Friday 11th November 2022

Being Faith-filled

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A faithful person is a gift to the world. When we grow in faithfulness, others will know that we are people who are reliable, supportive and trustworthy, who are loyal and have staying power through both good times and bad times. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus encourages the disciples (and us too) to be faithful to him. Pope Francis also reminds us that, “God is faithful, always faithful and continues to be rich in goodness and mercy.”

Everybody wants a faithful friend. Jesus offers to be our faithful friend and invites us to be his. Even though many things in the world may change, the faithful promises of Jesus will never pass away - God’s love for us will last forever.

Remembrance Assembly and Sunday

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Thank you to Mrs Riley and the children of Year 2 for marking 'Remembrance Day' so beautifully and reverently.  It is amazing how much the children of such a young age are motivated and engaged to find out about their family members, those in our local community and around the world who have served this country in all forms of conflict.

Remembrance Sunday falls on the Sunday nearest Armistice Day, 11th November, which marks the end of the First World War. On this day we remember all those who gave their lives for their country, all who suffered and died through acts of war and those who were left behind to grieve and mourn. In England and Wales one Mass for the Dead may be celebrated on this Sunday.

The Catholic Bishop of the Forces, the Rt Rev Richard Moth, has recorded a reflection for Remembrance Sunday. 

Remembrance Sunday: "The fallen are our friends. We are the friends for whom they fell." - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk) 

 

National Anti-Bullying Week - Reach Out

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Anti-Bullying Week 2022 is coordinated in England and Wales by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. It will take place from 14th to 18th November 2022 and has the theme Reach Out. The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 14th November, where adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

The theme of Reach Out came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England and Wales. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

Following the success of the campaign in 2021 – when 80% of schools marked the week, reaching over 7.5 million children and young people – Anti-Bullying Week will remind everyone whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, let’s reach out and show each other the support we need.

Our call to action: 

Bullying affects millions of lives and can leave us feeling hopeless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out.

Whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, let’s reach out and show each other the support we need. Reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Reach out to someone you know is being bullied. Reach out and consider a new approach.

On Monday we are asking the children to wear Odd Socks to school to celebrate our diversity and uniqueness together as a school community.

And it doesn’t stop with young people. From teachers to parents and influencers to politicians, we all have a responsibility to help each other reach out. Together, let’s be the change we want to see. Reflect on our own behaviour, set positive examples and create kinder communities.

It takes courage, but it can change lives. So, this Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together and reach out to stop bullying.

Anti-Bullying Week 2022: Reach Out (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)

Maths Week England

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As the name suggests, Maths Week is a week-long celebration of all things maths. Some perceive maths as being a little bit elitist (that is, being only for extremely clever people)! Maths Week sets out to encourage children to pursue maths by promoting a more positive and inclusive approach. We will have lots of activities planned around school such as: fun lessons that are a little different to normal, our annual "Estimation Station" (guess the number of sweets in a jar!), KS2 Times tables Rockstars "England Rocks" competition, activities around school and the playground, learning about inspiring mathematicians, linking maths to stories and more.
There will be "Maths Menus" sent home for optional extra homework and Mrs Hickman would love to see anything you do by sending a photo into the school office ! info_stjosephs@emmausmac.com

Martin Impey - Author and Illustrator to Visit St. Joseph's

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We are delighted that award winning children's illustrator Martin Impey will be visiting St Joseph's on Tuesday 15th November. Martin, who illustrated the beautiful stories of Where the Poppies Now Grow, The Christmas Truce, Flo of the Somme and Peace Lily, will work with children across the school to share his work and inspiration. This will of course complement our current learning about remembrance. Martin will also sign copies of his books –please return order forms & payment by 9am Monday 14th November. To allow us to facilitate such an amazing experience for our children we will shortly be requesting a voluntary donation of £2.00 per child payable through ParentPay.  

Gifts from God

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Congratulations to the following children who have been chosen by their class teacher this week.  Well done also to St. Matthew for gaining the most house points this week.

Year Group Good Work Catholic Virtues (Compassionate and Loving)
Reception Class Charlie Samuel
Year 1 Harry Louie
Year 2 Whole Class Georgina
Year 3 Eliza Darcey F
Year 4 Will Iris
Year 5 Whole class Chris
Year 6 Millie Esme

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Dates for your diary - November 2022

w/c Monday 14th November - Maths England Week

w/c Monday 14th November - National Anti-Bullying Week - theme for 2022 is 'Reach Out'

Tuesday 15th November - Martin Impey - illustrator and author in school 

Sunday 20th November - Feast of Christ the King / Youth Sunday

Tuesday 22nd November - Pantomime - paid for by the PTA - thank you

Sunday 27th November - First Sunday of Advent 

Monday 28th November - Flu Vaccination catch up

Tuesday 29th November - Dudley Tag Rugby Finals - Good luck to our Years 5 and 6 mixed team

Wednesday 30th November - St. Andrew's Day

Wednesday 30th November - Year 1 Advent Assembly - parents of Year 1 are welcome to attend 

 

 

 

Dudley Council Bird Flu Guidance

Wednesday 19 October 2022

Public urged not to touch sick or dead wild birds – as avian influenza confirmed by Defra in Dudley

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has now confirmed there is avian influenza A(H5N1) in wild bird populations in the Dudley borough area.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people in Dudley borough not to touch any sick or dead wild birds in the borough – with die off in wildfowl including Canada geese and swans in a number of locations including Mary Stevens Park, Withymoor, King George VI Park Kingswinford, and Himley Hall.

The A(H5N1) strain is now the most common strain of bird flu in this country and is highly pathogenic to other birds. While the risk to human health is considered very low, it is vital that people do not touch sick live birds or bird carcasses, and infection control measures may be necessary if they do.

Kate James, UKHSA West Midlands Lead Health Protection Practitioner specialising in avian influenza, said:

The risk to the public from this strain of avian flu is very low, however it is possible for humans to catch the virus, so it is vital that people do not touch any sick or dead birds; or have contact with their droppings, eggs or bedding. As a precaution, anyone who has not worn appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) while in contact with a sick or dying bird and its bedding, in an area where the infection has been confirmed, will require close monitoring and follow up with UKHSA.

Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for public health at Dudley Council, said:

We have been liaising with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) West Midlands over the last couple of weeks, for guidance and support. As a precaution, we made the decision to close areas of Mary Stevens Park and the pool at Himley Hall & Park until we knew more. Now avian influenza has been confirmed in the borough, and the strain we are dealing with is low risk to human health, we have revised our restrictions and will reopen areas that had been closed. However we will continue to review the situation. I urge members of the public to follow the guidance and not touch or let pets near to sick or dead birds.

Reporting sick or dead birds in Dudley

  • If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.
  • Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. If you have found a sick or injured bird, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Do not touch the bird.

Outside the Dudley area

  • If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, please do not touch them and call the Defra helpline on 03459 335 577For further advice see GOV.UK.

Please note

In areas where the infection has been confirmed or is suspected, anyone who has been in contact with sick or dead birds or their droppings, while not wearing the correct PPE, should make sure any footwear is properly cleaned and thoroughly wash their hands in soap and water. They should then notify the UK Health Security Agency’s West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 so that public health experts can determine if antiviral medication and active surveillance of their condition is necessary. If someone handled infected birds while wearing adequate PPE, they must still undergo active surveillance.

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and on commercial premises, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain, to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

Anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds should also take extra precautions including keeping their birds indoors or taking appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. The RSPCA has provided a simple guide to help backyard flock keepers to protect their birds from bird flu. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of disease, if you are concerned about your birds’ health or suspect Avian Influenza, please contact your vet immediately.

Living with Covid Guidance

On Tuesday 29th March, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, set out the next steps for living with COVID-19 in England from Friday 1st April.

Free COVID-19 tests will continue to be available for specific groups, including eligible patients and NHS staff, once the universal testing offer ends on Friday 1st April.

Updated guidance will advise:

·         adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, and who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature

·         children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school, college or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend

·         adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice will be 3 days.

For education and childcare settings from Friday 1st April:

·         regular asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended in any education or childcare setting, including in SEND, alternative provision and children's social care settings. Therefore, settings will no longer be able to order test kits

·         residential SEND settings may be advised by their local health protection team to re-introduce some time-limited asymptomatic testing. This would be an exceptional measure, for targeted groups of staff and pupils or students (secondary age or above) in the event of a possible COVID-19 outbreak. These settings are scheduled to receive an automatic delivery of contingency supply test kits during the week commencing Monday 28 March

·         the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will publish new guidance. Most of the specific COVID-19 guidance for education and childcare settings will be withdrawn from GOV.​UK on Friday 1 April. The operational guidance on the testing in education settings document sharing platform will also be removed on the same day.

Link to The Wednesday Word

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The Wednesday Word can be accessed via following link: The Wednesday Word Primary School Resource | Catholic Church.  Please go through this with leaflet with your child so that they become more familiar and understand the focus of the Gospel each week.

Prayer of the Week - CAFOD Remembrance Prayer

 

Christ Jesus,
You understand the pain of loss, 
the grief that seems to take
the air from my lungs.
You are the Resurrection 
and the Life.
All our hope is in you.

Lord Jesus,
may I find a way through
the darkness 
to the light of your love.
You are the Resurrection 
and the Life.
All our hope is in you.

Christ Jesus,
you wept at the death of your friend, Lazarus.
Now your compassion wipes the tears from our eyes.
May we find comfort in reaching out to others 
who feel lost and alone.
You are the Resurrection and the Life.
All our hope is in you.

Virtues Focus - Faith-filled and Hopeful

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Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be Faith-filled in their beliefs and
hopeful for the future.

Pope's Francis' Monthly Intention

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NOVEMBER

For children who suffer

We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.

 

 

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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