Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the end of another wonderful term, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our entire school community once again on all that has been achieved. Our pupils continue to make us incredibly proud through their enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude, and it has been a pleasure to see so many successes celebrated together.
Our recent Super Learning Days were a tremendous success. The exciting activities based on both the World Cup and the 250th Anniversary of the USA provided pupils with engaging opportunities to develop their knowledge, creativity and curiosity. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm for learning across the school and to witness pupils embracing these unique experiences.
We were also delighted to host a wonderful Prizegiving Ceremony on Monday, attended by more than 300 pupils, parents, staff and guests. The event was a fitting celebration of the academic success, effort and achievement of our pupils, and it was a pleasure to recognise so many young people for their hard work throughout the year. For any pupils who were unable to attend, awards will be presented during the end-of-year Year Group Assemblies so that their achievements can also be recognised and celebrated.
Sports Day was another highlight of the term. Seeing the whole school come together to support one another, demonstrate excellent sportsmanship and celebrate each other’s achievements was truly wonderful to witness. The encouragement shown by pupils, staff and families reflected the very best of our school community and the values we strive to uphold every day.
I would also like to thank all pupils who attended the Paultons Park Reward Trip. Once again, their behaviour was impeccable throughout the day, and they were excellent ambassadors for the school. We received many positive comments about our pupils, and I am immensely proud of the mature and respectful manner in which they represented the school.
Our Community Days have made a significant contribution to school life. By working together to organise, improve and enhance our school site, pupils have helped create an even stronger school community. These days have demonstrated the importance of teamwork, responsibility and taking pride in the environment we share. Through these collective efforts, we continue to build a stronger school, together.
As we prepare for the end of term, please ensure that pupils collect all personal belongings and clear their lockers before the final day of school. Any items left behind may be difficult to return.
I will be writing to all parents in my end-of-year letter with further details about a number of changes and developments planned for next year. I look forward to sharing these with you and outlining our continued ambitions for the school as we build on this year’s successes.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support throughout the year. Together, we have much to celebrate, and I am grateful for the partnership between home and school that helps our pupils thrive.
Have a wonderful weekend.
School Chaplain’s Final Report – End of the Academic Year
As we reach the end of another wonderful school year, I would like to share one final update on the inspiring work of our school chaplaincy team and to thank everyone who has helped make this year such a success. Following on from last week’s newsletter, our chaplains had the privilege of visiting the Salisbury Foodbank, where we delivered just under 50 kilograms of donated food collected by our generous school community. We spent time working alongside the dedicated volunteers, sorting donations and helping to pack food parcels for local families in need. It was a truly humbling experience and a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to put Catholic Social Teaching into action through practical service to others.
To begin our visit, we held a fun warm-up challenge where pupils were asked to estimate the total weight of our school’s donations. Two pupils (Elsie and Rosie) came closest with their guesses, and each received a well-deserved chocolate bar as a prize from me.
One particularly remarkable achievement came from a single form group in Year 7 in St Vincent House, who collected an incredible 13 kilograms of food on their own. This outstanding contribution secured victory in our House Foodbank Competition, and they should be immensely proud of the difference they have made to families in our local community.
Another highlight of the final week was our annual Prize Giving Ceremony, where it was my great pleasure to present the Chaplaincy Awards in recognition of pupils who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, generosity and servant leadership throughout the year.
Our Chaplaincy Award winners were:
- Year 7: Elsie Rowe
- Year 8: Ruby Rixon
- Year 9: Rosie Morrissey-Leggett
- Year 10: Harry Hollands and Paulina Kocikowska
Each of these pupils has made an exceptional contribution to the life of our chaplaincy through their willingness to serve others, support school liturgies, led by example and generously give their time. Harry, Paulina as well as Henry Noble will continue working closely with me next year, and I know they will be wonderful role models for our younger chaplains.
As this academic year draws to a close, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all our parents and carers for your continued encouragement and support. Thank you also to every pupil who has contributed to chaplaincy in any way—whether by attending our meetings, preparing PowerPoint presentations for assemblies, leading prayers and liturgies, practising readings, supporting charitable events, or quietly serving behind the scenes. Every contribution has helped make a real difference.
I am especially grateful to all of our chaplains for the compassion, dedication and enthusiasm they have shown throughout the year. Your wonderful work at Exeter House, St Osmund’s Primary School, our Foodbank projects and many other initiatives has been a shining example of our school community living out our Tree of Values and putting Catholic Social Teaching into practice.
Finally, I wish all of our pupils, parents, carers and families a happy, peaceful and restful summer break. Thank you for all your support throughout the year. Please be assured that you remain in my prayers. May God bless you abundantly, keep you safe over the holidays, and bring you back refreshed and ready for another exciting year together within our St Joseph’s family in September.
With every blessing,
Otto Blaho-Schlogl, School Chaplain
Parent Notices – New Format
Please check ClassCharts or your email to ensure that you have the weekly letters and key information. We are committed to streamlining our communication to make it more effective for parents and carers. Parent Notices will be sent out every Thursday afternoon.
