News
Congratulations to the BLUE team who just pipped the GREEN team to the post with this week's DOJO totals!
1. BLUE - 447 2. GREEN - 445 3. RED - 375 4. YELLOW - 336
Congratulations to this week's STARS. As always, it is lovely to hear what your teachers have to say about you in Celebration Assembly.
Year 1: Lyla-Mae Year 2: Mark Year 3: Year 4: Sindy Year 5: Natalia Year 6:
Welcome Mass: 21.9.23
This morning we celebrated Mass with Father Kieron. It was wonderful to come together as a whole school for such a special occasion - to welcome our new Reception children and their families into our St Joseph's family.
Thank you children for your contributions in reading and singing. Our new Reception Class received a special keepsake each and were formally welcomed into our school community.
Welcome to all of our new families too. We look forward to working together over the next few years.
Thank you to all of the parents and carers who came along to join us this morning for the Welcome Mass and for coffee and biscuits afterwards.
Year 2 Trip: 20.9.23
To support and enhance their History learning, Year 2 visited Preston Manor and Preston Park. They learnt about the jobs servants in Victorian times would do and what life was like for them. They looked the part dressed in Victorian attire!
In Preston Manor, the Year 2 children assisted with some of the daily duties like sweeping, laying the table, polishing cutlery, folding napkins and making beds!
After their visit, the children had lunch in Preston Park. After finding out about different toys from the Victorian era, the children realised how lucky they are nowadays and enjoyed spending time in the play park of today- despite the windy weather!
More photos to follow on the Year 2 page shortly.
National Fitness Day : 20.9.23
National Fitness Day 2023 took place today on Wednesday 20th September and provides an opportunity to highlight the role physical activity plays across the UK, helping us raise awareness of its importance in assisting us to lead healthier lifestyles.
The focus is to view this day as just one step in a much bigger journey. Because after all, your health is for life.
Miss Pippa organised some fun fitness games and physical activities during Year 5 and 6's PE lessons to support the day's aims.
The children won prizes for their effort, stamina and determination.
Outdoor Learning: 19.9.23
Year 5 spent part of the day today in our Outdoor Learning Environment. They played team games, designed and created habitats for their Greek pets and created Greek crowns!
Here are a few photos. More to follow on the Year 5 class page.
For our Year 6 pupils and families, please click HERE to see all of the local Secondary School upcoming Open Days/Evenings, which are taking place over the next few weeks.
The closing date for applications to transfer to secondary school in September 2024 is the 31st October 2023.
Amazing Art: 15.9.23
As part of their Art learning, during today's lesson, Year 6 composed a close-up photograph of a natural form.
Using fruit and vegetables, they took photographs and then cropped and edited them to create images inspired by the work of Edward Weston. They learnt what the terms "macro" and "monochromatic" mean.
Here are a few of their compositions:
House Captains
Year 6 are proving to be great ambassadors for the school and today the House Captains were selected. We have many roles and responsibilities available for our Year 6 pupils throughout the year which we know they will rise to.
The House Captains are as follows:
BLUE - Emellia and Legend RED - Junior and Alicia YELLOW - Eddy and Finn GREEN - Julian and Blessing
Congratulations to our STARS of Week 2! It was lovely to celebrate with you and your family and friends during Friday's Assembly.
Year 1: Simon Year 2: Lottie Year 3: Tealaa-Rose Year 4: Leona Year 5: Zachary Year 6: Alicia
Wow children! You have been busy this week earning DOJOS! Well done to each and every one of you for your contribution to the totals.
Congratulations to the GREEN Team - this week's highest DOJO collectors!
1. GREEN - 435 2. BLUE - 420 3. YELLOW - 419 4. RED - 413
Outdoor Learning
Two of our classes have been lucky to have their first outdoor learning day during this beautiful weather. Have a look on the Year 4 and Year 6 class pages to see what they have been up to!
This year's School Council have been elected by their classmates to represent them and their views. At St Joseph's, we believe it is important to have structures in place which allow pupils to have a real say in issues that affect them and to know that their opinions count. Our School Council is one way of enabling this pupil voice.
Our School Council meet regularly, with a member of School staff as facilitator.
This year's representatives making up our School Council are:
Year 1 - Blake and Lyla Year 2 - Skye and Riley Year 3 - Yasmin and Ronnie Year 4 - Leona and Audrey Year 5 - Harry Year 6 - Blessing and Lily Jo and Julian (Secretary)
Pictures to follow on the PUPILS page where you will find more information about our School Council.
Stunning Starts!
Several more classes have launched their History and Geography learning this week with a "stunning start!"
Dressed in Roman attire, the children in Year 4 worked in groups to create "Roman Roads" by following a series of instructions. The tasks required good teamwork skills and the final solution revealed the topic title for Year 4 - "ROMAN RULE."
Dressed as stone-age people, Year 3 used their hands and natural objects in our outdoor area to make stone-age dwellings and tools.
Education Sunday : 10.9.23
Today is Education Sunday and it was lovely to see our pupils (looking very smart in their school uniform) and their families, in church as part of our local community.
The children read the bidding prayers clearly and sang our St Joseph's School song beautifully. Their behaviour and contributions to the service were commented on by several parishioners.
Coming together today on Education Sunday was a reminder to all members of the Catholic community of the importance of education to the Catholic mission.
Congratulations to our Year 1 Class who were the only class to achieve 100% attendance during our first week back!
This is a great start to the new school year - well done to our Year 1 pupils and their parents and carers.
It has been lovely walking around the school and seeing the children so engaged in their new classes, demonstrating positive learning behaviours during this first week back and collecting lots of DOJOS!
Here are the results for the first week back:
1. YELLOW - 220 2. GREEN - 194 3. RED- 180 4. BLUE-160
Congratulations to our first STARS of this academic year. It was lovely to celebrate with you and hear the wonderful things your teachers had to say about you after just one week back at school!
Year 1 - Halle Year 2 - Lealand Year 3 - Kira Year 4 - Floyd Year 5 - John Year 6 -Junior-Jay
Language of the half term
At St Joseph's School, we are proud of our diversity and the vast number of languages spoken by our families.
At St Joseph's, every half term, we celebrate the languages besides English which are spoken at home by some of our pupils.
Each half term, we try to learn a few useful phrases and words, to answer the register and say "please" and "thank you" and "hello" and "goodbye" in our chosen language. The child/children who speak the chosen language will help their classmates learn the correct pronunciation and will share picture books written in their home language as well as in English.
These are the languages for this half term:
EYFS - Romanian Year 1 - Slovakian Year 2 - Arabic Year 3 - Chinese Year 4 - Welsh Year 5 - Greek Year 6 - Portuguese
Stunning Starts!
As we head towards the end of the first week of term, it is lovely to see the children so settled and engaged in their learning.
Some classes have been introduced to their History or Geography based topic through a theme launch and topic tables have been set up with books and artefacts for the children to explore. The other classes have this to look forward to next week.
As part of their History and Geography learning "Groovy Greeks" Year 5 came to school dressed as Ancient Greeks, took part in some Greek related activities and sampled some Greek food such as feta, olives and pitta bread with tzatziki.
As an introduction to their "Toys" topic, Year 1 enjoyed a picnic and some bear-related games with a special cuddly toy or teddy bear!
Welcome back to another exciting new school year at St Joseph's. The children have settled back in exceptionally well and are looking smart in their uniforms.
A warm welcome to all of our children and their families, but especially to those children who have just joined the St Joseph's family - the children in the Reception Class and a few other children across the school. We are delighted you have chosen to join us here and we look forward to getting to know you and your families over the coming weeks.
Thank you generally to all of our wonderful parents and carers for your kind messages, cards and gifts. We have really appreciated your support this year. Have a wonderful summer break and we look forward to working with you again in September.
We look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday 4th September 2023
In the afternoon, they had the traditional shirt signing and they finished the day with our traditional St Joseph's "Farewell Tunnel" send off in the playground.
Year 6 - We will never forget you! Keep in touch and let us know how you get on in the future. Good Luck!
Goodbye Year 6: 21.7.23
Our Year 6 pupils had a lovely final day today. They started off the day with the Leavers' Achievers' assembly. The end of year awards were then given out - congratulations to each and every one of the Year 6 pupils - you are ALL winners in our eyes.
Here are a few of them:
Mathematician of the year: Archie, Personality (voted by classmates) Sergio, Sporting girl - Tegan and Head Teacher's award - Vera
Thank you to all of the parents and carers who were able to join us this morning.
100% Attendance
We were delighted to present three children with 100% attendance medals at the end of the academic year - well done to Miya, Mark and Finn for being in school every single day since September 1st 2022!
We also had 62 children who have managed 100% attendance for the second half of the Summer Term. Those children received a sticker and a treat.
Attendance remains a key priority at St Joseph's - thank you for your ongoing support with this.
Congratulations to Theo (Year 4) who received a Head Teacher pencil for sharing nine pieces of good work with Mrs Foan this year!
Congratulations also to Kira who received a Head Teacher medal for her entry into Mrs Foan's HT challenge to design a "Safe in the Sun summer accessory.
Year 3 - Bluebell Railway : 20.7.23
As part of their History learning around transport through the ages, Year 3 visited the Bluebell Railway - one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country and one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages.
Their visit included a ride on a steam train including going up on the plate, having a look around the museum, and seeing how the signal box worked.
Pictures will follow on the Year 3 class page.
Goodbyes : 20.7.23
As well as our Year 6 pupils, we are also saying goodbye to two long serving members of staff - Mrs Thompson and Mrs Hill. Each class had made a card and prepared a small tribute to wish them on their way.
This morning, we had a special assembly dedicated to Mrs Thompson and Mrs Hill. It is always lovely to come together as a school family on occasions such as these and a wonderful opportunity to give Mrs Thompson and Mrs Hill the send off they deserve.
Thank you Mrs Thompson and Mrs Hill - we will miss you both and wish you all the best in the future.
Green Team Celebration: 20.7.23
The green team got together this afternoon to celebrate being the top DOJO collectors of the year. They enjoyed a refreshing ice lolly and celebrated their success together!
Well done to each and every one of you for your contribution to the DOJO totals.
Year 6 Prom : 19.7.23
This evening was our Year 6 Leaver's Prom. Thank you to the FOSJ's for organising this event. The school hall looked amazing as did the children in Year 6!
The children enjoyed party food, karaoke, dancing and had a wonderful evening together: another lasting memory of their time at St Joseph's.
Football Tournament: 19.7.23
Our Year 5 and 6 classes finished their PE lessons this year with a mixed football tournament. The teams were made up of Year 5 and 6 pupils and in this afternoon's tournament we had: The Albion, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham!
Thank you Miss Pippa for organising this football finale for Years 5 and 6.
Year 5 trip to Wagamamas: 18.7.23
Our Year 5 children had a treat today - they caught the number 50 bus and visited Wagamamas in Brighton.
The children learnt about the different items on the Wagamama's menu, sampled a refreshing juice made from different fruits and vegetables and made their own noodle dish.
The students had a great experience learning about what goes into a healthy, tasty meal and all took home a goodie bag containing an apron, a chef's hat and some recipes.
We are very grateful to Wagamamas in Brighton for giving our children this exciting experience.
Leavers' Mass: 18.7.23
Today, was the beginning of our week of goodbyes to our Year 6 pupils and we were joined by Father Kieron to celebrate our Year 6 thanksgiving Leavers' Mass.
Our school year is drawing to its conclusion and so this morning we gathered together as a school community to celebrate and give thanks for all the blessings we have received.
Todays Leavers' Mass was a time for reflection by our Year 6 pupils, both to remember and to look forward to new schools, new friends and new beginnings.
Summer Fair : 14.7.23
Today, we held our annual Summer Festival, organised by the FOSJ's. Drizzle and wind did not deter us!
We are very grateful to Sheree and all of the FOSJ's team for their hard work and dedication in helping raise funds to support and enhance our pupils' school experience. Without their help and enthusiasm, these events would not be able to take place and we would not be able to raise vital funds for the school.
Thank you also to the staff for helping run the stalls and to the parents, carers, pupils, families and friends for coming along to support our Summer Festival. It was another fantastic community event.
Thank you again, for supporting today's event. We are delighted to announce that £1305 was taken - giving us a healthy profit.!
Congratulations to the following children who have been to Mrs Foan and shared three amazing pieces of work with her recently:
Coby (Reception) Anna, Riley, Marco (Year 1) Mila, Crina, Leo, Yasmin, Isla B (Year 2) Nirvana (Year 3) Luca (Year 4) Finn and Lily-Jo (Year 5)
We are very proud of you all.
This is the last week of collecting DOJOS for the academic year - children , you having been amazing this year and it has been lovely to see you receiving DOJOS for demonstrating positive learning behaviours.
These are the final results for this week and the winners for the half-term and the overall winners for the year!
1. GREEN - 266 2. BLUE- 254 3. YELLOW - 251 4. RED- 238
Summer 2 Champions: GREEN
Top DOJO collectors for the year: GREEN and RED. There will be a tie break to decide the overall winners.
Children in the winning house will receive a treat next week.
These are our final STARS for the school year: it was lovely to hear what your teachers had to say about you as we draw to the end of another year.
Reception: Olivia Year 1: Whitney Year 2: Leo Year 3: Yi Cheng Year 4: Tiana Year 5: Eliana Year 6: Misty
Spanish Art: 12.7.23
As you know, our KS2 pupils study French. Each half term, they study an aspect of French culture and study art work relating to this.
In the final two weeks of term, we are introducing a taster session of Spanish and alongside that, the children have been introduced to Spanish artists by Mrs Hill.
Year 6 painted their own version of a piece by Pablo Picasso and Year 4 studied and recreated a work of Salvador Dali.
Here are a few of their pieces.
Year 1 Trip: 12.7.23
As a fantastic finish for their History topic "Flight" this term, Year 1 went to Stanmer Park to attempt to fly the kites they had made. Luckily for them, it was very windy!
They walked to Moulsecoomb, caught the train to Falmer and took part in a variety of History and Science related activities, had a picnic and a quick play in the play area before catching the train back to school.
Here are a few photos. More to follow on the Year 1 class page.
UKS2 Sports: 12.7.23
This afternoon was the turn of our Year 5 and 6 pupils to celebrate the end of term with their UKS2 Sports Event. They had the wind to contend with but took part enthusiastically in a range of track and field events.
Again, it was lovely to witness such a positive and supportive team spirit and also to see great skill, determination, perseverance and resilience.
Thank you to Miss Pippa for organising both KS2 events this week and to the parents and carers who were able to come along to support their children and for those who took part in the parents/carers races!
Congratulations again to the BLUE team - this afternoon's and the overall KS2 winning team.
Year 5 Trip: 12.7.23
Year 5 were invited to Patcham High School today to see their annual production of "All Shook Up"- a musical extravaganza. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience filled with "electrifying music, hilarious comedy and a whole lot of heart!"
We really appreciate Patcham High School inviting us and other local primary schools to see their production.
Year 6 Production: 11.7.23
Today, our Year 6 class put on their end of year production of The Wizard of Oz, firstly to the rest of the school and then to their family members.
The heart warming adaptation of the well loved story was performed with passion, talent and energy and was another wonderful celebration of the end of St Joseph's journey for our Year 6 pupils.
Mice, monkeys and munchkins, as well as the well-known characters - you were all amazing!
Thank you to the pupils and the Year 6 staff team for their combined efforts in putting the show together. Parents and carers - you are in for a treat this evening!
Drusillas Trip: 11.7.23
To support and enhance their Science learning this half term around animals, their offspring, their habitats, their diets and their adaptations, Year 2 visited Drusillas for the day.
They had a fantastic day with lots of Science learning and opportunities to get up close to different animals. They also had the opportunity to have a ride on the Safari Express, play in the play area and cool down in the Splash Zone.
Here are a few pictures. More to follow on Year 2's class page.
LKS2 Sports: 10.7.23
This afternoon, our Year 3 and 4 children took part in their Lower Key Stage 2 Sports. It was lovely to see so many of our positive learning behavious demonstrated such as determination, resilience and good sportsmanship, as well as skill and competitiveness.
Thank you to Miss Pippa for organising today's track and field events and to those parents and carers who were able to come along and support their children this afternoon.
Congratulations to the BLUE team our lower Key Stage 2 winners today!
First Holy Communions
Congratulations to Chidera and Sylvia who made their first Holy Communions last weekend. Thank you for sharing pictures of this special and momentous occasion with us.
On Monday, in school, the children wore their special outfits and we celebrated their First Holy Communions as a school family. The children invited a couple of friends and family members to share in the Communion Breakfast celebrations afterwards.
Year 4 Outdoor Learning:
Year 4 had a glorious day for their final outdoor learning session of the year. They made cross-curricular links making visual representations of clocks and did some Hapa Zome - an ancient Japanese art form based on leaf printing.
Here are a few pictures. More to follow on the Year 4 page.
Walk To School Festival: 6.7.23
We had a surprise visit from Piers the Meerkat today who came into school to see and celebrate how well our children have been doing this week with trying to walk, scoot or ride all of the way or part of the way to school.
Piers was so impressed when he saw the charts in each classroom and he loved meeting the children and seeing them in their learning environment.
KS1 Sports Day: 4.7.23
This morning was our KS1 Sport's Day. The children demonstrated skill and it was lovely to see their enthusiasm and energy while taking part in a variety of activities. Thank you parents and carers for coming along this morning to support your children.
Congratulations to this year's winners - the RED team!
Year 4 Trip : 3.7.23
Year 4 visited the Old Police Cells in Brighton today in the basement of Brighton's Town Hall. This visit, to support and enhance their History learning, gave them the opportunity to see the old cells, try on some pieces of uniform and handle some items as well as learning about individuals who had been in the cells and well-known Brighton Policemen and women.
Here are a few photos. More to follow on the Year 4 page.
Year 5 Trip :30.6.23
To support and enhance their learning, Year 5 went to Preston Park to visit the clock tower. Year 5 have just started reading 'Clockwork' by Phillip Pullman, which contains a great description of different parts of a clock and includes 'Glockenheim' a German town with a mysterious clock.
In art, Year 5 have finished their learning around monuments, structures and architecture. As an assessment of these skills and the techniques learnt, the children were challenged with drawing the great clock in Preston Park.
More pictures to follow on the Year 5 page
Military Fitness: 30.6.23
Our KS 2 classes were fortunate to experience team based fitness, fun and challenging military style activities today, involving camouflage nets, tug of war, games and bodyweight exercises.
The sessions reinforced positivity and encouraged a "can do" attitude. They helped the children to challenge themselves physically and mentally, both individually and as part of a team whilst also reinforcing confidence and self worth.
Congratulations to this week's STARS. It was lovely to hear what your class teachers had to say about each of you this week and share your successes in Celebration Assembly.
Reception: Lucus Year 1: Riley Year 2: Hannah Year 3: Scarlet Year 4: Theo Year 5: Eliana Year 6: Mark
1. YELLOW - 203 2. RED- 197 3. BLUE - 192 4. GREEN - 189
Head Teacher Awards:
Congratulations to these children who have received a Head Teacher's certificate during today's assembly. It was lovely to celebrate with you. We are so proud of you all.
Halle (Reception) Lily May and Honey (Year 2) Mini and Divine (Year 6)
Reception Picnic: 28.6.23
It was lovely to meet our new Reception starters and their families this afternoon again for a picnic. We are looking forward to welcoming them and their families again in September.
Year 3 Trip: 28.6.23
For his half terms outdoor learning experience, Year 3 visited the "Dew Pond" in our local area of Hollingdean.
Here are a few photos: More to follow on the Year 3 class page.
Leavers' Hoodies: 28.6.23
Our Year 6 children received their leavers' hoodies today - thank you to Mrs Jones for organising this.
The children looked so smart and today has reminded us how little time our Year 6's have left at St Joseph's and how much we need to fit in to the next three and a half weeks!
Year 2 Trip: 27.6.23
As part of their History learning, Year 2 visited Preston Manor and Preston Park. They learnt about the jobs servants in Victorian times would do and what life was like for them.
Our Year 2 children even assisted with some of the daily duties like sweeping, laying the table, polishing cutlery and making beds.
After their visit, the children had lunch in Preston Park. After finding out about different toys from the Victorian era, the children realised how lucky they are and spent time in the play park of today!
Here are a few photos. More pictures to follow on the Year 2 page.
PGL : 23.6.23
Our Year 6 class have had a wonderful residential experience this weekend. They were a pleasure to take away showing determination, resilience, perseverance, good sportsmanship and respect at all times.
The weather was HOT, the activities were CHALLENGING and the children were AMAZING!
Mrs Skinner, Miss Pippa, Miss Redmond and Mrs Jones were very proud of each and every one of you. Here are a few photos:
Saturday morning - archery and trapeze. Saturday afternoon - Sensory trail and climbing wall.
Sunday morning - abseiling and fencing.
Sunday afternoon - giant swing and raft building
More pictures to follow on the Year 6 page soon.
We are excited to be taking part in the first Brighton & Hove Walking Festival- a chance to celebrate the joy of walking and all its benefits. The Walking Festival is the perfect opportunity to explore or rediscover the city and its surroundings.
The festival runs from Saturday 24th June up until Sunday 9th July. We are encouraging children and their families to take part in some of the organised walking festival walks or to try to walk to and from school during this period.
Each class will have charts and stickers to document their walking achievements!
Click HERE for more information about the walking festival.
Reception Class Trip :23.6.23
As part of this half-term's learning around the theme, "Under The Sea," the Reception Class went rock-pooling at Rottingdean! They also went on the i360 getting a bird's eye view of Brighton, had a play in the play area and enjoyed an ice cream!
Pictures to follow on the EYFS class page.
Congratulations to this week's STARS - it was lovely to celebrate with you and hear what your teachers had to say about you this week.
Reception: Eli Year 1: Skye Year 2: Eira Year 3: Sylvia Year 4: Chidera Year 5: Tia Year 6: Peter
Congratulations to this week's DOJO champions: the BLUES!
1. BLUE: 186 2. RED: 175 3.YELLOW: 169 4. GREEN: 162
Art Workshop: 23.6.23
Some of our Year 5 pupils were invited to an art workshop this week called "Collectarium" around the theme, "How do you feel?" at the Phoenix Gallery. The children had the opportunity to look around the exhibition and to take part in a mask-making workshop.
Good Shepherd Celebration: 22.6.23
Today, Mrs Foan and Mrs Cox and four children attended the Diocesan Good Shepherd Celebration. Every year, the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton invites all of its schools to a special celebration of the Good Shepherd - this year it was held at Arundel Cathedral, celebrating its 150th anniversary and was led by Bishop Richard.
Each school took a personalised sheep - ours looked very smart in its St Joseph's school jumper! Afterwards, we were invited to take away another school's sheep.
It was lovely for all the schools in the Diocese to come together for this celebration.
Withdean Athletics: 21.6.23
This Wednesday, we took a squad of 33 athletes to Withdean Stadium for the Small Schools Athletics Competition. The children took part in a variety of track and field events.
We were so proud of every single one of our competitors - who all showed determination, perseverance, resilience and great sportsmanship!
We came third overall in our division! Thank you to Miss Pippa for organising and coordinating today.
Pizza Express: 20.6.23
Year 6 had a trip out today , taking the bus into town and then visiting Pizza Express! They learnt about good food, tasted a range of fresh ingredients, and of course, made authentic, Italian pizzas.
The children were shown by the pizzaiolo (pizza chef) how to make a famous, Italian classic: the Margherita. They kneaded the dough to create the perfect base. They then topped their base with Pizza Express's famous passata sauce, mozzarella and basil.
Whilst their pizzas were cooking in the giant pizza oven, the children took part in an ingredients quiz - tasting and learning about different ingredients and toppings such as artichoke, goat's cheese and capers.
What an informative and educational visit........ and the pizzas were absolutely delicious!
National Sports Week : 19.6.23
This week is National Sports Week. Their focus is to encourage young children to be active for a minimum of 60 minutes each day. We have been supporting this at St Joseph's this week. Here are a few photos of Year 1 and 2's challenges:
Year 2 Outdoor Learning: 16.6.23
With plenty of rehydration breaks and using the shade from the wooded area to keep cool, Year 2 had a great final outdoor learning experience today.
Linked to their Science learning, they created suncatchers to find out which leaves were translucent and which were opaque.
The children used natural objects to create their own artwork. Here are a few pictures - have a look on the Year 2 page for more.
Well done to this week's DOJO champions - the GREEN team.
1. GREEN - 232 2. RED-219 3. BLUE - 217 4. YELLOW - 204
It was lovely, as always, to hear what your class teachers had to say about you in this week's Celebration Assembly.
Congratulations to this week's STARS :
Reception: Penelope Year 1: James Year 2: Jasper Year 3: Antonia Year 4: Brandon Year 5: Blessing Year 6: Tiana
Congratulations to the following children who have recently shared three pieces of work with Mrs Foan. We love celebrating and hearing about your learning and your achievements.
We are very proud of: Kiedis and Logan (Reception) Jasper (Year 2) and Bethany (Year 6)
Reception Class Outdoor Learning: 14.6.23
Our Reception Class enjoyed their last outdoor learning experience today, managing to keep cool in the shade of the trees. Due to the heat, they were only outside for a short amount of time today and will be visiting the beach for half a day later in the month.
Today, they explored the mud kitchen, began the process of flower pressing and created an over-sized marble run!
They also filleted and cooked some mackerel and sea bass on the fire!
Here are a few photos - more pictures to follow on the EYFS class page.
New Starters: 9.6.23
It was lovely to welcome our new starters for next year's Reception Class in September in to school today with their parents and carers.
The children had the opportunity to explore their new classroom and outdoor environment and to meet some of the staff who will be working in Early Years with them next year.
It was lovely to meet the children and their families and we look forward to meeting them later in the month for a picnic!
Year 1 Outdoor Learning: 9.6.23
Year 1 had a beautiful day for their final outdoor learning session for this academic year. Here are a few photos - have a look on the Year 1 class page to see some more!
Congratulations to the following children who received a Head Teacher's certificate during today's Celebration Assembly.
George, Lyla-Mae and Robert-Junior (Reception) Skye (Year 1) Tealaa (Year 2) Scarlett (Year 5)
We are very proud of you all.
Well done to this week's STARS who we celebrated with this morning in assembly.
Reception: George Year 1: King Year 2: Ivy Year 3: Darcy Year 4: Freddie Year 5: Julian Year 6: Priya
Congratulations to the YELLOW team - this week's DOJO champions.
1. YELLOW - 197 2. GREEN - 188 3. BLUE - 182 4. RED - 179
Activity Passports : 5.6.23
What wonderful weather we have had during the half term break - this has provided the perfect plenty of opportunity to complete the Activity Passports during the final week of the Passport Challenge.
Thank you to parents and carers for your support with giving your children these opportunities and experiences and and sharing them with us. We have enjoyed seeing what you have all been up to!
Here are a few pictures from the half-term break showing our KS 1 pupils visiting a farm, making a paper boat and watching it float, drawing a self-portrait and making biscuits.
Our KS 2 pupils have been busy learning to fly a kite, taking a photograph of nature, helping to cook dinner and visiting somewhere new in the local area.
Ray went pond dipping, Audrey spent a day at her cousin's school in Germany and Andre made a Viking longboat.
Thank you parents and carers for your ongoing support with raising attendance and improving punctuality at St Joseph's.
We had 57 children's names in our end of half -term 100% attendance raffle today!
Congratulations to Kira in Year 2 whose name was pulled out in this morning's Celebration Assembly.
Kira won some outdoor games including a bubble maker and a frisbee.
Here are the final week of this half term's DOJO totals:
RED - 198 2. BLUE - 190 3. YELLOW - 188 4. GREEN - 184
The overall winners for this half term are the RED team! Congratulations!
Crowning of Mary: 24.5.23
There is a long-standing tradition, the May Crowning of Mary, honouring Mary, the mother of Jesus in the month of May.
Today, the children were led class-by-class to the statue of Our Lady where she was crowned. The children came together to sing as they processed towards one of our Mary statues.
In a "May Crowning" Mary is presented with a floral crown and other handmade items. Each child and adult was invited to honour Mary with the gift of a flower which adorned her statue.
Thank you parents and carers for sending in flowers today.
Activity Passports: 24.5.23
As we come into the final week of the Activity Passports, it has been lovely to look back at all of the experiences you have taken part in.
Here are a few pictures from this week showing Audrey trying a new food, Ronnie finding out about pond life, Finn researching a Scientist and Julian preparing a meal for the family.
Celebrating Learning: 23.5.23
It has been lovely to invite parents and carers in this week so that each class can share and celebrate different aspects of their learning with friends and family.
The Reception Class had a shared stay and play session in which the children and their carers made wind chimes to represent the Holy Spirit and Year 5 performed a Saxon musical! Year 4 had a catwalk based on their theme "The World's Kitchen" and Years 1 and 3 celebrated their learning from throughout the year.
Thank you parents and carers for coming in this week and for your on-going support.
French Culture Week:
The last week of each half term is based around a different aspect of French culture. This half term the focus is on French food.
Year 6 learnt about a "Croque Monsieur" - a French café speciality and then made and enjoyed their own.
Year 4 wrote down the names of their desired toppings (in French) and then made their own crêpes - a traditional French dish.
Each class also linked their art work to the same theme and looked at a different painting by the French artist Matisse, all of which depicted food. Here are some pictures:
Year 6 Outdoor Learning: 22.3.23
Year 6 had a lovely day for their fifth outdoor learning session today. Some children even came into school dressed as Vikings!
To support and enhance their History learning, they found out about Viking shields and designed and created their own. They also played teams game with the Anglo-Saxons versus the Vikings.
More pictures to follow on the Year 6 class page.
St Joseph's is excited to be part of "Our City. Our World," Brighton and Hove's Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Education programme.
We are pioneers in this project and the vision is that it becomes embedded in all educational settings. Please click HERE to have a look at the website to see how you can play your part in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability.
Miss Cross is the lead teacher for the project and as part of the project launch in the community, she will be sending out a survey next half term so that we will be able to see what climate change means to you and your families.
Activity Passports
Our KS 1 classes are doing brilliantly with their Activity Passports and it is lovely to see all the different experiences you are doing.
Here are a few pictures from this week including building a den, visiting a farm, going on a Spring walk and playing a board game.
Make a sandwich, make a daisy chain and roll down a hill.
We would love to see some more pictures sent in from our KS2 children - remember you have until Monday 5th June to complete.
Congratulations to Evie-Rae (Year 4) and Tiana (Year 6) who received Head Teacher certificates in Friday's Celebration Assembly.
Congratulations to this week's STARS! We are so proud of you all.
Reception: Enzo Year 1: Lealand Year 2: Shania Year 3: Sindy Year 4: John Year 5: Harlie Year 6: Rueben
Congratulations to the BLUE team - this week's DOJO champions!
All is to play for, as we come into the last week of the half-term, so keep demonstrating those positive learning behaviours.
Here are this week's totals:
1. BLUE - 276 2. GREEN - 249 3. YELLOW - 245 4. RED - 219
Football Festival : 17.5.23
We took 6 girls to Whitehawk City Academy this afternoon to take part in a football festival based around the Disney Shooting Stars programme. The Disney Shooting Starts programme has been developed by the YST and FA to encourage girls to take part in football.
The programme uses the power of Disney to get more children active and involved in the game. The activities the girls took part in today focused on fundamental movement skills and making football accessible to all.
Well done girls - we were very proud of you all.
Year 4 Outdoor Learning Day: 17.5.23
Year 4 had a "smashing" and "egg-siting" time this morning! They worked in small groups using different boxes, tubes, paper, bubble wrap, balloons etc. to safely wrap an egg (that each group had named!)
They worked together to protect their eggs from a fall off the wall (just like Humpty Dumpty!)
And 3 out of the 5 eggs survived the drop!
Mental Health Awareness Week : 15.5.23 - 21.5.23
Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all and is the theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week which runs throughout the week.
Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.
Although mental health is an ongoing priority for us at St Joseph's, Mental Health Awareness Week is an ideal time for us to think about mental health, tackle stigma, and find out how we can create a society that prevents mental health problems from developing and protects our mental well-being.
Each class took part in activities supporting this. Have a look on each class page to see what they did.
Year 2 talked about how they feel when they are worried about something. They wrote a worry or something that might make them feel a bit anxious on a balloon.
They then let their balloons go, and their worries went too. They felt that sharing their worries, by writing them down, had helped them.
Arundel Wetland Centre: 16.5.23 
"Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT"
Reception and Year 5 went for a visit to Arundel Wetland Centre today.
Nestled within the South Downs National park, WWT Arundel provides unique opportunities for learners of all ages and abilities to interact with birds and other wildlife from the UK and across the world and to give children real-life experiences and hands-on activities.
The Reception Class took part in a pond-dipping experience uncovering incredible underwater life. Linked to their Science learning in school, Year 5 learnt about different bird's adaptations based on the environment they live in.
The children had a fantastic day out! Pictures to follow on the class pages shortly.
Here are some pictures from the Reception Class:
Here are some pictures from Year 5:
Maypole Dancing : 15.5.23
Today, to celebrate and learn more about the traditions associated with May Day, we were joined by Kate, a professional dancer, for maypole dancing workshops.
Accompanied by traditional folk music, the children learnt to keep rhythm, count steps and create patterns and then how to reverse their dance to unwind the ribbons!
Here are a few pictures from KS2. Have a look on the other class pages for more pictures.
Activity Passports: 12.5.23
Our KS1 pupils have been amazing again this week sharing the experiences they have completed from their class Activity Passports.
Here are a few pictures showing our children making biscuits, going on a Spring walk, visiting a farm and making a den.
Try a new fruit, search for butterflies outdoors and go on a Spring walk.
End of SAT's treat: 12.5.23
Year 6 have finished their KS2 SAT's! They have been so focused all week and we have been very proud of each and every one of them.
Today, they came together for a final class breakfast, had biscuits and hot chocolate straight after their test and this afternoon, they had a little "chill time" and an afternoon treat of pizzas delivered and an ice lolly.
SAT's Prayers
We had some beautiful prayers written by our Year 6 pupils which were read out before each SAT's test this week.
Thank you to the children who took the time to write a prayer and for your well-thought out and meaningful words.
Here are a couple of them:
Dear Lord, Help us, not only with this test, but with the many tests of life that are sure to come our way. Be gracious with what we have overlooked and help us to remain focussed and calm and confident in the facts and in our abilities and also firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens, you are there with us. Amen.
Divine
Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for the knowledge you have given us. Please guide us and give us the tools to succeed in life and bless us with the knowledge and wisdom you have. Please guide us through today's tests, giving us within every page, faith. Amen.
Mini.
Year 3 Outdoor Learning: 12.5.23
Today, Year 3 have had their fifth outdoor learning day this year, cooking outdoors as a focus.
Here are a few pictures. Have a look on the Year 3 class page for more pictures and information shortly.
Congratulations to these children who have been awarded a Head Teacher certificate after sharing their work on three occasions with Mrs Foan and Mrs Skinner:
Enzo and Adam (Reception) and Chidera, Tate and Wiktor (Year 4)
Congratulations to this week's STARS. We are very proud of all of you and it is lovely to read and share what your class teachers have said about you.
Reception: Kiedis Year 1: Taylor Year 2: Sophia Year 3: Jaklyn Year 4: Harel Year 5: Legend Year 6: Mini
Congratulations to the RED team - this week's DOJO champions!
1. RED - 192 2. BLUE - 185 3. GREEN - 182 4. YELLOW - 172
Hockey Festival: 10.5.23
We took a squad of ten Year 5 pupils to Blatchington Mill High School to take part in a Hockey Festival. The festival was aimed at children who are new to hockey and for those would enjoy taking part in some skill based activities and fun matches.
The afternoon was led by Ms Russell, the hockey coach at Blatchington Mill along with some of the Blatchington Mill sports leaders.
The children learnt new hockey skills and then applied them to friendly matches. Our team won all four of their matches!
Our children displayed great team spirit and perseverance. We were very proud of Kowen who was picked out for a special "determination" award. Well done - we were very proud of you all.
Year 6 SAT's : 9.5.23
This week is end of KS2 SAT's week. The children will be coming in to school bright and early for a class breakfast each day and for a quick revision session before sitting the tests.
Good luck to all of our Year 6's this week -we are very proud of how you have worked in preparation for these standard assessment tests.
Activity Passports: 8.5.23
We have received several emails over the Bank Holiday weekend from children sharing experiences from their Activity Passports. Thank you parents and carers for your support with this. It is lovely to see what the children have been up to.
Here are a few photos showing children visiting a farm, making a daisy chain, creating a piece of artwork and going on a hunt for insects and small creatures.
Local Links: 5.5.23
As part of our links with the local community, a small group of our Year 2 children went over to Grove Park Care and Nursing Home this morning.
The children worked alongside some of the residents and took part in some creative Coronation themed craft activities. It was a lovely opportunity to come together again with others in our local community.
Coronation : 5.5.23
We are celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III in school today. The children came into school wearing red, white and blue clothes or came dressed regally as a King or Queen!
The children took part in a variety of Coronation -related activities in the morning e.g. crown making, designing a Coronation coin, making cucumber sandwiches, making bunting, and baking scones for a traditional cream tea!
Each child brought home a commemorative pin badge on Wednesday. Thanks to the FOSJ's for funding these special mementos.
We came together for a whole school celebration on the front lawn in the afternoon to mark this momentous occasion. The children had party food and drink in their decorated bags and it was lovely to celebrate this occasion together as a whole school community.
It has been a short week this week but the adults in school have noticed lots of children demonstrating positive learning behaviours across the school. Well done - it is lovely to see how focused and engaged the children are in their learning when walking around the school.
Several children have also been rewarded with DOJOS for their contributions to the Activity Passport challenges.
Here are this week's totals:
1. GREEN - 96 2. BLUE - 92 3. YELLOW - 89 4. RED - 80
Swimming: 4.5.23
.jpg)
Our Year 5 class started their swimming lessons today at Surrenden Pool. They will be swimming every Thursday (except June 22nd) up until the end of term.
The swimming instructor Rachel and the staff who accompanied Year 5 were very impressed with the children's positive attitude, resilience and determination.
We look forward to seeing how they progress over the next 9 weeks.
Activity Passport
It has been lovely to see the emails coming in evidencing the different activities the children have been participating in as part of each year group's Activity Passport.
This week's activities have included going on a Spring walk, designing and playing a board game, planting some seeds and going out for a play-day.
Thank you parents and carers for your support with these experiences.
Outdoor Learning : 3.5.23
The sun shone today on our EYFS class for their fifth outdoor learning session. The children worked together to make a "bug hotel" using natural and found resources from our outside environment to create different areas for our bugs to stay.
They looked in damp and dark places and found some bugs and creatures ready to move into their new surroundings!
Outdoor Learning : 28.4.23
Year 1 braved a drizzly start to their fifth outdoor learning curriculum day. Have a look on their class page to see what activities they took part in. Here are a few pictures:
Congratulations to these children who have been awarded a Head Teacher Certificate for 3 visits to share their work with Mrs Foan.
We are very proud of you all.
Ruby (Year 6) and Logan, Teddy, Lyla-Mae and Robert-Junior (Reception)
Congratulations to this week's STARS, who we celebrated with in our Friday morning assembly.
Reception: Teddy Year 1: Tyler Year 2: Tealaa-Rose Year 3: Audrey Year 4: Tate Year 5: Scarlett and Junior Year 6: Archie
Congratulations to the YELLOW team who were awarded a huge 313 DOJOS over the last week for demonstrating positive learning behaviours.
1. YELLOW - 313 2. GREEN - 309 3. RED- 275 4. BLUE - 232
Activity Passports
Thank you to everyone who has already sent in evidence of the Activity Passport challenges they have been taking part in. It is lovely to see the different activities and new experiences the children have been doing.
Year 2 are doing brilliantly! Thank you Parents and Carers for your support with this. Here are a few photos from this week:
At St Joseph's School we are proud of our diversity and the vast number of languages spoken by our families.
At St Joseph's, every half term, we celebrate the languages besides English which are spoken at home by some of our pupils.
Each half term, we try to learn a few useful phrases and words, to answer the register and say "please" and "thank you" and "hello" and "goodbye" in our chosen language. The child/children who speak the chosen language will help their classmates learn the correct pronunciation and will share picture books written in their home language as well as in English.
These are the languages for this half term:
Year 1: Thai Year 2: Cantonese Year 3: Dutch Year 4: Pashto Year 5: German Year 6: Polish
Stunning Starts!
As a launch for their new Humanities topics this term, each class has had a "stunning start" as an introduction to their History learning.
As a hands-on introduction to their theme "Crime and Punishment," Year 4 came into their classroom to discover a crime scene and had to use different techniques to discover who had stolen their class IPAD.
To introduce their new theme, "Flight," Year 1 used straws and string to create their own bubble wands. They then had a go at making their own bubbles and watched them fly away.
Year 2 made time machines and all things "space" as part of their topic launch.
Have a look on your child's class page for pictures of their stunning start soon.
Mrs Foan has been busy this week as lots of children have been sent to see her to share their fantastic work.
Congratulations to Lily May (Year 2) Blessing (Year 5) Mark , Lukas, Tia, Tegan, Morgan, Mark, Jack (Year 6)
Congratulations to this week's STARS. We love celebrating with you in Friday's special assembly. We are very proud of you all.
Year 1: Jason Year 2: Mila Year 3: Anhelina Year 4: Amelia V Year 5: Oleh Year 6: Sergio
Well done everyone - you have come back to school ready to learn and have been demonstrating positive learning behaviours during this first week back.
Congratulations to the RED team who collected the most DOJOS this week.
1. RED - 167 2. GREEN - 152 3. YELLOW - 119 4. BLUE - 105
Each child in the school should have brought home an "Activity Passport" this week. These passports encourage more family time and help build children’s character and resilience as well as giving them new and varied experiences.
The children have until Monday June 5th to complete as many of the challenges/activities as possible. Please email in photos to myhomework@st-josephs.brighton-hove.sch.uk so that we can see what they have been doing.
All challenges evidenced and shared will be rewarded with DOJOS! Please send your photos in. We love seeing them.
There will be a display celebrating some of the activities in the foyer soon as well as photos on this page and the individual class pages.
Outdoor Learning: 19.4.23
Our Year 2 class had their first Summer Term outdoor learning session today and luckily for them the sun came out for them.
They used different sized twigs to make dreamcatchers, made palm crosses, explored the mud kitchen and went on a nature hunt spotting different birds, flowers, plants and mini-beasts in our outdoor environment.
Have a look on the Year 2 class page for more photos and information.
Easter Egg-citement : 31.3.23
The Easter Bunny (aka the FOSJ's) has visited and we have just taken delivery of 170 Easter Eggs!
Today, each class had an Easter Egg Hunt based around their current learning! Once the children had completed their hunt, they were able to choose an egg to take home.
Thank you to the FOSJ's for funding this treat.
Attendance : 31.3.23
Today, we celebrated attendance in assembly - we were delighted to present medals to 18 children who have had 100% attendance for the whole of the Spring Term and a sticker and a treat to 45 children who have achieved 100% during the second half of the Spring half term.
Congratulations to all of these children and their parents and carers - together, we are improving attendance at St Joseph's.
Head Teacher's Challenge: 31.3.23
This half term, the theme for the Head Teacher's challenge was performance poetry. During Friday's assembly, the two children selected from each class performed their chosen pieces to the school.
Congratulations to Chidera, Lily-Mae, Eira, Eddy, Tiana and Jenny who stood up in assembly and read their pieces out.
Congratulations to these children who received a Head Teacher's certificate during today's Celebration Assembly.
We are very proud of you all.
George (Reception) Isla B, Harvey, Kira, Ronnie (Year 2) Leona (Year 3) Harry, Zachary, Wiktor, Rhianna (Year 4)
and in Year 5 Scarlett (HT medal) and Harlie (HT pencil)
As we didn't have a Celebration Assembly last week, some classes have two STARS this week! It was lovely to hear so many positive things from your teachers at the end of another term.
Reception: Robert-Junior Year 1: Freddie and Mark Year 2: Honey Year 3: Sonny and Leona Year 4: Wiktor and Lok Tin Year 5: Finn and Calib Year 6: Lukas
The DOJOS have been collected and counted and here are this week's results:
1. YELLOW - 271 2. GREEN - 268 3. RED-265 4. BLUE - 257
There is actually a draw for this half term's overall winners! Both RED and YELLOW have won 2 weeks each!
The ultimate winning team will be decided in Friday's Celebration Assembly by a tie-break challenge!
The YELLOW team were the Spring 2 DOJO champions! Well done!
French Culture Week: 30.3.23
At the end of each half -term, the classes in KS2 focus on an aspect of French culture. The focus this week has been famous French people - historical figures, sportsmen and women, politicians and fashion designers etc.
Alongside this, in their art lessons, each class looked at the work and life of a different French artist or sculptor and drew their portrait.
Year 3 looked at Henri Matisse, a French artist known for his use of colour. Year 4 focused on George Seurat: a post - impressionist artist. The children applied the technique of pointillism to their portraits - a painting technique devised by Seurat himself.
Year 5 demonstrated their pencil techniques and composed line drawings of Claude Monet. Year 6 learnt about Toulouse Lautrec and chose their own medium to draw his portrait.
Big Lent Walk: 30.3.23
We are proud to be joining in with the "Big Lent Walk" helping to raise money and support global poverty. The big Lent walk is organised by CAFOD and this is our chosen charity for Lent.
The children looked very sporty in preparation for their walk - either around the playground or for Years 5 and 6, a short walk in the local community.
We really appreciate your generosity through voluntary donations to support this charity's work. We collected £165 today!
Click HERE to find out more about CAFOD and where your donations will go.
Year 3 Outdoor Learning : 30.3.23
Year 3 had a great outdoor learning experience today! They started off with some "outdoor art" - using natural objects to create an image or a 3D sculpture. They then collected some wood and made sandwiches, which they toasted over the fire! Yum, yum!
Year 6 Trip : 29.3.23
To support and enhance their understanding around their Power of Reading book, "Goodnight Mr Tom," Year 6 visited Down's Junior School where they had a tour of the air-raid shelter built underneath the school playground.
They also had a workshop led by WWII veterans who were able to give them a personal insight into what life was like in Brighton during WWII. The morning finished off with a Q and A session.
It was such a fantastic learning experience for our Year 6 pupils. More pictures to follow on the Year 6 class page.
Year 4 Outdoor Learning : 28.3.23
Despite a bit of drizzle this morning, Year 4 had a great outdoor learning experience today with the sun coming out for their afternoon session!
Linked to their Geography theme "World's Kitchen," the children took part in a measuring and conversion activity working out the distances different imported foods have to travel from their origin to us.
The children collected sticks ready for their afternoon camp fire, on which they cooked pineapple kebabs dipped in brown sugar - yum yum!
Easter Assembly: 27.3.23
KS2 were joined by Brighton and Hove City Mission for an Easter Assembly today. The assembly focused on the sacrifice that Jesus made for Christians.
The toothpaste tube analogy demonstrated was very powerful and really made us think about when we have sinned and the fact that you can't reverse the sin but you can make amends and make changes and start afresh.
Balance Bikes
Our EYFS and Year 1 pupils are receiving balance bike training every morning this week.
Balance bike training offers a great introduction to cycling, developing the essential skills of agility, balance and coordination needed to ride.
Delivered on specific bikes without pedals, the game-based sessions focus on encouraging young children to push and glide.
Here are a few photos. More to follow on the St Anne's and St Clare's Class page.
Outdoor Learning: 27.3.23
We have a busy week indoors and out this week with five classes taking part in their outdoor learning experiences this week!
Today, our Year 2 class were outside and the weather was kind to them this time! They incorporated applying their measuring skills to the outdoor environment, learnt about different leaves, created Easter Gardens and then collected sticks and made a fire to cook hot dogs on!
More pictures to follow on the Year 2 class page.
Bikeability: 24.3.23
Our Year 5 pupils had a Bikeability Fix session today. Bikeability Fix shows riders how to prepare their cycles for a journey and fix a puncture. The children learnt about the different tools and what they would be used for when fixing parts of a bike.
The training can improve the roadworthiness of cycles and knowing how to check a cycle and repair a puncture will give riders confidence to use their cycles after Bikeability at any level.
Year 1 Outdoor Learning: 24.3.23
Year 1 were outside today for their fourth outdoor learning session this year and luckily the sun came out for them!
During the morning they took part in several activities including measuring the circumference of different trees to find their age and learning the art of whittling using potato peelers! They also planted some seeds, cut some firewood and explored the mud kitchen!
Our whole school theme this half term is cooking outside so in the afternoon, the children collected sticks and made a fire on which they cooked some popcorn!
Once Upon A Time......24.3.23
Our Reception Class are learning all about castles at the moment and today, they went to visit one! The children caught the train to Lewes and spent the day at the castle there.
The children took part in the story of the 3 brave knights and the big, bad dragon, based on the 3 little pigs text. The children had the opportunity to handle medieval artefacts and try on armour!
They then explored the castle, dressed up and took part in a medieval dance and explored the museum.
What a fantastic learning experience! More pictures to follow on St Anne's Class page soon.
The DOJOS for the last two weeks have been collected and counted and we have a draw!
Congratulations to the RED and YELLOW teams who collected the most DOJO points over the last two weeks. This leaves it very open for this half - term's winners! Keep demonstrating those positive learning behaviours!
1. RED and YELLOW - 571 3. BLUE - 567 4. GREEN - 535
Movie Nights
Thank you very much to the FOSJ's for organising and running two successful movie nights.
Today, our KS 1 pupils enjoyed a drink and a snack whilst watching "The Lion King" with their friends. Tomorrow , our KS2 pupils will have the opportunity to watch "Shrek."
We are very grateful to the FOSJ's for their support and for organising and running a variety of fundraising activities , which all contribute to enhancing the provision for our children. Have a look on the FOSJ's page to see how some of their money has been spent.
Easter Raffle
Thank you for your donations for the Easter Raffle Hampers - also organised by the FOSJ's. They are looking good so far!
Raffle tickets will be on sale next week and any more Easter related donations would be much appreciated.
Thank you again for your support.
23.3.23
Following the successful visits of our choir and our Reception Class who performed some songs for the residents at Christmas time, a small group of our Year 2 children went over to Grove Park Care and Nursing Home this afternoon.
They worked alongside some of the residents and took part in some creative Easter activities. It was a lovely opportunity to come together with others in our local community.
St Joseph's Day : 20.03.23
Today, we celebrated the feast day of St Joseph with a range of creative activities across the school. Father Kieron came into school and joined us this morning to celebrate and honour St Joseph with a Mass.
Here are a few photos showing how we celebrated St Joseph's Day. Joseph was a carpenter so several of our activities were based around woodcrafts. Some were based around the flower associated with St Joseph - the lily. We even had some tool shaped biscuits!
Today was a really special day. We are proud that St Joseph is the patron saint for our school.
Let's Dance : 16.3.23
Today, we took 19 amazing dancers from Years 4, 5 and 6 to the Dome for the annual "Let's Dance" show. Pupils from schools from across Brighton and Hove have performed every night this week and it was our turn on Thursday night!
The dance, choreographed by Miss Azor and the children, was entitled "Arabian Nights" and was based around a medley of songs.
Here are a few photos from this morning's dress rehearsal.
The evening performance was absolutely amazing! We were so proud of each and every one of you! Here are a few photos of the children getting ready for their performance.
Thank you parents and carers for your support at tonight's performance.
P.E.
Year 1 and 2's P.E. focus this half term is orienteering. This week the children have been planning their own routes using arrows and cones and using the language of N, S, E and W compass directions.
Congratulations to Adam in Reception and Audrey in Year 3 who were presented with a Head Teacher's certificate in Celebration Assembly. We are so proud of you both.
Well done to this week's STARS. It was lovely to hear what your teachers had to say about you during today's Celebration Assembly.
Reception - Lyla Year 1- Maryam Year 2 - Leo Year 3 - Archie Year 4 - Year 5 - Jenny Year 6 - Vera
This week's DOJOS have been counted and the results are in! Congratulations to this week's winners - the BLUE team.
1. BLUE- 329 2. GREEN - 263 3. YELLOW - 260 4. RED- 250
Safety Net Visit: 9.3.23
Year 6 had a visit from Ruth Davey today who led a workshop based around the theme, 'My Life - On and Offline' Within the workshop, the children discussed the social media apps they knew of and used, as well as the age restrictions on these apps. The children discussed the effect of comments, and how things can be taken differently online when you cannot use body language, tone, and gestures.
Using a video clip, the class identified the 'red flags' from the video, including the sharing of personal information such as full names, ages, addresses, and whereabouts at specific times, and the dangers of sharing this.
Finally, the children shared some of the early warning signs that their bodies use to tell them they are in an uncomfortable situation, like feeling nervous or nauseous, and Ruth stressed how important it is to be a supportive bystander when we witness something.
Sushi and the sea - 8.3.23
Year 4 braved the elements today for their school trip. As part of their Geography theme, "The World's Kitchen," they visited Moshimo, a Japanese restaurant in Brighton.
The children were split into two groups - one group learnt the art of using chopsticks to pick up Edamame beans while the other group learnt how to make their own Maki rolls! It was a really informative and engaging session and we are very grateful to Moshimo for providing our pupils with this opportunity to enhance their Geography learning.
Then, the children went down to Brighton Beach where they did their bit for the environment with a true/false quiz and some litter picking. They also worked in groups to create stone sculptures based on the work of Andy Goldsworthy before enjoying traditional English food in the form of a chip butty!
The children were brilliant! Here are a few pictures. More to follow on the Year 4 class page.
Pedestrian Training : 8.3.23
Today, Year 3 had their second pedestrian training session - this time learning how to cross the road safely both inside and outside the school grounds.
World Book Day : 3.3.23
It was an absolute joy to see so many book characters coming into school today! Both children and staff looked fantastic! Thank you parents and carers for your support with today - you are so creative!
Here are a few photos - more to follow on the class pages:
Well done to Sophia and Yasmin (Year 2) and George (Year 5) who received a Head Teacher's certificate during Friday's Celebration Assembly. It was lovely to celebrate your moment with the whole school family.
Congratulations to this week's STARS! We are very proud of you all!
Reception: Adam Year 1: Ruby W Year 2 : Isla T Year 3: Frankie Year 4: Emelia T Year 5: George Year 6: Misty
Wow! So many DOJOS have been given out this week for children demonstrating positive learning behaviours! Well done to everyone.
Congratulations to this week's highest DOJO collectors - the GREEN team.
1. GREEN -321 2. BLUE - 293 3. RED - 227 4. YELLOW - 211
PE across the school
It is lovely to see the high quality physical education curriculum we have at St Joseph's in action! Here are a few photos from this week's Year 6 gymnastics, Year 4 volleyball and Year 2 orienteering lessons demonstrating a broad range of skills.
World Book Day : 3.2.23
As school is closed tomorrow Thursday March 2nd for Industrial Action, we will be celebrating World Book Day on Friday 3rd March. The theme follows the message "You are a reader" and each class will focus on a favourite book and the joy of reading and sharing a book.
Children may come into school on Friday dressed as a character from a fairy tale/traditional tale. Please try to be as creative as possible with items you already have at home - there is no need to buy a costume.
We look forward to seeing your creative costumes and story characters on Friday!
Pedestrian Training : 1.3.23
Our Year 3 children began their pedestrian training today. The aim of these sessions run by Brighton and Hove City Council is to raise children's observation and awareness skills while crossing roads with an adult and to provide children with road safety skills in preparation for independent travel. The training today took place in the school car park.
Click HERE for a link to more information to support Year 3's Pedestrian Training.
Cake Sale: 28.2.23
Our Year 6 children's Geography theme this term is called "DISASTER" and looks at the causes and the impact of natural disasters such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Following the recent disaster, the children in Year 6 were moved by the footage seen on the news and arranged their own cake sale in order to reach out and help those families affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
One Year 6 pupil did some fundraising out of school too. Thank you to Year 6 for organising today's cake sale and to everyone who bought in donations or who bought cakes to support this cause.
Please keep those affected by this devastating event in your prayers.
Thanks to your support, we raised over £200!
St Richard's Visit: 27.2.23
As part of their R.E. learning based around sharing and giving during Lent, the Reception Class decided they wanted to support a local food bank.
They brought in donations, carried them across the road to St Richards, weighed out some items and helped put them out on the shelves.
The Reception Class children were happy that they were able to share some of what they had with others.
Have a look on their class page for some more photos and a video.
Drama Visit: 27.2.23
EYFS and KS 1 were delighted to have a drama workshop/visit this week.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the circus-based drama experience led by Perform Theatre Group based around a clown who had lost its smile - they were challenged to get the smile back by pulling funny faces and performing circus tricks!
Congratulations to the first STARS of this half term. We love celebrating with you and hearing the wonderful things your teachers have to say about you during Friday's assembly.
Reception: Coby Year 1: Jack Year 2: Lily-May Year 3: Anhelina Year 4: Luca Year 5: Alicia Year 6: Ruby
Congratulation to these children who received a Head Teacher's certificate during today's Celebration Assembly. It has been lovely for Mrs Foan and Mrs Skinner to see so many children sharing their learning during this first week back.
Ivy and Jasper (Year 2) Sylvia (Year 3) Tate (Year 4) Oleh, Emellia, Julian, Frankie, Alicia, Aleka, and Jenny (Year 5) and Tiana (Year 6)
Despite this week being a short week, the DOJOS for demonstrating positive learning behaviours have been coming in and the totals are close! Congratulations to the RED team - this week's highest DOJO collectors!
1. RED - 85 2. YELLOW - 82 3. BLUE - 72 4. GREEN - 69
Netball Festival: 23.2.23
Today we took a group of Year 5 and 6's to Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre for a Netball Festival. The festival was for girls and boys who might be new to Netball and would like to develop their netball skills.
The 10 children took part in some skills-based activities followed by some matches.
The children had a great time and Miss Azor and Mrs Cox were very impressed with their skills, good-sportsmanship and attitude.
Language of the half-term
At St Joseph's School we are proud of our diversity and the vast number of languages spoken by our families.
At St Joseph's, every half term, we celebrate the languages besides English which are spoken at home by some of our pupils.
Each half term, we try to learn a few useful phrases and words, to answer the register and say "please" and "thank you" and "hello" and "goodbye" in our chosen language. The child/children who speak the chosen language will help their classmates learn the correct pronunciation and will share picture books written in their home language as well as in English.
These are the languages for this half term:
Year 1: Thai Year 2: Languages of India Year 3: Mandarin Year 4: German Year 5: Year 6: Polish
Outdoor Learning : 23.2.23
Our Reception Class are the first class to undertake their Spring Term 2 outdoor learning sessions, just 3 days into the new half-term! The focus for all of our classes this half-term is cooking outside! We look forward to seeing how they get on!
The Reception children used saws to cut logs and made them into special magic sticks. They also cut the sticks to the correct size to make their own fire! They made sandwiches which they wrapped in foil to toast over the fire! Yum Yum!
Finally, to tie in with their R.E. learning about Ash Wednesday, Mrs Thompson used the cooled ash to make the sign of the cross on each of their foreheads.
More pictures to follow shortly on the Reception Class page.
The multi-award-winning "Eat Them to Defeat Them" campaign was a huge success, with the 2022 campaign reaching over 1 million children in 3,850 primary and special schools. 57% of participating parents say their children ate more vegetables, including over a third of those fussy eaters who rarely eat any vegetables at all.
The campaign and the schools’ programme are back for 2023 - starting today and going through until the 31st March.
Click HERE for more information, ideas and resources.
Colette will be including the featured vegetables in selected school meal themes and children will receive a sticker for trying/eating them.
Thank you parents and carers for your ongoing support this half term. Wishing all of our pupils and their families a happy half term break. The first day back for the children is TUESDAY 21st February.
Attendance: 10.2.23
Congratulations to the 49 children who had 100% attendance for the whole Spring 1 half term. They all received a small treat and a special sticker during this morning's Celebration Assembly.
Well done to Sylvia in Year 3 who was picked out as this half term's attendance raffle winner. She won a popcorn machine and some popcorn kernels to enjoy during half term!
Look out for next half term's raffle prize - remember you have to be in it to win it!
As there was no Celebration Assembly last week, some classes have two STARS this week. Congratulations to each and every one of you. We are very proud of you all.
Reception: Logan Year 1: Gabriella and Ruby D Year 2: Crina Year 3: Thomas and Betty
Year 4: Amelia N and Evie-Rae Year 5: Harlie and Junior Year 6: Peter
The DOJOS have been collected and counted for the last two weeks. The team who collected the most DOJOS this week were also the overall winners for this half term.
Congratulations to the BLUE team who just pipped the other teams to the post and were Spring 2 overall winners!
1. BLUE - 614 2. GREEN - 565 3. YELLOW - 508 4. RED - 481
Congratulations to Logan, Teddy, Affaq, Blake , Lyla-Mae (Reception) Anhelina (Year 3) Legend (Year 5) and Ruby (Year 6) who received Head Teacher's certificates during today's Celebration Assembly.
It was lovely to celebrate with you and your parents and carers today. Well done all of you.
French Culture: 9.2.23
As part of each class's French learning, the final week of each half term is dedicated to learning about a different aspect of French culture.
This half term the children have been finding out about the geography of France - its population, size, location and also about famous landmarks in French.
This learning also had cross-curricular links with Art where Mrs Hill has provided opportunities for the children in each class to apply the skills and techniques learnt in previous art lessons to representing French landmarks.
Here are a few photos of Year 1's class French Chateau structure and Year 2's Eiffel Towers. Year 3 applied their pencil techniques to sketch a chosen landmark and Year 4 used charcoal and chalk and applied smudging techniques and their knowledge of perspective to recreate a painting depicting a French scene along the Seine.
Year 5 used an iconic image of a French onion seller to apply their sketching and line drawing techniques using a range of media and Year 6 chose which media to use to recreate an image of a Parisian café.
It is lovely to see the children confidently applying learnt art skills and techniques to a cross curricular piece. Thank you Mrs Hill for your hard work and enthusiasm - it is evident this passion has rubbed off on the children when they talk about their artwork.
DT Week : 9.2.23
The final week of every half term has a DT focus in which the children are immersed in a project for their year group project and begin a new learning journey each time to develop a new skill.
Every half term the children follow a process of investigating, designing, making and evaluating.
Some classes focus was around food technology-the Reception Class learnt how to peel, cut and juice fruits and Year 4 designed and made super sandwiches! Year 3's focus was around textiles and converting a 2D shape to a 3D product. Year 5 designed a room for Lina based on their POR Book "City of Ember" incorporating their Science knowledge of electrical circuits.
What an amazing week! Here are a few photos. Have a look on each class page for more.
Brilliant Bird Feeders!
Mrs Foan has been overwhelmed by the brilliant bird feeders you have been designing and creating! The birds around Hollingdean certainly won't be going hungry!
You have been so creative in your designs and it is great to see so many recycled objects being reused. Thank you to everyone who took part in this half term's Head Teacher Challenge.
Here are a few photos. All the contributions will be shared and celebrated during this Friday's Celebration Assembly.
Fantastic Food: 8.2.23
This week, as a special treat, our little chefs made Valentines Cup Cakes in their "Fantastic Food" after school club! Yum Yum!
Safer Internet Day : 7.2.23
Today is the 20th consecutive Safer Internet Day. With a theme of ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’ the day will celebrate by putting children and young people’s voices at the heart of the day and encouraging them to shape the online safety support that they receive.
Mr Fishman and Miss Hill led Key Stage assemblies based around the theme which will form a springboard for conversations that shape how we talk about and respond to online issues, not just for one day, but throughout the whole year.
Children's Mental Health Week : 6.2.23
Children's Mental Health Week 2023 will take place from 6-12 February 2023. This year's theme is "Let's Connect." Our focus in school this week has been on considering the different ways that we can make meaningful connections with others.
The goal for this week's Mental Health Week is about encouraging people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways.
The charity organising it said: "When we have healthy connections - to family, friends and others - this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. And when our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely - which can have a negative impact on our mental health."
Click HERE for more information.
Click HERE for resources to support this year's theme.
Outdoor Learning: 3.2.23
The final class of the half term to go off-site for their outdoor learning experience was our Year 1 class who stayed local and spent the day at Hollingdean Park.
They had a very cross-curricular and creative day! Here are a few pictures. More to follow on the Year 1 class page shortly.
Outdoor Learning: 2.2.23
Two more classes have been off site this week with outdoor learning experience days.
Today, Year 6 caught the train to Stanmer Park where they built a shelter, went on a scavenger hunt, used natural found objects to make mobiles and took part in some team-building games.
More pictures to follow on the Year 6 class page. We look forward to seeing how Year 1 get on at Holligdean Park tomorrow.
Big School's Birdwatch: 31.1.23
Linking in with Mrs Foan's Head Teacher Challenge, this month is The Big School's Birdwatch. With your bird feeders now up, we will hopefully have lots of birds to watch in our school grounds and we can enjoy the nature on our doorstep.
Click HERE to be taken to the RSPB website with ideas of things you can do and make and with several different recording sheets. There are videos and activities and links to Science learning too.
The Big School Birdwatch runs from January 6th - February 20th so let's get bird watching and spotting!
Remember to send in any more bird feeders before February 7th - made from recycled materials where possible.
Reception Class Outdoor Learning: 27.1.23
Another busy week with trips and visits! As part of their topic, "Off On An Adventure," our Reception Class went on their own adventure to Stanmer Park!
They used their map reading skills to follow a map and hunt down some treasure! They made their own dens and went into the woods to choose special twigs to make their own magic wand - using potato peelers to make them smooth and even more magical!
They had their lunch outside and a quick play in the play area before heading back to school!
Here are a few pictures. More to follow on the Reception Class page soon.
Congratulations to this week's STARS. What wonderful things your class teachers had to say about you this week!
We are very proud of you all!
Reception: Leighton Year 1: Ray Year 2: Zara Year 3: Shanice Year 4: Harry Year 5: Julian
This week's DOJO points have been collected and counted! Congratulations to the YELLOW team - this week's highest DOJO collectors!
1. YELLOW - 388 2. RED - 331 3. GREEN - 312 4. BLUE - 295
Congratulations to the following children who have been to see Mrs Foan on three different occasions this year and received a Head Teacher's Certificate in Friday's Celebration Assembly.
Eira (Year 2) Eliana (Year 2) Kowen (Year 5) Scarlett (Year 5) Alicia (Year 5) Harlie (Year 5) and Joshua (Year 6)
Year 2 Outdoor Learning: 26.1.23
Year 2 are out in the local area today, visiting Stanmer Park.
They will be specifically learning about physical geographical features around them in a different local environment and exploring deciduous and evergreen trees as well as looking at how leaves can help us identify trees.
POWER Projects
It has been lovely to see the optional POWER Projects completed since the Christmas Break linking into the Geography or History theme each class is learning about this half term.
Thank you children for sharing your home learning and parents and carers for your support with this. Here are a few photos:
As part of their topic "Poles Apart," Year 1 children have been investigating making their own ice lollies, ice cubes and creating an igloo.
As part of their theme, " Indian Spice," Year 2 have looked at traditional Indian Foods and other world foods in their local supermarkets, made their own Indian food and visited or made a model of a Hindu Temple.
As part of Year 6's topic, "Disaster," Andre created a model demonstrating how the earth is made up and showing the location of different volcanoes!
Head Teacher Challenge
Mrs Foan is delighted to have had a preview of some of the bird feeders you have been designing and creating at home. Remember, to try and use recycled materials where possible.
All bird feeders need to be in school by February 7th. They will be hung in our grounds and we will be watching avidly to spot the different birds who come to visit them.
Keep those creations coming! Here are a few of the designs so far:
Outdoor Learning/Fieldwork
Another busy week in school with trips! Today, Year 3 visited Stanmer Park to support and enhance their Geography learning based around this term's theme, "Extreme Survival."
They caught the train to Falmer and then spent the day in the park, exploring the woodland, fields and parkland through a range of activities including building their own shelters using natural found objects!
Here are a few photos. More pictures and information to follow on the Year 3 page.
Fit and Physical!
It is great to see the different areas of P.E. being taught and learnt across the school this half term.
Year 5 and 6 are focusing on different athletic skills and techniques and Years 3 and 4's current learning objective is based around finding different ways of travelling across and holding balances on the different pieces of gymnastics equipment.
Here are a few photos:
Let's Celebrate: 20.1.23
Part of Friday's Celebration Assembly focuses on successes and achievements outside school. Emelia shared her dance trophy and details about a dance competition she had entered and won during this morning's assembly.
Congratulations Emelia! We are very proud of you!
Congratulations to this week's STARS. It is always lovely to hear what the class teachers have to say about their chosen STARS and their positive learning behaviours during Celebration Assembly. We were very proud of you all.
Reception: Lyla Year 1: Filomena Year 2: Isla B Year 3: Audrey Year 4: Michelle Year 5: Jasmine Year 6: Priya
Again, another mammoth week with DOJOS being awarded all round! Well done to each and every child who has helped contribute to each team's total.
1. BLUE - 497 2. GREEN - 466 3. YELLOW - 395 4. RED - 394
Congratulations to the following children who received a HT certificate this week. Mrs Foan and Mrs Skinner have enjoyed many visitors to their office this week, sharing and celebrating their learning.
Well done to Michelle (Year 4) and Emellia (Year 5)
Outdoor Learning
This half term, each class's Outdoor Learning session will take place in off-site environments in the local area.
As part of their Geography learning based around "Wild Waters," Year 5 visited Cuckoo Corner on the River Adur where they learnt about the features of a river, the water cycle and living things and their habitats.
They did some fabulous artwork using the natural environment as a stimulus too.
Here are a few pictures. More to follow on the Year 5 class page soon.
Congratulations to this week's STARS. We were very proud of you all and enjoyed sharing your moment in Celebration Assembly.
Reception: Coby Year 1: Riley Year 2: Yasmin Year 3: Elliot Year 4: Tiana Year 5: Blessing Year 6: Divine
Wow! There have been lots of DOJOS awarded this week for pupils demonstrating positive learning behaviours! Well done everyone!
This week's winning house is the RED team!
1. RED - 455 2. GREEN - 446 3. BLUE - 395 4. YELLOW - 279
Congratulations to these children who received a Head Teacher's certificate during today's Celebration Assembly : Halle (Reception) Harvey (Year 2) and Theo (Year 4)
Stunning Starts!
Several of our classes have been introduced to their new Geography based themes for this term with a topic launch. Year 2 had an introduction to their topic "Indian Spice" last week with some Bollywood dance lessons and some Indian cuisine tasting.
The children sampled a variety of traditional Indian foods, as well as finding out lots of facts about India and its culture.
As part of their Geography theme "World's Kitchen," Year 4 had their topic launch this morning with a tasting trip around the world! They sampled different foods from around the world and used globes to locate the different countries.
Have a look on each class's page to see how they launched this term's topic.
Head Teacher Challenge
Mrs Foan, with an idea from Luca in Year 4, has set a new Head Teacher Challenge for the first half of the Spring Term. They would like you to design and create a bird feeder, ideally made from recycled materials.
The bird feeders will be hung on trees in our school grounds - please bring them into school by 7th February 2023.
We would love to see photos of your creations and the process of designing and making them. Please send in any pictures/videos to the "myhomework" email address.
For more ideas visit:
Homework
Recently, we have reviewed our homework provision at St Joseph's, following responses from a parental questionnaire and discussions with children and staff and revised our homework expectations.
Alongside this, we will be setting other (optional) challenges throughout the year e.g. Head Teacher challenges, Activity Passport and other competitions.
Children need to have their reading books in school every day along with their reading journal. These should ideally be kept in a bookbag. School book bags are on sale in the school office for £5. Thank you for your continued support.
Please click HERE for our updated Homework Statement. This will also be sent to you via PING.
Language of the half term
At St Joseph's School we are proud of our diversity and the vast number of languages spoken by our families.
At St Joseph's, every half term, we celebrate the languages besides English which are spoken at home by some of our pupils.
Each half term, we try to learn a few useful phrases and words, to answer the register and say "please" and "thank you" and "hello" and "goodbye" in our chosen language. The child/children who speak the chosen language will help their classmates learn the correct pronunciation and will share picture books written in their home language as well as in English.
These are the languages for this half term:
Year 1: Polish Year 2: Indian dialects Year 3: Italian Year 4: Portuguese Year 5: Ukrainian Year 6: Dutch
Congratulations to our first STARS of 2023!
Reception: George Year 1: Rosie Year 2: Shania Year 3: Jaklyn Year 4: Theo Year 5 : Richard Year 6: Ruby
Here are the DOJOS for the first week back:
1. GREEN - 92 2. YELLOW - 91 3. BLUE - 83 4. RED - 80
Congratulations to our Week 1 winners - the GREEN team!
Mrs Foan's office has been busy this week with lots of children being sent to share their amazing work with her!
These children received a Head Teacher's certificate this morning during our Celebration Assembly. We are very proud of you all.
Logan (Reception) George (Reception) Penelope (Reception) Emma (Year 1) Isla B (Year 2) Zara (Year 2) Oscar (Year 2) Aleka (Year 5) Julian (Year 5) and Lukas (Year 6)
Thank you parents and carers for coming in to celebrate with us too.
Carol Service : 5.1.23
After having to re-schedule our KS2 Carol Service twice, we were finally able to put it on in St Joseph's Church on the eve of Epiphany. It was lovely to come together as a school community and share some final festive cheer.
Thank you to Father Kieron and everyone involved in the organisation of the Carol Concert and to the parents and carers who were able to come along tonight.
Thank you children for your beautiful singing, reading, speaking and acting.
Wishing all of our children and their families a happy and healthy Christmas. Thank you for all your support this term. We do appreciate it. We look forward to working with you again in 2023!
The children return to school on Tuesday 3rd January 2023
Let's Party!
Friday was a party day for the children at St Joseph's - well deserved after a term of hard work!
In the morning, the children took part in festive activities in their classrooms such as Christmas musical bingo, decorating biscuits, making tree decorations, Christmas dancing, Christmas crafts, a Christmas trail ... and much much more!
The afternoon was more festive fun with traditional party games and activities, followed by some party food.
Outdoor Learning:15.12.22
Year 6 braved the elements today for their outdoor learning day. They worked in groups to design, build, test and evaluate their own dams using natural materials.
Here are a few photos. More to follow on the Year 6 page.
Carols in the Community: 14.12.22
Today, our Reception Class went to Grove Park Residential Home to sing a few of the songs from their Nativity for the residents there. It was lovely that our youngest pupils were able to spread some festive joy in the local community.
They were delighted to receive some juice, a cake and a chocolate bar as a thank you!
The choir also went to Lindfield Court this afternoon to sing some carols for the residents there. Again, it was lovely to spread some festive cheer locally. The children had made cards for each resident which they presented personally.
Again, the children were overwhelmed to be given a selection box each as well as a drink and several treats!
Head Teacher Challenge: 15.12.22
Mrs Foan was so impressed with the creative cards sent in for her Christmas Head Teacher Challenge all made using re-cycled materials. Everyone who completed the challenge received a Head Teacher's sticker.
Ronnie was presented with a Head Teacher medal for his festive card showing the Nativity story - made out of a mince pie box!
Attendance
During today's celebration assembly, we were delighted to celebrate with the 41 children who have managed 100%attendance for the second half of the Autumn Term. Each child received a special sticker and a small treat.
Thank you parents and carers for your support with this - attendance is a priority for us at St Joseph's at the moment.
18 children across the school have also been in every day for the WHOLE Autumn Term! This is a fantastic achievement considering the number of coughs and colds around!
We also pulled a lucky winner form the 100% weekly attendance raffle this afternoon who received the World Cup football and a selection box! Congratulations to Ruby D in Year 1!
Again, we really do appreciate the support from our families in raising attendance and improving punctuality.
.
The DOJOS for this week have been counted and here are the results for this week:
1. RED - 245 2. YELLOW - 239 3. GREEN - 399 4. BLUE - 186
This makes the RED team the overall winners for the Autumn Term. Well done to everyone for collecting so many DOJOS this term for demonstrating our positive learning behaviours.
Our final STARS of 2022 are:
Reception: R-J Year 1: Lottie Year 2: Sisa Year 3: Antonia Year 4: Zayden Year 5: Calib Year 6: Tia
Congratulations to the children who received the final Head Teacher's certificates for 2022! We were very proud to celebrate with Leighton (Reception) Adam (Reception) and Jack (Year 6)
Nativity:13.12.22
The Reception Class and KS1 put on a final dress rehearsal of the "Magical Christmas Journey " yesterday for KS2. They have been rehearsing over the last few weeks and it was lovely to finally see the finished performance.
This morning, they did their first of two performances for parents and carers. What fantastic singing, speaking, acting and dancing! It was a really uplifting and enjoyable performance - well done to all of the children and to the staff for putting it together.
Thank you parents and carers for coming today and for supporting this year's charity "Mary's Meals."
Here are a few pictures. There is another performance at 9.15 a.m. tomorrow.
Snowy Challenge: 12.12.22
Years 3 and 4 were given a snowy challenge this afternoon - to see how many balls they could get from one end of the playground to the other! It required teamwork, skill, balance, patience and perseverance!
Active Advent: 12.12.22
Each class has continued to stay "active" during Advent taking part in a different festive themed challenge each day.
Activity 10 in the Active Advent challenges was the "Snowball Target Throw" and fortunately for Year 4, there was real snow for them to use! Unfortunately for Miss Pippa, she was the target!
Christmas Fair: 9.12.22
The children have been busy getting creative this week in preparation for this year's Christmas Fair. The FOSJ's have lent each class £20 to invest wisely on prizes or craft materials for their stall. All profits go to the class and they decide how or where to spend it. This has provided an excellent opportunity for a mini enterprising project and it was interesting to see each class's ideas.
Thank you, children and staff for your creative ideas and for running the stalls. Thank you parents and carers for your support at the fair and for your donations to the amazing coloured themed hampers and to the FOSJ's for organising.
Christmas Trail: 9.12.22
Years 3 and 4 were very lucky to be invited to St Richard's Church Hall today to experience a magical Christmas Trail. The visit involved an interactive walk through the Christmas story where the children got to see, smell, touch and taste the drama of the Nativity.
The children started in a family's living room where they found a Nativity set. They then went on a journey, experiencing each stage of the Nativity story, visiting Mary's bedroom, Joseph's workshop, the shepherd's field, the wise men's accommodation, the innkeeper and his inn and finally the stable with Mary and Joseph and Jesus.
It was a very memorable and poignant visit and one that will stay with the children forever.
Congratulations to Sophia (Year 2) Nirvana (Year 3) Leona (Year 3) and Audrey (Year 3) who received a Head Teacher's certificate during Celebration Assembly. We are very proud of you all.
Congratulations to this week's STARS.
Reception: Blake Year 1: Malchaiyah Year 2: Ronnie Year 3: Year 4: Harel Year 5: Legend Year 6:Alfie
This week's DOJOS have been collected and counted! Congratulations to the RED team.
1. RED - 301 2. BLUE - 296 3. GREEN - 284 4. YELLOW - 279
Christmas Lunch
Today was our school Christmas lunch day! Everyone came into school wearing a Christmas jumper and other festive attire. We had a delicious roast dinner followed by ice-cream and cookies. We had crackers and sang along to Christmas songs.
Thank you to Colette and Michelle for preparing such a lovely lunch for us.
Year 4 Trip: 7.12.22
To support and enhance their Science learning, Year 4 visited The Booth Museum today. They were able to study the skeletons of a variety of animals and look closely at different bones.
More pictures to follow on the Year 4 class page.
Active Advent
At St Joseph's, we love to keep active, so we are delighted to be taking part in Brighton and Hove's Active Advent challenge - which provides festive challenges to get pupils active and moving every day in the lead up to the Christmas break.
Click HERE to see the daily challenge calendar for the Advent period. Why don't you take part at home?
Here are a few photos from the first week. Have a look on each class page to see some more.
Day 1 - Reindeer Lunges and Day 2 - Elf on the shelf plank
Day 3 - Christmas Star Jumps, Day 4 - Santa Squats and Day 6 - Christmas Tree Balance
Healthy Eating: 6.12.22
It was Year 1's turn today for the final healthy eating workshop of this term. They found out about the digestive system and learnt how our food is broken down with the body taking the nutrients it needs.
They sorted pictures of food into healthy and unhealthy hoops, finding out about their nutritional value and function on the body and then got to taste a variety of healthy fruit snacks. Yum Yum!
Click HERE for some advice for parents and updated information from Brighton and Hove about Scarlet Fever.
Fantastic Football: 5.12.22
Inspired by the World Cup, Miss Pippa organised an intra-house football tournament this afternoon for all of KS2. The weather was grey and drizzly, but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of our 82 football players!
What skill, determination, teamwork and passion we saw on the pitch today!
There were medals for individuals who demonstrated the School Games values -congratulations to Rhianna, Khadija, Freddie, Kowen and Alfie and huge congratulations to the BLUE team who didn't lose a single game and were our overall winners.
The children had a great afternoon - thank you to Miss Pippa for organising today's event.
Carol Singing: 2.12.22
Our school choir paid a visit today to a local nursing home - Grove Park - to share some Christmas spirit with the residents there.
They sang some traditional and modern carols and brought a little bit of festive cheer to the residents, who loved seeing the children perform and joined in with the carols they knew.
Every member of the choir had made a Christmas card for each resident which they gave to them personally.
Our pupils were delighted to receive a slice of cake, a bar of chocolate and a drink as a thank you.
L’étude des artistes Français.
As well as learning the French language, the children in KS2 also learn about French life and French culture.
This half term, they have been learning about French artists. They have applied the skills they have learnt during this half term, to a piece inspired by their chosen French artist using a choice of medium.
The artists (and their work studied) included Georges Braque, Edgar Degas, Georges Seurat and Édouard Manet.
Here are a few pictures:
Thank you Mrs Hill for your passion and enthusiasm and for sharing this with each class.
Outdoor Learning: 2.12.22
Today, was the turn of Year 2 for their second outdoor learning curriculum day of this year. Again, the focus was on using tools.
Here are a few photos. More to follow shortly on the Year 2 class page.
Congratulations to those children who received a Head Teacher's certificate during today's Celebration Assembly.
We were so proud of Ruby (Year 6) Ivy (Year 2 ) Theo (Year 4) Shanice (Year 3) Miya (Year 6) Junior (Year 5) Harlie (Year 5) Legend (Year 5) and Sisa (Year 2)
Reception - Teddy Year 1 - Delilah Year 2 - Ivy Year 3 - Sylvia Year 4 - Khadija Year 5 - George Year 6 - Misty
Here are this week's DOJO points. Congratulations to the BLUE team who collected the most this week.
1. BLUE - 315 2. RED- 311 3. YELLOW - 307 4. GREEN - 296
Reconciliation Service: 1.12.22
This afternoon, KS2 were joined by Father Kieron for a Reconciliation Service. We spent time calling to mind the things we have done wrong and said sorry for our short-fallings.
As a school family, we acknowledged the need for forgiveness and afterwards felt refreshed and ready to continue on our Advent journey.
Outdoor Learning: 1.12.22
Year 3 had their second outdoor learning day today. Again, the focus was on using tools. Year 3 used saws to cut thin circles of wood and palm drills to make a hole in them which they made into Egyptian style necklaces with hieroglyphs written on them.
Have a look on the Year 3 page for more pictures and information. Year 2 are outdoor learning tomorrow (Friday 2nd)
Healthy Eating: 30.11.22
Year 2 today learnt about the digestive system and where food goes after being put in our mouths.
They also ate and found out about the nutritional content of bananas and milk They had to guess how many g of sugar there are in a banana. They then tasted a ready-made banana milkshake drink and found out how many g of sugar it contained.
They were shocked to discover that a banana contains 14g of sugar but the ready-made milkshake contained 48g!
Year 1 Outdoor Learning: 25.11.22
Year 1 had a cold but crisp sunny day for their outdoor learning curriculum experience today. This half term's focus is using tools and Year 1 pupils had the opportunity to use palm drills and a saw today, as well as going on a bug hunt and visiting the mud kitchen!
Linked to their History learning, they worked in small groups to design and make a pull-along toy similar to those played with by Victorian children. They finished off the day with a warming cup of hot chocolate topped by a home-made meringue by Mr Fishman.
Here are a few pictures. Have a look on the St Clare class page for more pictures and information.
Mrs Foan was delighted with the story maps and character designs she received as part of the recent Head Teacher Challenge. She gave out 30 Head Teacher stickers, 11 Head Teacher's pencils and 4 head Teacher medals during this morning's Celebration Assembly.
Legend in Year 5 was given the copy of Leigh Hodkinson's book " Martha Maps It Out" for his fantastic story map.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Mrs Foan's new festive HT challenge can be found on the PUPILS page by clicking HERE.
Good Luck everyone! We look forward to seeing your Christmas Cards made using recycled materials.
Children - you have been busy this week! It is neck and neck at the moment with all to play for! Here are this week's DOJO totals:
1. YELLOW - 504 2. RED - 458 3. GREEN - 449 4. BLUE - 363
Congratulations to this week's SUPERSTARS! It was lovely to hear the wonderful things your teachers had to say about your work and your positive learning behaviours. We are very proud of you all!
Reception: Adam Year 1: Harry Year 2: Kira Year 3: Darcy Year 4: Farishta Year 5: Oleh Year 6: Sergio
There were four children who received a Head Teacher's certificate in today's Celebration Assembly!
Since September, they have been asked by their teacher, or an adult they work with, to show Mrs Foan their work and tell her about their learning - on at least three occasions!
Congratulations to Halle and Enzo (Reception) Bram and Sisa (Year2 ) Scarlett (Year 5) and Lukas (Year 6)
Outdoor Learning: 24.11.22
Year 4 have got their second outdoor learning curriculum day this week. Our focus this half term is the use of tools. Year 4 used a saw to create discs which they made into key rings. Based on their History learning, they also made Roman oil lamps from clay.
The children collected sticks which they used for their own campfire in the afternoon.
Have a look on the Year 4 class page to see more pictures and find out more about their outdoor learning.
Healthy Eating: 23.11.22
Today, Year 3 learnt about healthy eating and the nutritional content of different fruit and vegetables. They learnt the function each one on different parts of the body. They then, used the fruit and vegetables to make their own nutritious and tasty smoothies!
The children also learnt that although very healthy, fruit smoothies do not contain as much fibre as whole fruits.
Thank you, Miss Pippa for leading another informative and hands-on session. Year 2 are looking forward to their workshop next week.
The FOSJ's put on their second Winter Party event last night for our KS2 pupils. The children had a hot dog and drink and took part in party games, Karaoke and various competitions. They had a great evening!
Thank you to the FOSJ's for organising and running both these Winter Parties. The FOSJ's made just under £300 which will be used to support and enhance our pupils' learning. We really appreciate the support of the FOSJ's team.
At St Joseph’s, we are proud to support Children in Need again this year. This Friday. the children came into school wearing spots or Pudsey attire and took part in some "spotacular" activities which the School Council have organised.
By working together, we know we CAN make a huge difference at a time when it’s needed the most. As a school, we are pledging to support this charity and, in a small way, help make a difference to young lives.
Thank you for showing your support by wearing spots and for donating to this cause.
Reception: Halle Year 1: Arlo Year 2: Oscar Year 3: Sindy Year 4: Freddie Year 5: Lily-Jo Year 6: Miya
Wow! You have been busy this week collecting DOJOS for demonstrating positive learning behaviours. Congratulations to this week's winners - the GREEN team.
1. GREEN - 447 2. BLUE - 390 3. YELLOW - 367 4. RED - 325
Congratulations to George (Year 5) and Harvey (Year 2) who were presented with a Head Teacher's Certificate during today's Celebration Assembly. We are very proud of you both.
Cross Country: 16.11.22
This afternoon, we took a brave squad of Cross-Country runners to a very rainy and muddy Waterhall!
We were very proud of all of our competitors - there were 40 schools and over 1079 children! Every one of our children completed the course which was quite hilly (and extremely muddy) this year - a great performance by each and every one of you.
The children demonstrated great determination, perseverance, team spirit and resilience. Well done to Finn and Emellia who came in the first 100 in their respective races and to Wiktor and John from Year 4 who entered the Year 5 race.
Year 4 Healthy Eating: 16.11.22
It was Year 4's turn today to learn about the nutritional value of different fruits and their functions on the body.
They tasted some different fruits and through a fun post-it game found out which fruits are good for different parts of the body e.g. which fruits contain fibre and promote good digestion, which fruits contain Vitamin C and help with healthy teeth and gums, which contain iron or potassium and which fruits are high in Vitamin A for good eye health.
Thank you, Miss Pippa for another informative Healthy Eating session. Year 3's turn next Wednesday.
Wow Writers Day: 15.11.22
Four of our Year 5 and 6 pupils were chosen to take part in an Able Writers Challenge Day at Coombe Road School. They had a wonderful day working closely with Kathryn Evans, a published author who loves to develop writing skills with young people across the country.
Now - Morgan, Alex, Julian and Richard all know what it takes to make a good story. Mrs Thompson accompanied the children and was very proud of them all.
Parent and Carer Workshops
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Friday's early reading workshop run by Mrs Thompson and Monday's Maths workshop led by Mrs Gilbert.
Please find a link below to the Power Point Presentations our subject leads used, detailing how we teach our English and Maths curriculum and how we scaffold and develop the skills for both curriculum areas.
Click HERE for more information about Early Reading at St Joseph's.
Click HERE for more information about Maths at St Joseph's.
Anti-Bullying Week: 14.11.22
This week is Anti-Bullying Week- this year's theme is "Reaching Out, "which aims to empower children to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.
On Monday, children and staff came into school wearing odd socks to celebrate the fact that we are all unique.
During the week, each class will take part in different activities during their PSHRE lessons, around this theme.
Pictures to follow on each class page shortly.
During today's assembly, it was decided to recruit some Anti-Bulling Ambassadors. Some children from Years 4,5 and 6 showed an interest and met with Mrs Foan over lunch to discuss ways forward.
Our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors will work together as a team to address any issues and make others aware of the issues relating to bullying and how we can prevent it.
Thank you to Theo, Evie-Rae, Legend, Aleka, Bethany and Misty for your passion and commitment to this cause.
Year 4 have also created a "buddy bench" in the KS2 playground to ensure everyone always has someone to play with. New skipping ropes and other equipment will be in the special area from next week.
Year 5 Outdoor Learning: 11.11.22
During today's outdoor learning curriculum day, to support their History learning, Year 5 created their own Greek vase designs using wax and paint. They also created their own tools, as the Greeks did, to etch into the design of their pots.
Have a look on the St Philip Howard class page to see what other cross-curricular learning they did and for more pictures.
Wow! You have been working SO hard this week, with lots of DOJOS being achieved!
Congratulations to the BLUE team - this week's DOJO winners.
1. BLUE - 419 2. GREEN - 402 3. YELLOW - 368 4. RED - 277
Congratulations to this week's STARS. We are so proud of you all.
Reception : Affaq Year 1 : Emma Year 2: Elianna Year 3: Mykie Year 4: Evie-Rae Year 5: Emellia Year 6: Tiana
Congratulations to Shing Him, Morgan, Emellia, Bethany and Mark who were presented with a Head Teacher's certificate in Celebration Assembly this morning.
School in the dark: 9.11.22
The Reception Class's topic this half term is called "Night And Day." Mrs Thompson and Mrs Mulholland invited their class to come back to school tonight to see the school in the dark!
They explored the school by torchlight and went outside into the school grounds to follow a trail! They were warmed up with a hot chocolate and marshmallows they had toasted on the fire, before going home. What an exciting experience!
Pictures to follow on the Reception Class page.
Healthy Eating: 9.11.22
Today was Year 5's Healthy Eating Workshop led by Miss Pippa. The children learnt about the nutritional properties of the different food groups and their functions on the body. They were surprised to learn that although very high in fat, avocados are very good as part of a balanced diet.
Using simple ingredients, the children then worked together to create their own healthy breakfast and lunch.
KS1 Winter Party: 8.11.22
The FOSJ's hosted their first Winter Party for KS1 children yesterday. They had a great time with traditional party games like pass the parcel and musical statues, a dance competition and some party food.
The children behaved impeccably and have a fun afternoon. Thank you to the FOSJ's for organising and staffing this event. We really appreciate your support.
The KS2 Winter Party is on Tuesday 22nd November.
Head Teacher Challenge: 7.11.22
Following on from our inspirational visit from the author, Leigh Hodgkinson, and her presentation of her skills detailing the creation of her book, "Martha Maps it Out," Mrs Foan has now launched a new HT Challenge.
Please click HERE for the KS 1 and KS2 challenges relating to Leigh's visit.
You have until Friday 25th November to submit your entries. Remember, these challenges need to be high-quality. Good Luck!
At St Joseph's School we are proud of our diversity and the vast number of languages spoken by our families.
At St Joseph's, every half term, we celebrate the languages besides English which are spoken at home by some of our pupils.
Each half term, we try to learn a few useful phrases and words, to answer the register and say "please" and "thank you" and "hello" and "goodbye" in our chosen language. The child/children who speak the chosen language will help their classmates learn the correct pronunciation and will share picture books written in their home language as well as in English.
These are the languages for this half term:
Year 1 - Polish Year 2 - Arabic Year 3 - Spanish Year 4 - Polish Year 5 - Ukrainian Year 6 - Portuguese
At St Joseph's, we work closely with children and parents in connection with attendance so that each child can achieve their full potential.
In Friday's Celebration Assembly, we celebrated those children who managed 100% attendance last half term - well done to all of you. The children received a small treat and a special sticker.
We have also introduced a new attendance draw. At the end of each week, all children who have 100% attendance for that week, will receive a raffle ticket and be entered into a draw at the end of each half term.
We had 135 names for the first week back. Good Luck- Remember, you've got to be in it to win it!
Year 1 Trip : 4.11.22
As part of their History learning, Year 1 have been out to visit Hove Toy Museum today, putting some of their classroom learning about toys from the past into context.
The children took part in a workshop and got to see a range of toys from the past including Victorian dolls and old teddy bears. They learnt about toys children would have made themselves and played with in the street.
They also had a hands-on session playing with toys that were used by the Vallance family who used to live on the property where the museum now stands. Finally, the children visited The Wizard's Attic!
After their visit they had a picnic lunch before returning to school for the afternoon.
Here are a few pictures of their visit. Pictures to follow on the Year 1 page shortly.
Outdoor Learning: 4.11.22
The Reception Class were the first class of the half term to experience an outdoor learning curriculum day today and luckily, the sun came out for them!
The focus for this half term across the school is using tools. Under supervision, the Reception Class children used secateurs to cut twigs to the correct length for their owls, used a palm drill to make a hole for their key rings and a saw to cut some logs!
They also made some speciality dishes in the mud kitchen! Before coming in, they warmed up with a cup of hot chocolate.
More pictures to follow on the St Anne's class page.
Congratulations to this week's STARS. It was lovely to celebrate with you and your parents/carers during our first Celebration Assembly this half term. We are very proud of you all.
Reception - Logan Year 1 - Marco Year 2 - Harvey Year 3 - Tawfiq Year 4 - Rhianna Year 5 - Freya Year 6 - Mini
..
Congratulations to Eddy and Oleh in Year 5 who were presented with Head Teacher's Certificates in this morning's assembly who have recently shown Mrs Foan three pieces of excellent work, demonstrating outstanding effort. We are very proud of you both.
The children have come back very positively and keen to learn after their half term break. They have been awarded DOJOS for demonstrating positive learning behaviours and the first week's results are in!
1. RED - 180 2. YELLOW- 162 3. GREEN - 124 4. BLUE - 110
Healthy Eating : 2.11.22
Miss Pippa is working with a different class each week teaching them about healthy eating choices and helping them to understand why each of the different food groups is important in helping our bodies grow and in keeping our bodies healthy.
The children in Year 6 had a range of ingredients including Weetabix, bananas, yoghurt, berries, oats, melon, milk and coconut water and worked in groups to select items to create a balanced healthy breakfast.
Power Projects
Thank you to all of the children who have completed some of the POWER Project activities that were set for optional homework over the half term break.
The POWER Projects support the History/Geography theme that the children are learning about in class and cover a range of curriculum areas and focus on creativity.
Author Visit: 1.11.22
We are very excited to be part of the "Raise A Reader" campaign. The campaign aims to help support children to be lifelong readers and part of their mission is getting into schools to help support teachers, engage parents and carers, and excite children about reading widely and for fun.
Leigh Hodgkinson, an author and illustrator, visited St Joseph's on Tuesday 1st November and children from Years 2-6 took part in reading-based activities. The children received an illustrator demonstration and had a go at drawing her "Space Monkey."
The Raise-A-Reader campervan was available after school, engaging with parents and talking to them about reading. We are very grateful for the books the children and the school received as part of their visit.
DT Week: 17.10.22
This week is DT week in school. At St Josephs, we follow the Design and Technology scheme, "Project On A Page," which enables pupils to design, make and evaluate functional projects with users and purposes in mind.
The Reception Class have been looking at books with moving parts. They drew their own pictures and experimented with split pins to make moving parts. Year 1 also looked at books with moving parts and made Night/Day rotating wheels using split pins.
Year 6 designed individual flowers which they made to create a class Frida Kahlo to tie in with their Mexican History learning.
Year 3 designed and made Stone Age treasure boxes, Year 2 designed and made cars using wheels and axles, Year 4 designed a moving page to engage a younger reader and Year 5 designed market stalls linked to their History learning.
It was great to listen to the children talking about their designs using vocabulary such as pivot hinge, axle, structure, joining, user, purpose, mechanism, textile, levers and sliders.
Have a look on each class page to see more pictures and to find out about the children's plans, design choices and product evaluations.
Thank you: 17.10.22
We were so touched by your generosity with the Harvest donations last week and so were the staff from The Gathering Place when they came in to collect the donations during this morning's assembly.
Some of our pupils helped to load up the many boxes of thoughtful donations for the Gathering Place who will ensure that they will reach and benefit local families.
Outdoor Learning :14.10.22
Today, Year 2 had their first outdoor learning session of the year. They took part in several cross-curricular activities relating to their Science and History learning in class.
During the morning, the children used magnifiers and binoculars to hunt for bugs and they collected sticks to make their own hedgehogs.
Tag Rugby Festival;13.10.22
Today we took a squad of 8 Year 5 and 6 children to a Tag Rugby Festival at Hove Recreation Ground. This event was about participation and about having a go in a safe and fun environment.
The children took part in some warm-up activities based around rugby skills and then played some friendly games against other schools.
Our children were amazing - displaying the School Games Values such as determination, resilience and teamwork.
We were very proud of you all.
The final DOJOS of the half term have been counted and the totals were very close this week!
Congratulations to this week's winners - the YELLOW team.
1. YELLOW - 224 2. BLUE - 221 3. GREEN - 213 4.RED - 199
The overall winners for this first half term are the GREEN team. Well done to all involved.
Congratulations to our final STARS of the half-term. We are very proud of you all.
Reception - Penelope Year 1 - Anna Year 2 - Tealaa-Rose Year 3 - Starla Year 4 - Chidera Year 5 - Scarlett Year 6 - Andre
Black History Month
October is Black History Month. It is a time to enjoy, acknowledge and celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of black people in the UK and around the world.
Our School Council came up with some suggestions for each class to research including Rosa Parks, Stormzy, Walter Tull, Mary Seacole, Marcus Rashford and Sara Forbes Bonetta.
KS 2 shared the achievements and contributions in a special assembly on Tuesday.
Outdoor Learning;13.10.22
It was the turn of Year 6 this week for their outdoor learning session.
Year 6 tied their learning in with their Science coverage based around classification of living things and evolution and inheritance.
More pictures to follow on the Year 6 class page.
Harvest
We have a lovely Harvest display in our foyer reminding us that Harvest is a time to say thank you to God for all the good things he gives us and a time to remind ourselves to share some of what we have with those less fortunate.
We are collecting donations for "The Gathering Place"' foodbank in Hollingbury, providing food to local families. Again, you have been so generous. Thank you for supporting this cause.
The Gathering Place are coming in to collect our Harvest donations on Monday.
Some Year 6 pupils are going to Cardinal Newman School on Thursday morning for a Harvest Mass with other feeder primary schools who are part of the Newman Family of Schools.
They made a Harvest pumpkin, individually thanking God for providing the food we need and collaboratively sharing their hope for a fair Harvest across the world that can be feasted on by all. This formed part of the offertory procession.
World Mental Health Day: 10.10.22
Today, was World Mental Health Day and this year's theme is making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.
The aim of today is to spread awareness about mental health and the importance of looking after it!
After the challenges of the pandemic, this theme gives us the opportunity to rekindle our efforts to make the world a better place for everyone and to ensure mental health is a priority for EVERYONE.
MacMillan Support : 30.9.22
We are proud to have supported The World's Biggest Coffee Morning today, raising funds to support those affected by cancer. Instead of hosting a coffee morning, the children wore home clothes in return for donating a packet of cakes.
The cakes were sold after school by some of our School Council representatives. We are delighted to have collected £222.65 which we will donate to MacMillan Cancer Support.
A former parent of three of our pupils lost her battle to cancer during the summer holidays. Sue and her family were in our thoughts and prayers today.
We had so many donations! Thank you parents and carers again for your support today.
Grandparents Visit: 29.9.22
Today, some of the Grandparents of Year 2 and Year 5 pupils came in to school. We also had some honorary Grandparent visitors from St Joseph's Church who came in and took part in Year 5's History lesson.
Throughout this week, it has been lovely to see the wonderful connections between the generations.
Those Grandparents who were not able to join us were very much in our thoughts.
This week is Grandparents' Week in school. Each class has planned a special activity that they can take part in with their Grandparents including Dance, French, Art and Basketball! Thank you to those Grandparents who were able to join us on Monday morning for a special Grandparents assembly and for a coffee and a biscuit afterwards!
This week will provide an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic contribution our Grandparents make to our lives.
Thank you to all the Grandparents who were able to join us in school this week.
Year 1 Grandparents took part in a phonics lesson and helped their Grandchildren construct simple sentences and Reception Grandparents and their Grandchildren painted portraits of each other!
