Avoiding Hypocrisy

In worship this week, we are examining the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), where Jesus warns the disciples about the dangers of hypocrisy. He tells them a simple parable: the speck and the log. He questions them, “Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own?”

We must be so careful to have enough self-awareness and self-control to notice and manage our own foibles before criticising or correcting others. This is especially important for us as educators and parents; how can we possibly demand high standards of our community unless we are careful to model these standards ourselves?

Reception Rules!

There was some excellent child-initiated writing outside in Reception this week.

After watching the teachers trying to climb on the climbing frame, a few of the children wanted to make signs to tell teachers that only 4 and 5 year olds can climb on the climbing frames! They wrote:

“4 and 5 year olds only”

“4-5 only - no pulling”

Up and Away!

Year one have started a new book this week called, ‘The Queen’s Hat’. After reading about the posh purple hat being blown off in the wind, we decided to put our own hats to the test.

Warning: sombrero hats soar high!

We were pleased to find that Beanie hats kept our ears nice and toasty still.

Happy Birthday Miss Basham!

Yesterday sign club finished learning the alphabet and how to finger spell! It was a very special day though and we celebrated Miss Basham's birthday by learning how to sign and sing, "Happy Birthday!"

Here is a video in case anyone would like to learn to sing happy birthday to family at home! As always, we encourage any videos that you'd like to send in from home: we would love to see them! khilborn@stjosephsguildford.com

Contrast in Year 4

This week, Year 4 have been exploring pattern in Art. They have learnt the impact of contrast between white lines and bold colours to create effective patterns. The children chose their own designs for tie dye t-shirts and don't they look fantastic!

Tolerance & Respect

In Witness Worship this week, Mrs McSeveney and Mrs Alongi helped us to understand that we can avoid criticising others by showing tolerance and respect (Fundamental British Values). We saw how, by drawing lines, making borders and building barriers between us, we become quickly divided and hostile: "You're not like me, you don't eat fishfingers!"

They shared the life of the Dalai Lama with the children - Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual leader, exploring how the work of compassion and tolerance are signs of strength, not weakness. They can help us to avoid being critical or even hypocritical. Taking decisive action to unite our community is how we grow together in peace.

Feeling the Mood

This week, Year 2 have been delving into the work of Van Gogh, looking at different mediums and the effect this can have on a piece of artwork. Using Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers painting as a starting point, we explored how changing light, dark and colours can represent different feelings.

We definitely have some modern Van Gogh’s in the making!

Tolerance with 3E

St Edwards' Class led a beautiful worship this morning, focusing on the importance of tolerance. They shared the message that our differences are what make us unique and purposeful - they are an opportunity to celebrate, not divide.

Through song, poem, drama and reflection the children demonstrated how tolerance helps to build our community and make our world a better place. It is, after all, a Fundamental British Value.

It was a wonderful celebration of what makes 3E a unique group of individuals: all very different but all very much the same!

Witnesses to Tolerance

Congratulations to this week's Witness Award winners, who have made it their mission to live a harmonious and thoughtful life. These children have been living out our Gospel theme through their words and actions, taking care not to judge others but to celebrate their difference.

Well done to:

Finley

Emily

Ufuoma

Grace

Johnril

Claire

Santiago