. They are like sheep without a shepherd. Pity isn't a very common word these days; in fact, many people don't like to be pitied. It can conjure up ideas of being helpless and inadequate.

However, Jesus reveals to us that there are clearly times in our lives when we have a choice: share our time, compassion and love or just walk on by. We are called to recognise when pity is required. We are asked to notice when others are suffering and require our skills and attention. We can also use this week to think more deeply about the grace and humility needed to accept the pity of others.

Celebrating Bev

It was a great joy to take a trip to the school allotment this week, accompanied by a team of Year 6 ambassadors. We presented Bev Mussell, our long-standing allotment manager, with a "Thank You" for her decade of service to the school community. The PFSA kindly funded a beautiful olive tree that Bev was thrilled with: she intends to plant it at her own home where she can tend to it and remember the many happy years with the children of St Joseph's.

Our heartfelt thanks to Bev (and the team of parishioners) for sharing their time, talents and for growing our allotment to achieve Guildford in Bloom's Gold Award for several years running.

And on that note...

Year 3 have had a fantastic time over the last few weeks, visiting the allotment and harvesting some early produce.

House Music 2021 (2).mp4

House Music!

In a stunning end-of-year celebration, the children of St Joseph's thrill us with their plethora of musical talents: from singing and dancing to the double bass - our children have got it all!

Our deepest thanks to Mrs Jopson and Miss Cook for masterminding this year's virtual House Music Competition. It is a joy to see our children shine so brightly!

Preparing for Change

Our deepest thanks to the Catholic Parish of Guildford this week, whose Children, Youth & Families team have generously prepared these beautiful prayer spaces in St Mary's Church hall. All children in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 have had access to this special experience during Wellness Week, to think about the upcoming changes they are preparing for and how they can discover more about themselves and God on this journey.

Pity for the World

In Witness Worship this week, Mrs Trimmer introduces us to a man who has changed the world. Bill Gates is famous for his wealth, having pioneered the work of Microsoft. However, his global work on providing vaccinations to help eliminate curable diseases is less commonly celebrated.

In this week's assembly, Mrs Trimmer reveals more about what inspires and motivates this global witness...

Witness 16th Ordinary

Friendship bracelets for sale!

As part of Wellness Week, the children in Year 5 have chosen to make and sell friendship bracelets on Friday 16th July. They will be making them during the school day and then selling them after school from a table in the playgrounds (3:05pm - 3:30pm).

Each one will be sold for the bargain price of 50p, with the money going to the charity of their choice: The NHS.

This links beautifully to the spirit section on the Wheel of Wellbeing and is a shining example of the thoughtfulness of the children of St Joseph's.

Reception's Tea & Talk

We had a Tea and Talk day in Reception today (as part of Wellness Week), the children enjoyed having 'tea' and fruit while chatting as a group about their interests.

Our Heroes

The Gospel theme and focus this week is pity. We are being asked to think about when we have shown pity or when God has shown pity to us. Four boys in 5C have really been witnesses to this message. I am sure that many of you will be aware of the unkindness towards three England footballers this week, after the team's defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 finals. Musa, William, Callum and Toby asked to write letters of support to the footballers showing pity and empathy during this challenging experience. The mature way that the boys approached this subject and how they really showed the week’s Gospel values were inspiring to say the least. Their letters are now in the post. Thank you boys for showing us the way of Christ.

Feeling Good in Year 4

During Wellness Week Year 4 have had a go at rounders, yoga, puzzles, fruit kebabs, talk time, board games, inflatables and prayer stations!

It has been a full week and we have enjoyed every second of it. To make it even better we completed most of these activities in our new classes. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get to know one another properly.

Pity for the poor

St Kenneth's Class lead an inspiring worship this week, focused on the life and work of Thomas Coram - the man who established the Foundling Hospital. It took Thomas 17 years to achieve his dream but the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of London (the orphaned) were better off because of his vocation.

Thank you 5K for showing us the power of pity.

5K's Assembly.mp4

School Council in Action

Three cheers for the School Council who petitioned for a treat for the children, in aid of Wellness Week and in recognition of their right to rest and play. Our deepest thanks to the PFSA for funding this awesome treat - the children had an amazing time!

042 Friday 16th July.mov

Slowly, slowly...

As we approach the end of the week, there's no need to rush. Why not wind down this evening with a bedtime story from Miss FitzGerald?

Nursery Farm Trip!

What a beautiful day for Nursery at the farm - they were treated to one-day-old piglets! Thank you so much to all the families who helped to support this wonderful adventure.

Golden Behaviour

Wonderful to see new initiatives shining bright at St Joseph's! - The Golden Table has been a huge success this year, encouraging children to think carefully about their manners and behaviour in the lunch hall.

Our sincerest thanks to Mrs Lewis who masterminded this wonderful opportunity to celebrate our children's exceptional behaviour. It is always a joy to be able to thank and reward children for showing us the way.

Race for Life

Massive congratulations to Aiden (and Mrs Quigley) for completing their 5K Race for Life this weekend. The pair raised a stunning total of £795!

Aiden has been training hard for the event over many months and it is great to know that his hard work and perseverance paid off.

What an inspiration Aiden - well done!

Friendship Success

Well done to Year 5 for their entrepreneurial initiative - making, marketing and selling friendship bands to raise funds for the NHS. They raised a fantastic £162.50 and customer feedback on the products was very promising too!

Report abuse