Opportunities Galore for All
It has been an inspiring week in our school community, filled with moments that reflect the character, ambition and compassion of our pupils.
I would like to begin by celebrating the remarkable efforts of those who took part in the Little Big Sleep. Braving the cold to raise one thousand five hundred pounds in support of those facing homelessness is an extraordinary act of service. Our pupils showed maturity beyond their years, and their willingness to help others stands as a powerful example to us all. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Rooney, Miss Pearson and Mrs Smith for guiding and supporting this meaningful event.
Our Young Enterprise team also shone brightly. Chloe, Megan and Millie impressed the judges with their creative and thoughtful customisable T shirt business. Their work earned them the Contribution to the Local Community Award, a significant recognition that celebrates not only their entrepreneurial talent but also their empathy and commitment to making a positive difference. Presenting confidently before an audience of one hundred and forty people, they demonstrated courage, professionalism and pride in their vision.
Pupils were also enriched by an engaging exploration of coding and the fascinating world of cryptology through their study of the Enigma Machine. These opportunities encourage pupils to think critically, solve problems and appreciate the complexity behind the technologies that shape our world.
Our Year 11 pupils benefited from insightful talks about the pathways to Oxford and Cambridge universities. These sessions helped demystify the application process and encouraged pupils to consider the breadth of possibilities available to them. We hold high aspirations for all our pupils, and we are confident that many possess the potential to pursue these prestigious routes. My thanks go to Mrs Ingham for organising such a motivating and forward-looking opportunity.
Meanwhile, our Year 7 pupils are enjoying a visit to Longleat. This experience blends teamwork, curiosity and adventure, and marks the beginning of many enriching opportunities that will expand their knowledge and build their confidence as they progress through the year.
As we reflect on these achievements, I am reminded of the words from the Book of Jeremiah:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
This message captures the spirit of our school: a place where every pupil is encouraged to grow, to aspire and to recognise the difference they can make.
I am very proud of each and every one of them.
The Little Big Sleep for ALABARÉ
Sporting Success
A huge congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 football team on their 3-1 win against Trafalgar! The Year 10 rugby team also played a great game where they lost 3 but won 1 – a great experience for them!
Young Enterprise Award
Congratulations to our Young Enterprise team on winning our 1st ever Young Enterprise Award at the Showcase in Cirencester this week! They had a long day leaving school at 7am and arriving back just before 6pm! But they didn’t return empty handed having scoped the Contribution to Local Community Award for their customisable T-shirt business!
Enigma Machine Comes to St Joseph’s!
Laudato Si Tree Planting
Our Laudato Si environmental club have been busy planting trees and shrubs around the school site. In total, 107 hedge saplings went into the ground on Friday! This is composed of a mix of the following native species: Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hazel, Rowan, Goat Willow, Crab Apple and Elder, and these will grow into a vital habitat for local birds and other wildlife (not to mention improving the view from Art)!
History Club
History Club were using a typewriter from the 1930s to see what office life was like in the past! They also went outside with help from the PE department and had a go at throwing an Aboriginal boomerang – learning about our impact on the Aborigines in Australia is part of our Year 8 look at the British Empire. It was harder than it looks!
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Spring Term 1
MARCH
- 23rd – Legal and Illegal Drugs Awareness Parent/Carer session from Sarah Boyle of the Talk About Trust
- 24th – Y11 Trip to see ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’
- 25th – Year 9 & 11 Trip to see ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
- 26th – Salisbury Schools’ Book Awards at BWS (10:30am) & Exam Information Evening (5:30pm)
- 27th – Margaret House Day & Y11 Dance Off
In School Next Week
ASSEMBLIES
- Bullying (Monday & Tuesday)
- Awards Assemblies (Friday)
MONDAY 23rd MARCH
- Stem Challenge P1-4
- Assembly – Year 7 & 8
- Brilliant Club continues with 7 G+T students from Year 10
- Parent Information Session – Talk About Trust (6pm)
TUESDAY 24th MARCH
- Assembly – Year 9 & 10
- Reading Intervention – Year 7
- School nurse drop-ins
- Year 11 Dance – Filming in hall (P5)
- Year 11 Drama Trip – Salisbury Playhouse
WEDNESDAY 25th MARCH
- Reading Intervention – Year 9
- Head Student Speeches
- Year 11 Creative Media NEA
- Foodbank Visit Chaplaincy
- Year 9 & 11 – Southampton Theatre Trip (Evening)
THURSDAY 26th MARCH
- Reading Intervention – Year 10
- Easter Liturgies
- Year 8 Bath Spa Uni (P3 – F&M, P4 – T&V)
- MFL Speaking Assessments (Year 11)
- Salisbury Schools’ Book Awards trip to BWS (10:30am)
- Year 11 Exam Information Evening – 5:30pm
FRIDAY 27th MARCH
- Year 11 Dance-Off
- Awards Assemblies
- Half Day – school finishes at 12:20pm
For our current programme of weekly co-curricular clubs, click the button below to go to our Co-curricular page.
What a wonderful and faith-filled week we have shared here at St. Joseph’s.
Year 7 Retreat – Kintbury update from last week
Last Friday, our Year 7 students enjoyed a truly special retreat day at the De La Salle retreat centre in Kintbury, near Newbury, run in the spirit of the De La Salle Brothers (Don Bosco De La Salle, otherwise known as Salesians). It was a joyful and reflective experience for all involved.
The day followed a structured programme, beginning with arrivals around 10:00am, followed by icebreakers, prayer time, outdoor activities including a low ropes course, small group workshops reflecting on “God’s Eyes,” and concluding with lunch and a final prayer before departure at 2:00pm. Students spoke very positively about their experience. They shared how welcomed they felt on arrival, enjoyed the interactive games which helped them settle in, and valued the peaceful prayer spaces where they could reflect and feel calm. Many highlighted the teamwork activities as a favourite part of the day, helping them build trust, communication, and friendships. It was clear that the retreat provided both spiritual growth and a great sense of community.
I am delighted to share that I have secured another retreat date on 28th April. A letter will be sent home shortly for those who were unable to attend this time. The day will follow a similar format, offering another wonderful opportunity for reflection and growth.
Upcoming Year 9 Residential Retreat
Looking ahead, we are planning a Year 9 residential retreat in May. This will be a three-night (four-day) experience, with 10–12 places available. Further details will follow soon, but this promises to be a valuable opportunity for deeper spiritual development.
Lenten Walks & CAFOD Collection
This week thanks to the weather have had recently, we successfully completed three Lenten walks – well done to all who took part. My sincere thanks to Mrs. Griffiths and Mrs. Smith for their support. As we approach the end of Lent, please could all CAFOD donations be brought in next week so we can finalise our school contribution. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Food Bank Donations
Next week is also our final opportunity to collect items for the Salisbury Food Bank. Thank you to all students who have already contributed – your kindness is greatly appreciated.
- Students who have donated are invited to come and see me for a small treat
- Tutors will award achievement points for contributions
- Donations can continue afterwards, but we would appreciate final collections next week so we can deliver them as a chaplaincy team
Chaplaincy Assembly & St. Joseph’s Day
We also celebrated a wonderful chaplaincy-led assembly, organised entirely by our students. A special mention to Beatrix (Year 11) for preparing the PowerPoint, and to all students who confidently led readings and prayers.
Our St. Joseph’s Feast Day was a fantastic success, with liturgies across year groups, followed by a joyful celebration including non-school uniform, ice creams at break, and lollipops at the end of the day. Thank you to Mr. Higgins for this generous gesture, which brought such a positive atmosphere across the school.
Well done also to Archie and Zinia (Year 11) for their work in displaying our school values so beautifully and their great effort on writing those on the boards.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support in encouraging your children in their faith journey, especially during Lent. I hope the fasting, prayer, and charitable efforts continue strongly into next week.
I would like to wish you all a truly blessed weekend, spent with family and friends.
It has been an exciting and enriching week across the school, with a brilliant array of academic opportunities, enrichment activities and milestones reached by pupils in every year group.
Gifted & Talented Enrichment – A Fantastic Week of Opportunities
We have been delighted by the breadth and quality of G&T offerings available to pupils this week. Highlights included:
- The Enigma Machine Workshop – Pupils had the rare opportunity to explore the history and mechanics of codebreaking through hands‑on investigation of an Enigma machine. This was a truly inspiring session that brought together mathematics, history and cryptography in a remarkable way. Experts from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory delivered an engaging talk, sparking thoughtful questions from our pupils and showcasing real‑world STEM pathways.
- Oxbridge Students Supporting Year 11 – Students currently studying at Oxford and Cambridge visited school to speak with our Year 11s about the application process, life at university and what it takes to prepare for competitive courses. Their insight was invaluable and deeply motivating.
- Debating Club – Today’s lunchtime Debating Club session saw pupils tackling challenging topics with confidence, critical thinking and maturity—excellent practice in communication and reasoning skills.
- Year 10 Brilliant Club Began this week – We are also delighted that Year 10 have begun their Brilliant Club Scholars Programme, giving selected pupils the chance to work with university researchers and experience academic study at a higher level.
Year 11 Easter Revision Clinics
Bookings are now open for our Year 11 Easter Revision Clinics. These subject‑specific sessions are designed to strengthen understanding, build confidence and give pupils personalised support ahead of the summer exams. (schedule for WIN and Easter Sessions below)
Easter Revision Booking link: Easter Revision Clinics – Fill in form
Year 11 Exam Information Evening
A reminder that our Year 11 Exam Information Evening takes place on Thursday 26th March at 5:30pm.
This is an essential event for families, offering practical guidance on exam preparation, timetables, support strategies and key expectations as we move into the final phase before GCSEs. It is also where pupils will receive their personalised, individual GCSE exam timetable.
To reserve your space book here: Exam Information Evening Thursday 26th March 5:30-6:15 – Fill in form
Year 10 Academic Review Week & Reports
Looking ahead, Year 10 Academic Review Week will take place immediately after the Easter break. This structured reflection plays a key role in supporting pupils as they enter the final year of their GCSE courses.
Additionally, Year 10 Reports will be released next week, providing up-to-date information on progress, strengths and next steps.
Year 9 Options – Deadline Today
A final reminder that Year 9 Options choices are due today.
Option blocks will be finalised next week, and pupils will receive confirmation of their allocated subjects during the first week back after Easter. Thank you to families for supporting thoughtful, well-informed conversations at home. If you haven’t yet submitted your choices, please do so here: Year 9 GCSE Options 2026 Final Choices – Fill in form
Year 8 University Life Workshops
Selected Year 8 pupils have taken part in workshops this week led by Bath Spa University, giving them early insight into university life, academic pathways and the wide range of opportunities available in higher education. These sessions were engaging, aspirational and highly praised by pupils.
Year 7 – Parents Evening
Year 7 Parent’s Evening is fast approaching! It’ll be the first Thursday wehn we return from the Easter break from 4:30pm-7pm. A separate communication will be sent with details of how to book appointments and how Parents’ Evening at St Joseph’s is conducted.
Young Enterprise – First Showcase
Our Young Enterprise performed excellently on Tuesday at the Young Enterprise Showcase in Cirencester! Having completed their company report they delivered an excellent presentation on their innovative business idea of customisable t-shirts. It was a great experience for all and we’re proud and delighted to announce that they won the award for ‘Contribution to Local Community’ – our first ever Young Enterprise Award!
If you want to order any t-shirts from them or would like more information, please email me at rro@sjcs.org.uk.
WIN and Easter Sessions
Year 11 WIN programme and Easter revision clinic schedule is here (click on an image to see full size):
In this week’s Careers Newsletter…
- New apprenticeship openings at Morgan Stanley, EY, Sir Robert McAlpine, Tesco, and Specsavers, covering finance, engineering, construction, maintenance, and more.
- University support and enrichment options, including the Students’ Guide to University 2026, Sutton Trust Online, EDT STEM Residential Insight, and Queen Mary University Summer School 2026.
- Technical qualification pathways such as T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) for practical, job‑focused learning after GCSEs.
- British Science Week 2026 Poster Competition now open, themed around taking curiosity to the next level (deadline: 16th April 2026).
- Virtual career experiences, including Rolls‑Royce’s Buyer Procurement programme and a Space Tech for Human Health STEM session.
Supporting Young People: Talking About Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
Helping young people understand healthy and unhealthy relationships is an important part of supporting their wellbeing. Whether they’re navigating friendships, dating, or online interactions, these conversations can shape how they approach relationships in the future.
How to Start the Conversation
- Create a safe, judgment‑free space: Young people are more likely to talk openly when they feel listened to rather than judged.
- Use relatable examples: TV, films, social media stories, or real-life situations can be useful conversation starters.
- Ask questions—don’t just give advice: Encouraging them to think for themselves builds confidence and awareness.
- Share experiences appropriately: A little honesty can help normalise their feelings, but keep the focus on them.
Recognising Healthy Relationships
Encourage young people to look for these positive “green flags”:
- Mutual respect
- Open communication
- Trust and security
- Emotional support
- Independence
- Resolving conflict respectfully
- Enjoyment
Identifying Unhealthy Relationships
Watch for these warning signs:
- Control or manipulation
- Jealousy or lack of trust
- Being afraid to speak up
- Put-downs, guilt, or gaslighting
- Physical or sexual pressure
- Feeling drained, stressed, or unhappy
Talking About Online & Social Media Relationships
Digital relationships can bring pressures of their own, such as comparison, online harassment, or pressure to share personal information.
If a Young Person Is Struggling
- Listen calmly
- Validate their feelings
- Explore support options together
- Empower them
Where to Find Support
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- The Mix (under 25s): 0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX to 85258
- Childline (under 19s): 0800 1111
- Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk
Keeping the Conversation Going
Regular, open conversations help young people feel supported, confident, and safe.
They deserve healthy, respectful relationships; they can always ask for help; and you are there to listen without judgement.
Free Easter Activities for Families
Click on an image below to see the full size version.
