Through our school mission day we have we have developed a Mission in Action Statement which brings together our School Mission Statement and School Virtues:

Inspired by the scripture: 

"Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 

Matthew 4:19

Our Mission Statement is: 

‘Following in the footsteps of Jesus: having fun learning, achieving and loving together.'

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This is a familiar statement to the children at St Joseph’s, which alongside our school virtues, underpins everything that we do.​

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We read and explore the Word of God to understand how Jesus wants us to live our lives.  This scripture gives us examples which we apply to our own lives so that we follow in Jesus' footsteps in all that we do.​

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• We learn by taking every opportunity we are given, showing patience and self-control just as Jesus did throughout his life. ​

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• We achieve by finding joy and thankfulness in all we do; showing simplicity so we know what really matters in life. ​

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• We love by having empathy for the challenges others face, showing hospitality in our welcome and serving our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 November is the month of the dead. As Catholics we remember those who have died and   pray for them.

Children were given the opportunity to write a prayer or message for someone they have lost.

October is a very special month for us as Catholics. It is month that we dedicate to praying the Rosary. The children have the opportunity to take home a Rosary Bag this month so they can share praying the Rosary with their family. 

On Wednesday our Mini-Vinnies went to St Anne’s Cathedral in Leeds City Centre. They joined Mini-Vinnies from schools across the Diocese of Leeds and were recommissioned as Mini-Vinnies for this school year. Being a Mini-Vinnie is a privilege and great responsibility. Our Mini-Vinnies lead us in much of our school fundraising. Their motto ’turning concern into action’ means that they help the most vulnerable. Over the next few weeks, two Year 3 pupils will be selected to join our Mini-Vinnies. Thank you to Mrs Appleby for taking the children and to St Philip’s who transported us in their minibus.

Our Faith leaders have been working hard to spruce up the Prayer Garden. They have been planting bulbs for Spring and making sure it’s a lovely space for prayer and worship. 

Sister Monica was headteacher at St Joseph’s for over 23 years and, as a nun from the order of the Little Sisters of Mercy, she lived next door in the convent. Sister Monica devoted her life to the school and parish of St Joseph’s. Sadly, Sr Monica passed away last August so the Governors of St Joseph’s have created The Sister Monica Award to keep her legacy and memory alive in our school. Each year the staff will select a child from Y6 who is bestowed with the Sr Monica Award. A child who has lived out the example set for us by Sr Monica. This year Ellie is the recipient of the award and her name has been engraved on the shield. Well done Ellie you are a credit to yourself, your family and our school.

This week we welcomed our newest members of our Faith Leader chaplaincy team, Ruru and Amaya, from Year 3. The team work hard to be role models of faith in our school, sharing our love of prayer and worship with all members of our school community. They meet regularly and lead a lunch time worship in the Prayer Garden every Wednesday. 

Reindeer Dash for St. Gemma's Hospice

On Friday 15th December St. Joseph’s took part in - what has now become - an annual festive tradition….

THE REINDEER DASH!

This fabulously fun event is run by St Gemma’s Hospice, who provide antlers and noses for every little “reindeer” taking part, in exchange for our fundraising endeavours.

In previous years this has been “The Reindeer Walk”, but this year we had the exciting addition of not one, but TWO Santas & an elf, who lead the charge for the large herd of reindeer on the school field!

As usual, our fabulously supportive and generous St Joseph family were AMAZING!!!

We raised an INCREDIBLE … £1806

St Gemma’s Hospice has been operating since 1978, when it was first opened by Bishop Wheeler and could accommodate nine patients. Today it is the largest Hospice in Yorkshire, and one of the largest in the country. Although rooted in Catholicism, St Gemma’s provides care for everyone who needs it, in our Leeds community, and beyond. We are proud to support the incredible and invaluable work that they do!

Nativities 

Always a fantastic time of year when the youngest children tell us the most important story every told...the birth of Jesus!! Well done to KS1 for a BRILLIANT production of 'A Twinkly Nativity' and to Reception for an AMAZING first ever 'Wriggly Nativity'. Very proud!!