Friday 24 October 2025 - Issue 08

Star of the Week

Sansa Millington, Patrick Moore, William McGuire, Elliot Hughes, Oscar Jones, Alfie Lucas, Kamsy Okwesa, Kaleb Mason, Teddy Corneill, Sebastian Wellstead, Isaac Plunkett, Rose Tinsley, Jack Mather, Nathan Robinson, Kai Pinnington-Williams and Hailey Leung

Birthday Greetings

Happy birthday to all the children and staff who have had or who will be celebrating their birthdays this week and over the October half term holiday.

Luke Fairhurst, Natalie Riches, Charlotte Byrne, Charlotte Hale, Arthur Locke, Thomas Vickery, Emily Harriman, Sophie McGuire and Mrs Beech

We hope you have had or will have a lovely day!

Thought for the week

In prayer and liturgy this week, our children have listened to the following reading:

I am with you and will protect you wherever you go

(Genesis 28:15)

October Rosary

Traditionally, October is a special month in the Church’s calendar when we honour Mary as the Blessed Mother of God: the fulfilment of the biblical Queen Mother (Gebirah גְּבִירָה) foreshadowed in 1 Kings 2:19. Each school day in October, we have prayed together a decade of the Rosary and contemplated on a mystery in the life of Jesus. It has been a privilege to see so many children coming daily to pray and leading our few minutes together.

November List of the Faithful Departed

One Halloween, I asked some of the children about why we celebrate that day. I received several answers, which included ‘warding off evil spirits’. As Christians, we do not believe this. Halloween comes from the old English words – Hallows’ Evening, All Hallows Eve. The following day is All Saints Day, and it seems that as the Christian Church grew, it adopted and adapted pagan festivals, such the Celtic festival of Samhain, and ‘christianised’ them. In practice, some customs became mixed in popular use and evolved into our modern-day celebrations. Today, it seems we have adopted some American practices of dressing up in both scary and fancy dress. For us, I hope our children have fun and lots of sweets.

Each November the Church remembers those who have died. We pray for their peace and joy in heaven, and we pray for strength for ourselves as we mourn. Please use and return the Prayer for the Dead form sent via Parentapp to list family and friends who have died. As we go through November, we will pray for them all, not by individual name but by intention at assemblies.

Morning start

Children are allowed on the playground from 8:30am each day and the school day begins at 8:45am. Staff arrive on the playground from around 8:40am and Mr Saunders or Mrs Riches will blow the whistle for children to line up. We would respectfully ask parents not to hold up the children’s entry to school by talking with teachers. Miss Rose will be on the playground if parents need to pass on messages.

Thank you for your understanding. We want the day to start as smoothly as possible and enable the children to maximise their learning time.

The Governing Body in St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

The Governing Body plays a vital role in supporting and overseeing the leadership of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school. It works in partnership with the headteacher and staff to ensure the school runs effectively, remains true to its Catholic mission, and provides the best possible education for all pupils.

In the Archdiocese of Liverpool, most Catholic primary schools are Voluntary Aided schools. This means that the Governing Body has key responsibilities, including setting the school’s vision and ethos, appointing senior staff (including the headteacher), monitoring educational performance, overseeing budgets, and ensuring the Catholic character of the school is upheld.

The Governing Body, numbering twelve members, is made up of different types of governors, including:

· 7 Foundation Governors (FG) (appointed by the archbishop) who ensure the Catholic ethos is maintained.

· 2 Parent Governors (PG) elected by parents.

· 2 Staff Governors (SG), including the headteacher.

· 1 Local Authority Governor (LA) and sometimes Associate Members with specific expertise.

Together, governors act as a “critical friend” to the school—offering support, asking challenging questions, and helping to shape the future of the school in line with Gospel values. Their shared aim is to create a nurturing, inclusive, and high-achieving environment for every child.

Our governors are Mrs Kathryn Price, Chair (FG), Mrs Paula Craig, Vice Chair (FG), Andy McLachlan (FG), Mrs Charlotte Hillier (FG), Mrs Susan Powell (FG), Ms Jennie Rowlands (FG), Mr Martin Turner (FG), Mr Paul Allen (PG), Mrs Stacy Larkin (PG), Mrs Ford (SG), Mr Saunders (SG), and Mr Dave Banks (LA).

Holy Communion Dates

The Sacramental Team at St Joseph's Church have given us dates for our Year 4 Holy Communion Programme to pass on to you - all sessions will take place in Church and attendance is essential:

Sunday, 14th December (8.30am): Guadette Sunday Mass (Children will receive a small gift from the Legion of Mary).

Sunday, 1st February (4 pm): Presentation of the Lord Mass

Thursday, 12th February (6pm): Reconciliation Preparation

Thursday, 26th February (6pm): Reconciliation Service

Thursday, 19th March (6pm): Communion Preparation 1

Thursday, 23rd April (6pm): Communion Preparation 2

Friday, 1st May: Rehearsal (St Vincent's - 10am / St Joseph's after lunch)

Saturday, 2nd May (times to be confirmed): Communion Day

Road Safety and Considerate Driving

Please be reminded that the school is in a residential area and obviously at the beginning and end of the school day, the pavements and roads will be busier. Please take extra care with road awareness and speed of driving. The roads must be a safe place for all users.

Year 4 Robinwood Residential - meeting for parents

Please note there will be a meeting for Year 4 parents about Robinwood on Tuesday 4 November at 3:30pm.

Online Safeguarding warning

We have been informed that the Spy Dog website has been hacked, and offensive and totally inappropriate content has been added to what should be a child-friendly site. If your child has Spy Dog, Spy Cubs or Spy Cat books by Andy Cope, do not let them access the website link posted inside the books.

This should act as a reminder that keeping our children safe is not only a matter for when they are out away from our sight. Online safety is paramount and especially in the websites and apps they may access.

My Child’s Art portal

Last Friday, your child should have brought home a leaflet (see below) about our 'My Child’s Art portal'. During school time, the children have created some beautiful Christmas-themed artwork, which you can now view online. Simply visit the St Joseph’s portal using the unique username and access code provided on the leaflet. You can search for your child’s artwork by name and order a range of personalised items including cards, wrapping paper, candles, and more – perfect for festive gifts! 20% commission will be earned on all purchases.

Special Offer:

Enjoy 10% off all orders placed by 11:59pm on 23rd October using the discount code StJosephs3X25.

All orders will be delivered directly to your chosen address.

If you have any questions, please contact the My Child’s Art customer service team:

📞 01530 887650

📧 customerservice@mychildsart.co.uk

PFA Winter Raffle

Winter Raffle - we need your help! We're getting ready for our Winter Raffle, to be drawn during the Nativity performances in December! Do you have any prize ideas, items, or contacts through work or local businesses who could donate a voucher or gift?

Please get in touch with your PFA Class Rep - every little bit helps!

Thank you for your amazing support.

St Joseph's PFA

PFA Class WhatsApp Contacts 2025/26

To help us communicate with parents easier, volunteers have nominated themselves to be class contacts in WhatsApp groups on behalf of the PFA. Please note this is for PFA correspondence and questions only, any matters in relation to school should go through the normal channels. They are as follows:

Reception - Anne Byrne

Year 1 - Hannah Hughes

Year 2- Sally Lucas

Year 3- Amanda MacFarlane

Year 4- Maria Simpson

Year 5- (Mr. W) Liz Houghton

Year 5- (Mrs T) Stacy Larkin

Year 6 - Kate Leighton

Thank you.

Your PFA

EasyFundraising

Support St Joseph’s RC PFA Warrington with Easyfundraising!

We’ve partnered with Easyfundraising as a free and easy way to raise money for our school – and we’d love your support! Whenever you shop online with over 7,000 retailers, a percentage of what you spend will be donated to our PFA at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to make a big difference!

How it works:

1. Download the Easyfundraising app or visit the website.

2. Create your account and link it to St Joseph’s RC PFA Warrington.

3. Search for the retailer you want to shop with.

4. Click the link and shop as normal (you can still log into your usual store account).

5. That’s it – the retailer will donate a percentage of your purchase directly to us!

Think of it like cashback, but the money goes to our school instead.

Here’s a short video that explains how it works, plus a direct link to our sign-up page: https://tinyurl.com/4fdkkcym

Thank you so much for your support – every little really does add up!

St Joseph's PFA

Site safety

You will have noticed safety tape around the playground garden area. We are in the process of redesigning/repairing the area and parents are asked not to allow their children to play in this area before and after school.

Additionally, the low barrier between the playground and the courtyard and Y5/6 classes is not meant to be jumped or stepped over. A misstep or trip could be seriously hazardous. Please use the path down to the courtyard.

St Joseph’s Family Centre Christmas Hamper Appeal

OPAL Programme: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OPAL Programme?
A: OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a school improvement programme that helps schools create better, more creative, and more active playtimes for all children.

Q: Why is the school taking part in OPAL?
A: We want to make playtimes happier, healthier, and more meaningful. Play is vital for children’s wellbeing, learning, and development.

Q: What changes will I notice?
A: Children will have more freedom to play outdoors, use a wider range of equipment and materials, and may get a bit messier! You might also see more of the school grounds being used for play, in all weathers.

Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes. OPAL helps schools balance fun and freedom with sensible safety. Staff are trained to support safe, positive play, and children are encouraged to challenge themselves in a safe environment.

Q: Will my child need special clothing?
A: We encourage children to play outside in all weather, suitable clothing such as wellies and waterproofs will be provided.

Q: How can I help?
A: Support your child in dressing for the weather, donate items for play (like old pots, pans, or loose parts), and join in with OPAL events at school.

Q: What if my child doesn’t like getting messy?
A: Children are encouraged to choose the type of play they enjoy. There are always quieter and cleaner options available.

Q: Who can I talk to if I have questions?
A: Please contact our PFA – chair@stjosephspfa.org,uk . We’re happy to answer any questions and share more about OPAL.

Phonics Meeting Y1

There will be a phonics meeting for Year 1 parents to share the next stage of your child's phonics journey. The meeting will be at 3.30pm on Thursday 6th November in Mrs Higgin's classroom.

If you are unable to attend information from the PowerPoint will be sent home.

Book Fair - Tuesday-Thursday, 4-6 November.

Our Book Fair will be held between Tuesday and Thursday, 4-6 November, straight after school ends in the Hall. Please come along and support us.

Abigail Barlow Dance Academy

Please see information below regarding an ex-pupil of ours who has set up her own dance academy. We have attached her timetable and a free taster class voucher if you are interested in joining her.

School Bus

Please see below information regarding a visit from the School Bus which will be visiting our school on Monday, 10 November.

Food Allergies

Please be reminded that some of our children suffer with severe allergic reactions to peanuts, nuts, lentils and peas. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs we are trained to immediately use Jext pens or Epipens and call 999.

Please do not use Nivea sun cream as it has almond oil in it and we have children with severe nut allergies.

Please do not send any items containing the above into school for your child’s lunch or snack. This includes spreads like Nutella as it has hazelnut as an ingredient.

Thank you for your support, as always.

请注意，我们学校有些孩子对花生、坚果、扁豆和豌豆有严重的过敏反应。如果发生过敏反应，我们会立即使用Jext笔或Epipens并拨打999。

请勿使用妮维雅防晒霜，因为它含有杏仁油，而且我们学校也有一些孩子对坚果有严重的过敏反应。

请勿将任何含有上述成分的物品带入学校作为您孩子的午餐或零食。这包括像Nutella这样的涂抹酱，因为它含有榛子成分。

一如既往地感谢您的支持。