Small but Mighty!

We celebrated the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) this week and the wonderful news that small is mighty! Jesus explains that even the mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, can grow into the mightiest shrub of all. In the same way, a small amount of faith can blossom into fruits of the Spirit that will help to build God's Kingdom.

We wanted our children to recognise this week that, no matter their size, their words and actions can have a profound impact on others (for better or worse). So it is vital that we use our small but mighty actions to positively influence the world around us. Our little light can be seen for miles around - our tiny grain of faithful service can yield a life of loving actions.

We celebrated those members of our family this week who use their small and mighty gestures to help us feel the presence of Christ in our school.

B - 11th Ordinary

Nursery Adventure

The Nursery children had the opportunity to explore Wellington Country Park. This was a lovely day with some sunshine, families and big smiles. The children thoroughly enjoyed the bouncing pillows, little train ride and the farm animals. We were lucky to see a baby goat (kid), she was only 3 days old. Many of the children explored the giant dinosaurs and tried to pretend they were a dinosaur.

This was a great experience for all that came and a wonderful way to bring our nursery community together. One of our parents sent us a lovely message, “We’d like to thank you for planning a wonderful day out. Jack had the best day, as did our whole family. Your knowledge of each individual child was evident in your warm interactions and how often we heard Jack, and others, wanting to spot you around the park to share their experiences.”

Tennis Triumph!

Eight children from Year 4 prayed for good weather for our visit to Shalford Tennis Club's Inspire Tournament. The Tournament, hosted annually, has around ten schools competing in various tennis skill activities, whilst also focusing on sportsmanship qualities such as teamwork, encouragement, determination and perseverance.

It was amazing to see not only the way the children worked together throughout the afternoon but also the incredible way they represented St Joseph's. When spoken to by adults, they responded with maturity, following instructions and showing great respect. It was so wonderful to see our two school rules being upheld so well by the children involved. In addition to this, the children showed the same respect to the older children from nearby Broadwater School, engaging in excited chat with them.

All of their hard work paid off and they were rewarded with a win! The children were delighted when they were announced in first place, still remembering to thank their hosts as they collected their medals. We could not be prouder of you! Well done!

Making Time

In Maths, Year 1 have been learning all about time! First, we recapped our learning about number lines to 12 and noticed that a clock also has a number line to 12 - just in a circle, and with a slightly different meaning! Then we looked at the hands and where they are placed for o'clock and half past times. If a time is o'clock, the hour hand points directly at a number and the minute hand points at the 12. If a time is half past, the hour hand points halfway between two numbers and the minute hand points at the 6 - half way around the clock. Once we felt confident in reading times to half past, we applied our knowledge of the hands to making half past times on our own clocks.

A moment to reflect...

To end our Reconciliation Unit, the Year 4 children had a wonderful lesson, creating a liturgy based around the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Working together in groups, they each focussed on one section of the Sacrament. The 'Examination of Conscience' group asked us if we had done anything that we need to be forgiven for this week - that was really something to think about!

With so many different ideas brought together in one beautiful liturgy, it was a lovely way to end the unit and we were so impressed with the thoughtfulness and maturity that the children were able to showcase.

Next week, Year 4 will be studying Islam, finding out about the teachings of the Quran. The children are always so excited to learn about different faiths and, if they are lucky, hear first hand experiences from those in our school community.

A day on the river

Year 3 went to Guildford on a double decker bus - we were so excited! After a walk through the town, we arrived for breaktime at Millmead Lock. We watched a boat use the lock and explored the points of a compass with a game. Next we walked down the towpath hunting for features of the River Wey. Finally we arrived at Dapdune Wharf for lunchtime - yum! At Dapdune, we looked at the barges and explored before drawing artifacts from the river’s past.

Tennis Technique

In Year 2 we were lucky to have some tennis coaches join us for PE on Tuesday. The children were taught skills to help them throw, catch and hit a ball. It was important that we learned the correct way to hold a tennis racket to ensure the appropriate grip. The children all had great fun teaming up and playing games. Special thanks to Amy and Amy from Surrey Sports Park for giving up their time to come in.

Caterpillar Mysteries

This week we have been learning all about the life cycle of a caterpillar and how they will turn into beautiful butterflies. We looked at the patterns on butterfly wings and how they are symmetrical and even had a go at some symmetrical art and thinking about doubles in Maths. How long do you think it will be until they make their cocoons?

Tiny but Mighty!

Our thanks to St Ursula's Class for a gorgeous worship this morning. The children proved to us that the words of the Gospel can come true - the smallest people can achieve the greatest things! Tiny, faithful actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others, when helped by our great big God. We saw how the children in RU are making a big difference to the life of the school through their response to this week's big questions. Well done children!

Mighty Witnesses

Congratulations to this mighty collection of Gospel Witnesses, all of whom have shown that their small, faithful words and actions can have a tremendously positive impact on the world around them. Thank you children for building God's Kingdom here at St Joseph's!

First Holy Communion Celebration

Our congratulations to this year's cohort of First Holy Communicants. We shared a special celebration of these children's entrance into the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist through a beautiful school Mass. Parents, staff and children were deeply moved by the sincere atmosphere of worship and the hope of a growing relationship between our young peole and Christ Jesus through Holy Communion.