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St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Hillcrest Road, Dudley

Snippets Archive

From January 2017, see all reports in our new Snippets of News Blog. Below, you can see our previous snippets from 2016 and earlier.

Completed Jesse Tree


Our finished Jesse Tree.

16 December 2016

On Friday 16th December during our Carols around the Tree assembly we put the final symbol on our Jesse Tree – Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus.

Since the beginning of Advent we have been learning all about Jesus’ ancestors and placing a symbol to represent each one on the Jesse tree.

What started out a few bare twigs is now full of signs and symbols of Jesus’ ancestors.

Carols Around the Tree


Happy Christmas everyone!

16 December 2016

On Friday 16th December the whole school finished the Autumn term together in the hall with parents and families singing carols around the tree and listening to the Christmas readings which were read out in Church during our service on Monday evening.

House Cup Winners: Forgiveness


The Forgiveness House Captain with the trophy.

16 December 2016

On Friday 16th December during our merit assembly the winners of the house cup their term were revealed.

This term it was forgiveness who have the most house points and the house cup will be dressed in their winning colours.

Well done Forgiveness!

Spelling Winners


Our spelling winners this half term.

16 December 2016

On Friday 16th December during our merit assembly we congratulated the children who won our spelling raffle for the Autumn Term.

Each week if the children from Year 1 to Year 6 gain full marks in their weekly spelling test they receive a raffle ticket which is then put in the spelling jar. At the end of each term a winner is drawn and they receive a £5 Tesco voucher!

A Visit from Father Christmas


Father Christmas with the children from Nursery.

16 December 2016

On Friday 16th December Father Christmas came into school to visit all the children one last time before we break up for the holidays.

The children all received a special present to put under their Christmas Trees at home!

Advent Liturgies


Some of the prayer partners during their Advent Liturgy.

16 December 2016

During Advent the children have met with their prayer partners and taken part in a special Advent Liturgy together.

The children really enjoy meeting up with their prayer partners, having a chat and then praying together and taking part in the Liturgy.

Creating Natural Christmas Decorations


The children made lots of lovely decorations.

15 December 2016

On Thursday 15th December two teachers from the E-Zone came to work with the children in Years 3 and 6.

The teachers worked with the children to create unique Christmas decorations from natural wood.

The decorations look stunning!

Nursery and Reception's Nativity


Well done!

14 December 2016

On Wednesday 14th December it was the turn of the children in Nursery and Reception to share their Nativity with their families.

The children sang, acted and spoke beautifully and we are very proud of all of the children.

Key Stage 1 Nativity


The KS1 Nativity play.

13 December 2016

On Tuesday 13th December in the afternoon and evening Key Stage 1 children shared their Nativity with their parents and families.

The play had a Strictly Come Dancing influence and the children performed the singing and dancing perfectly reminding us of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.

Good Shepherd Appeal


Our food display under the Christmas tree.

13 December 2016

On Tuesday 13th December the children and their families donated tins of food for The Good Shepherd Shelter in Wolverhampton.

The shelter are very grateful for our support and we are grateful to all the families who donated during Advent this year.

Final Mass of the Year


Year 5’s altar display.

13 December 2016

On Tuesday 13th December Year 5 led the final Mass of the year.

The children created a lovely altar display for advent displaying the values of being prophetic and intentional.

Nativity in Church


The children on the altar.

12 December 2016

On the night of Monday 12th December the children performed the Nativity in Church.

The children read, sang, played instruments and acted beautifully to re-tell the Nativity and made their parents and the school very proud

First Aid and Anti-Stigma Workshops


Sobia talking to Year 5.

9 and 14 December 2016

On Friday 9th and Wednesday 14th December Year 5 were visited by Sobia from the British Red Cross. Sobia came to deliver First Aid and Anti-Stigma workshops to the children.

The children enjoyed both the sessions and we are very grateful that Sobia had time to visit us here at St Joseph’s.

Reception visit Wonderland


Our Reception class on their trip.

9 December 2016

On Friday 9th December Reception class went on a trip to Wonderland in Telford.

The children had a fantastic time, had lots of fun and finished with a visit to see Father Christmas!

Year 6 in 'Superstar'


Well done KS2!

8 December 2016

On Thursday 8th December KS2 performed their Christmas Play – Superstar to the rest of the school and their parents in the afternoon and evening.

Year 6 acted brilliantly and the children from Years 3, 4 and 5 sang beautifully to make the play extra special.

The children told the Nativity story in a new way but still reminded us of the true Superstar of Christmas – Jesus.

Year 5 Advent Liturgy


Year 5 in their Liturgy.

7 December 2016

On Wednesday 7th December Year 5 held a special Advent Liturgy and invited their parents to join them.

The Liturgy was lovely and had a clear focus on getting ready for second coming of Christ and how we need to get our lives ready.

The children read, prayed and sang beautifully

Year 3's Stone Age Visitors


Year 3 trying on some Stone Age costumes.

6 December 2016

On Tuesday 6th December Year 3 had some special visitors in school from the Stone Age!

Year 3’s Stone Age visitors came into school to teach the children more about their topic of the Stone Age. The children had the opportunity to get some real hands on experience!

Years 1 and 2 Led Mass


Year 1 and 2's display in the hall.

6 December 2016

On Tuesday 6th December the children from Year 1 and 2 led our school Mass.

The children acted and read beautifully and also created a beautiful display in front the altar reminding us of the values we are focussing on this half-term - Intentional and Prophetic.

Jesse Tree


A girl from Year 6 hanging the first symbol on our Jesse Tree.

1 December 2016

On Thursday 1st December we began another one of our special Advent traditions in school – The Jesse Tree.

During Advent everyday (and sometimes twice a day) we hold special assemblies to learn about Jesus’ ancestors starting with The Creation and Adam and Eve.

Today we started our journey and learned about how God created the world and then created Adam and Eve. After learning about each ancestor we place a symbol on our Jesse Tree to remind us of each one.

The Jesse looks very bare at the moment, but by the time we break up for Christmas it will be beautifully decorated!

Year 6 Led Advent Mass


Year 6’s display in the hall.

29 November 2016

On Tuesday 29th November Year 6 led the first Mass of Advent in school. The children lit the Advent Candle and created a beautiful Advent display in front of the altar.

First Advent Assembly


Our hall dressed for Advent with the Advent Wreath.

28 November 2016

On Monday 28th November we held our first assembly in Advent.

During the assembly we were reminded of why Advent is such a special season and talked about the Advent wreath and candles.

PCSO Hancox Teaches EYFS to Stay Safe


One of our reception children trying on uniform.

24 November 2016

On Thursday 24th November the children in EYFS were visited by our local PCSO Debbie Hancox to talk to them about being safe.

The children listened carefully, got to try on some of the uniform and asked lots of questions too!

Year 6 at the Me Festival


Some of the children taking part in the Me festival.

24 November 2016

On Thursday 25th November some children from Year 6 took part in Dudley’s Me Festival at Himley Hall.

This year the Me Festival had a focus on Emotional Health and Wellbeing, using the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation is a set of evidence-based actions which promote people’s wellbeing. They are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.

Gospel Assembly


Our special assembly.

21 November 2016

On Monday 21st November our Monday morning Gospel assembly was a special event where we shared Sunday’s Gospel of Christ the King and then heard from the Archbishop about the ending of the Year of Mercy.

The message from the Archbishop was that eventhough the Jubilee Year of Mercy has ended we can still show and offer mercy to others in school, at home and in our communities.

Reception Class Assembly


Well done Reception Class!

18 November 2016

On Friday 18th November Reception class presented their assembly all about being a hero.

The assembly was link to our Rights Respecting Award and the Convention Rights of the child and the children shared with us about why it is so important to be kind to each other.

Nursery Children Plant Winter Flowers


The children planting in our garden.

18 November 2016

On Thursday 18th November the nursery children worked with George to plant some winter flowers in our school garden.

The children learned how to carefully plant the flowers and how we can look after them during the winter.

Apple Pressing with Nursery and Year 2


The children enjoyed learning about the apple press!

18 November 2016

On Thursday 18th November Guy from Roberts Street Primary came to work with our Nursery and Year 2 children.

Guy and the children worked together to do some apple pressing. The children pressed some apples and created their own apple juice which tasted delicious!

Year 6 Remembrance Liturgy


Year 6 and their parents.

18 November 2016

On Friday 18th November Year 6 held a special Remembrance Liturgy with their parents.

The children created a beautiful prayer display and shared prayers of Remembrance during this special month of November.

Years 5 and 6 Visit the Cinema

17 November 2016

On Thursday 17th November Years 5 and 6 visited the Showcase Cinema at Castlegate in Dudley to watch Inside Out.

The children were taking part in this year’s film festival fortnight where lots of schools are given the opportunity to take children to the cinema for free! The children had a great time and really enjoyed the film!

Sacrament of Reconciliation


The display prepared in the Group Room where children met with Fr Emmanuel to receive the Sacrament.

16 November 2016

On Tuesday 16th November following leading our whole school Mass, some of the children in Year 5 received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The children were very sensible and reverent during this time and we are very proud of them.

Year 4 Visit the Cinema

15 November 2016

On Tuesday 15th November Year 4 visited the Showcase Cinema at Castlegate in Dudley to watch Ice Age – Collisions Course.

The children were taking part in this year’s film festival fortnight where lots of schools are given the opportunity to take children to the cinema for free! The children had a great time and really enjoyed the film!

Year 5 Mass


The lovely altar display created by Year 5.

15 November 2016

On Tuesday 15th November Year 5 led our whole school Mass in school.

The children acted out the story of Zacchaeus beautifully along with reading clearly and creating a lovely display in front of the altar reminding us of the values we are focusing on this half term – Intentional and Prophetic.

Goodbye Assembly to our Polish Visitors


The Polish visiting teachers saying thank you for such a wonderful week!

11 November 2016

On Friday 11th November we held a special Friday assembly to say goodbye to our visiting teachers from Poland.

We have had a lovely week with the teachers and shared lots of good practice in our schools – we are already very much looking forward to more visits soon.

Year 1 Assembly


Well done Year 1.

11 November 2016

On Friday 11th November it was Year 1’s assembly.

The children shared all of their learning about Creation. The children shared a special movie they had made and read and acted beautifully.

Singing for our Polish Visitors


Our choir singing beautifully!

11 November 2016

On Friday 11th November the school choir performed for our Polish visiting teachers.

The children had been practising their singing during the after school choir club and sang ‘Goodbye, Farewell’ for our visitors.

Fantastic Phonics and Sensational Spellings


Our spelling winners for the first Autumn half term.

11 November 2016

On Friday 11th November during assembly the special £5 Tesco vouchers were presented to the winners of the Fantastic Phonics and Sensational Spellings.

Each week the children have spellings to learn, if they get them all correct they get a raffle ticket.

At the end of every half term a ticket is picked and the child who owns the tickets wins £5!

Years 3 and 4 Remembrance Liturgy


Year 3 and 4 during their Liturgy.

11 November 2016

On Friday 11th November Years 3 and 4 held a special remembrance liturgy.

The children gathered together and looked at photos of people who served in the war. The children then remembered the sacrifices the people made for them.

It was a beautiful service which was shared with our visiting Polish teachers.

Special Uniforms for Armistice Day


Some of our children in their special uniforms.

11 November 2016

On Friday 11th November the children and staff were invited to wear the uniform of a group such as cubs, scouts, brownies or rainbows which they belong to as we remembered Armistice Day.

Lots of the children wore their special uniforms to school including Mr Lord who wore his Cadets uniform.

Year 3 Maths Workshop


Lots of parents working with their children.

10 November 2016

On Thursday 10th November Year 3 held their Maths parent workshop for this half term.

The children were very happy that so many parents were able to come into school to part in the lesson!

Year 6 Talk on World War II


Mr Priest and Mrs Cox talking to Year 6.

9 November 2016

On Wednesday 9th November Year 6 had a visit from Mr Priest who came in with his daughter Mrs Cox to talk about Mr Stanley (Mrs Cox’s Granddad) who served in the Second World War.

The children saw some of the medals which were awarded to Stanley Priest and had the chance to ask lots of questions.

Year 4's Remembrance Mass


Year 4’s display.

8 November 2016

On Tuesday 8th November Year 4 led a special Mass with a Remembrance theme.

The children created a beautiful display on the altar and reminded us of how the month of November is a month dedicated to remembering those who have died. The children also reminded us of the Jesuit values of Intentional and Prophetic which we are focusing on this half term.

Following Mass some of the children visited Father Emmanuel in the Group Room who heard their confessions. The children were very sensible and reverent during this time.

Welcome to our Polish Friends


Mr Hinton welcoming our special visitors.

7 November 2016

On Monday 7th November six teachers along with the Headteacher of SP118 in Wroclaw our partner school in Poland came to visit us here at St Joseph’s.

This marked the start of the school week in where the Polish visitors are coming into school to look at lessons and share in some of the activities which we do here in England.

November Hall Display


Our November hall display.

1 November 2016

On Tuesday 1st November on returning to school the hall display had changed from the blue of October to the purple of November to mark the start of November being the month dedicated to remembrance.

Also on the display we were introduced to the two Jesuit Values which we are learning about this half term – Intentional and Prophetic.

Year 5 Anti-Bullying Training


Year 5 children in their workshop.

19 October 2016

On Tuesday 19th October Mrs Cheema and Mrs Hancox worked with children from Year 5.

The children were trained in how to prevent bullying and looked a DVD ‘if only I’d known’ explaining the consequences of what happens if you do bully.

The children found the session very interesting and very much enjoyed taking part.

Year 6 led School Mass


The altar display created by Year 6.

18 October 2016

On Tuesday 18th October Year 6 led our school Mass.

The children prepared the Mass very well and the readings were read perfectly.

The children also created a beautiful display in front of the altar and reminded us of the Jesuit values of being active and curious that we have been focussing on this half term.

Year 1 trip to Dudley Zoo


Year 1 at Dudley Zoo.

17 October 2016

On Monday 17th October Year 1 went on a trip to Dudley Zoo.

The children visited the zoo as part of their topic work learning about animals. The children really enjoyed their trip and were extremely well behaved.

Well done Year 1!

Reception Parents' Maths Lesson


Reception children and their parents.

17 October 2016

On Monday 17th October Reception class invited their parents into school to take part in a Maths lesson.

The parents had a great time joining in with the lesson and the children were thrilled to show their parents all of their Maths skills.

Year 6 Anti-Stigma Workshop


Year 6 in their workshop.

14 October 2016

On Friday 14th October Year 6 took part in an Anti-Stigma workshop with the Red Cross.

The children really enjoyed the session which made them reflect and think about both their actions and the actions of others.

Year 2's Assembly on Noah


Year 2 presenting their assembly.

14 October 2016

On Friday 14th October Year 2 presented their assembly all about Noah.

The children read and acted beautifully to retell the story of how Noah followed God and saved lots of animals.

Zap Training


Some of our Year 5 children in Zap training.

13 October 2016

On Thursday 13th October Mrs Hancox and Mrs Cheema completed Zap training with some members of our Year 5 class.

The training gives pupils ways to be assertive in a positive way to avoid getting into situations where they might be bullied.

The children had a great time and really enjoyed the session.

Year 1 Parent Workshops


Year 1 working with their parents.

12 and 13 October 2016

On Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th October Year 1 held their parent workshops.

Parents were invited to come into school to take part in a Maths lesson with their child.

Everyone had a great time and the children really appreciated their parents joining in.

Year 3 Working in the School Garden


Year 3 picking their carrots.

12 October 2016

On Wednesday 12th October Year 3 went out into our school garden to work with Mr Gilbert.

The children went outside to harvest the crop of carrots they had previously planted.

The children had a great time – and especially enjoyed tasting the carrots they had grown!

A Month Dedicated to Our Lady


One of the special displays we made to honour Mary during our special assembies.

12 October 2016

During the month of October (one of two special months dedicated to Our lady) the children have been honouring Mary in two special ways.

Every day in their classrooms the children have been praying a decade of the Rosary together and on the three Wednesdays that we are in school during October we have held special assemblies praying a decade of the Rosary as a whole school.

Weekly Mass led by Key Stage 1


The lovely Key Stage 1 display.

11 October 2016

On Tuesday 11th October Key Stage 1 led our school weekly Mass. The theme of the Mass was Faith.

KS1 created a lovely display in front of the altar reminding us of the Jesuit Values of being Active and Curious this half term.

Year 4's American Burgers


Year 4 making their mixtures.

10 October 2016

On Monday 10th October Year 4 worked with Mrs Skelding to make some mini beef burgers – linked to their topic about America.

The children had a great time. The cooking was great but the eating was even better!

Year 3's World Teacher Day Assembly


Year 3 in their assembly.

7 October 2016

On Friday 7th October Year 3 presented their assembly all about World Teachers Day.

The children reminded us of how important education is and how Jesus was the greatest teacher of all.

The children also made links to our Jesuit Values of being active and curious.

Cafod Family Fast Day


Cafod envelopes filled with pennies.

7 October 2016

On Friday 7th October the children of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School marked Cafod's Family Fast day by giving up their playtime snack.

In addition to giving up their snack to give them a small taste of what it must be like for some children in the world, the children donated the pennies they would have spent on snack to Cafod.

Year 5's Non-Newtonian Fluids


Year 5 having lots of fun during their science experiments.

6 October 2016

On Thursday 6th October Year 5 had a very exciting science lesson.

Year 5 conducted an experiment using Non-Newtonian fluids. It's a liquid that acts like a solid.

So you can make balls with it, yet it slips through your fingers, you can slap, punch and walk on it, yet you sink if you stay still.

Year 4 Harvesting Vegetables


Great growing in Year 4.

5 October 2016

On Wednesday 5th October Year 4 went out into the school garden with Mr Gilbert to harvest the vegetables they planted last year.

As you can see we had a healthy crop of courgettes which we are planning to roast in the oven and have a taste!

Anti-Smoking Workshops


Year 3 in their workshop.

4 and 5 October 2016

On Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October Years 3 and 5 took part in an Anti-smoking workshop linked to the dragon who has appeared on the wall at the front of our school.

The adults who delivered the workshop commented on how well behaved all the children had been. Well done everyone.

Black History Monthy Assemly


Year 5 in their assembly.

30 September 2016

On Friday 30th September in preparation for Black History Month which is celebrated in October, the children from Year 5 presented their learning in their class assembly all about why Black History Month is so important.

The children read and acted beautifully and shared lots of important facts with the rest of the school and their parents.

Year 2 Parents' Maths Lessons


Year 2 children and their parents.

28 and 29 September 2016

On Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th September Year 2 invited their parents into school to take part in a maths lesson!

We had lots of parents join the lessons and enjoy learning alongside their children.

Year 6 Play in a Day


Year 6 preparing to learn their play.

28 September 2016

On Wednesday 28th September Year 6 took part in a ‘Play in a Day’.

The children spent most of the day working with a trained actress to learn a play and then presented it to Key Stage 2 in the afternoon.

The children were extremely well behaved and focused during the session to present a fantastic play in the afternoon. Well done Year 6!

Harvest Mass


A harvest display for The Good Shepherd Appeal.

27 September 2016

On Tuesday 27th September Year 4 led our special Harvest Mass.

The children brought in tins of food to create a beautiful harvest display which will then be collected by the Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton to help feed the poor and homeless.

During the Mass Year 4 also reminded us of the Jesuit Values of being Active and Curious during this half term.

Reception's Special Reading Area


Some of the Reception children enjoying a book.

26 September 2016

During the week beginning 26th September children in the EYFS opened their special reading area in the wendy house out on their playground.

The children love going into the beautifully decorated house to have a quiet read with some friends.

Year 5 Assembly


Well done Year 5.

23 September 2016

On Friday 23rd September Year 5 presented their class assembly.

The assembly was all about talents and how God wants us to be curious about our talents and active in using them.

The children took part a role play, led the singing and read beautifully.

IMPS and ELFS


Year 6 learning how to check if someone can breathe properly.

22 September 2016

On Thursday 22nd September Year 6 and Reception class had a visit from IMPS - Injury Minimization Programme for Schools and ELFS – Early Learning for Safety.

The sessions are designed to help both the oldest and youngest children know how to stay safe and what to do if someone is injured.

All of the children learned lots and really enjoyed the sessions.

Year 5 at Dudley Museum


Some Year 5 children dressed up on their trip.

21 September 2016

On Wednesday 21st September Year 5 visited Dudley Museum to learn all about the Anglo Saxons.

The children took part in a workshop, role-plays and had a good look at tall the artefacts.

The children walked to and from the Museum sensibly and had a wonderful time.

Year 6 Parents' Maths Lesson


Year 6 and their parents.

19 and 21 September 2016

On Monday 19th and Wednesday 21st September Year 6 invited their parents into school to take part in a maths lesson.

The children really appreciated their parents coming into school and working with them on some tricky maths.

Year 6 Assembly


Year 6 presenting their assembly.

16 September 2016

On Friday 16th September Year 6 presented their class assembly.

The theme of the assembly was ‘Everyone a hero’ and focused on the work of Unicef and Article 19 of the Rights of the Child – where children have the right to be treated fairly.

Year 6 shared their learning about how to prevent and deal with bullying with excellent advice and role plays.

British Red Cross Visitors


Year 6 children learning about everyday first aid.

13 September 2016

On Tuesday 13th September Year 6 welcomed visitors from the British Red Cross who came into school to deliver a first aid workshop.

The workshop was very helpful and informative and the children enjoyed it very much.

Celebrating Mary's Birthday


The display of Mary at the front of the hall during our special assembly.

8 September 2016

It was Mary’s birthday on Thursday 8th September so at St Joseph’s we marked the occasion with a special assembly and sang a special hymn dedicated to Our Lady.

 

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