Dear Parents/Carers,

I have had an amazing experience as St Joseph’s and it’s been difficult during the last few days, coming to terms with the fact I’m actually leaving after so many years. I had a wonderful experience growing up here as a child from the ages 4-11but, in many ways, my time here growing as an adult has been even more significant.

I arrived here, as an ex-pupil, in the January of 1999, as a 27 year old lacking experience but with a full head of hair..! Since then I have become a husband, father of 3, Deputy Headteacher and then, almost 9 years ago, the Head of my old school – what an amazing privilege!

Although leading my old school has made me very proud, it has been the greatest honour to work with a brilliant staff, wonderfully supportive governors, great parents and so many children whose energy, enthusiasm and love have made this job such a joy. They are the best children who deserve the best.

I will miss you all.

I know you will all welcome Mrs. McCarthy as the new Headteacher and I wish her, and all of you, every success and happiness in the future.

Mrs Bell

As you will all know, Mrs Bell is retiring from teaching this week. Mrs. Bell has taught at St. Joseph’s since 2002 and has worked in Catholic education for an incredible 37 years. Mrs Bell’s contribution to the school and the children’s learning and wellbeing has been immense. She is uncompromising in her positivity and high expectations of all children who always succeed under her care and guidance. She will be missed by all in the school community.

After School Clubs

Unfortunately Mr Longney, our PE specilast, will be no longer coaching PE in school. Because of this, we are recruiting for a new coach, but this does mean that after school sports clubs will not be running for the first couple of weeks after the holiday. We will inform parents when they will be starting again.

Also, because I am leaving, Kodu Club will not be running after Christmas.

Children’s Christmas Mass 6pm Christmas Eve

Does your child want to take part in the Dramatized Gospel or help with a reading at the Children’s Christmas Mass? There will be two practices for this, one on Sunday after the 10.00am mass in the parish hall and the second on Monday 21^st December at 10am in the church.  Please contact Cathy Williamson on 07917276994 or Susana Gouveia on 07808556615 for further information. Thank you.

Christmas Mass Times

•       Thursday 24^th December 6.00pm - Children’s Mass

•       Thursday 24^th December 9.00pm - Carols and Readings

•       Thursday 24^th December 9.45pm - Christmas Mass

•       Thursday 24^th December 11.35pm - Syro-Malabar Mass

•       Friday 25^th December at 9.30am - Christmas Mass

Dates for Diaries

Thursday 17th December                           -                       Christmas Infant Party

Friday 18th December at 9.30am             -                       Christmas Mass in Church

Friday 18th December                                -                       End of Term 2

Wednesday 6^th January at 9.30am           -                       Mass for Feast of the Epiphany in school hall

Thursday 26th May 2016                              -                       INSET (school closed)

Yours sincerely,

Matt Condon

Headteacher