Newsletter - 16th December 2019
Monday 16th December 2019
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the end of term, we would like to take this opportunity of wishing you a Happy and Holy Christmas. The children have been fantastic over this term. They have worked hard and there has been much to celebrate. Their continuous learning and improvement is the heartbeat of our school. I would like to thank the teachers and support staff for their high expectations and dedication. I would also like to thank you, the parents and carers, who continue to love and support our school. In these troubled times it is very clear that the good relationship between home and school needs to be stronger than ever and that this is supported by Father Victor and the parish.
Last week the school took part in the Sacred Heart Carol Concert where our children sang their hearts out and played the ukulele. Father Victor and his guests very much enjoyed it! The Infant Nativity ‘It’s a Party’ was a huge success. When young children sing it melts your heart and you truly remember the message of Advent and the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Christmas Coffee morning and raffle raised £301. Well done everyone – as they say ‘every little helps’!
This week on Wednesday 18th December we have our Junior Advent Carol Service please join us for this reverent and joyful occasion if you can. All are welcome! On Wednesday 18th December we also have our children’s Christmas Dinner and then on Thursday 19th December there will be class-based Christmas parties for all the children. The children may wear their own clothes on this day.
At the end of this term we are saying goodbye to Ms Kirrane the Head of School – Infants. Ms Kirrane has worked at St Joseph’s since September 2012. She has ensured the Infant School has gone from strength to strength. St Joseph’s has truly benefitted from her wealth of experience as an Early Years and KS1 leader. I know that Ms Kirrane absolutely loves St Joseph’s and that to her it is her extended family. So, it is with heavy heart that she leaves us. She is going to take a well-earned rest from her 44 years in education to spend some time with her family and loved ones. We wish her the very best of luck in this new chapter of her life. May she always have the love of the Lord to protect and guide her through the rest of her life - Good Luck and God Bless Ms Kirrane!
Our new Head of School - Infants will be Ms Anna Swann. Ms Swann will be leaving Red class in the capable hands of Ms Joanna Ioannou our Head of Early Years and Ms Marian Stableford whom the children know well.
We also have a new teacher in Blue Class Ms Zenasni who is covering for Mrs McDuff’s maternity leave. Her baby is due this week – we will let you know when we hear her good news. We would also like to congratulate Mr Higgins who became a daddy for the second time last week.
Return to School
The children return to school on Tuesday 7th January 2020 at 8.45am Juniors and 8.55 Infants.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 16th December: Yellow and Orange class to Blue Elephant Theatre
Tuesday 17th December: Red and Rainbow Christmas Stay and Play
Tuesday 17th December: Blue and Rainbow to the Blue Elephant Theatre
Wednesday 18th December: Christmas Lunch and Junior Carol Concert at Sacred Heart Church 2pm
Thursday 19th December: Non-Uniform Day and Christmas parties and Disco
Friday 20th December: Break up from school at 1pm
Tuesday 7th January 2020: Return to School (normal times)
A Prayer for Christmas:
God our Father, at this time of year we think of loved ones and remember with gratitude what others have done for us. As the stars shone over Bethlehem, so may we shine in the world like bright stars as we share in the Word of Life, Jesus your Son – your word amongst us. Amen
Mrs Anita Gallagher
Executive Headteacher
