Dear Parents and Carers,

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

As we mark Remembrance Week, there has been much opportunity for reflection across our school community. On Wednesday 11th November, two of our Year 11 cadets led a remembrance reflection with great dignity and maturity, helping us all to pause and consider the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve our country. We were particularly proud that fifteen of our pupils represented the school at the Salisbury Remembrance Service also on Wednesday, joining the wider community in paying their respects and also reading poems that they have written drawing praise from our local community. It has also been wonderful to see so many of our cadets proudly wearing their uniforms in school, demonstrating their commitment to service, discipline and citizenship.

Our assemblies this week have focused on an area that is fundamental to success in school: the learning environment. We have discussed the responsibilities that we all share, both staff and pupils, in ensuring that every lesson is purposeful, productive and conducive to the very best learning. Every young person deserves the opportunity to learn to the very best of their ability, and creating the conditions for that to happen is something we must work towards together every day.

Alongside this, we shared with pupils some of the evidence-informed learning strategies that we are developing as a staff body. Too often, pupils experience routines and techniques without fully understanding why they are being used. By explaining the purpose behind approaches such as retrieval practice, the use of mini whiteboards, cold calling, effective questioning, modelling and guided practice, we hope to help our pupils become more effective learners. We believe that when young people understand how learning happens, they are better equipped to take ownership of their progress and achieve even more.

There has also been plenty to celebrate beyond the classroom. Congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 girls’ football team, who secured an excellent 5-1 victory over Sarum Academy on an extremely wet Tuesday afternoon. Their determination, teamwork and resilience in challenging conditions were a credit to themselves and the school.

Strengthening the partnership between home and school remains one of our key priorities, and it was pleasing to see this continue through our recent Year 7 Head of Year and SEN clinic. These opportunities to meet informally with families, share successes and discuss any concerns are invaluable in ensuring that every child receives the support they need to flourish during their transition to secondary school.

As we move through the term, we continue to be grateful for the commitment shown by our pupils, staff and families. Together, we are creating a community in which young people are encouraged not only to achieve academically, but also to develop the character, resilience and values that will serve them throughout their lives.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school.

Mr Higgins and Mr Rooney

Chaplaincy Commissioning – An Exciting Week Ahead!

We are very much looking forward to another gathering of our wonderful young chaplains this Friday morning in our school chapel. It has been such a joy to see their enthusiasm and willingness to serve our school community.

Our attention now turns to the Chaplaincy Commissioning Service at St Osmund’s Church on Tuesday 17th November, where our young chaplains will be commissioned by Father Joseph.

We kindly ask all parents and carers to ensure that they have returned their consent forms and confirmed permission for their child to attend. If you have not yet responded, please do so by Sunday evening, 15th November, so that we can finalise arrangements.

We are really looking forward to sharing this special occasion together as our pupils take another important step in their journey of faith, friendship and service.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal – Keep the Kindness Going!

Our Christmas Shoebox Appeal continues, and we are so grateful to everyone who has already supported this wonderful initiative.

We warmly encourage families to continue contributing either suitable gifts and items for the shoeboxes or a small financial donation towards their preparation and delivery.

Every contribution, however small, helps us bring a little happiness and hope to someone this Christmas. It is a lovely reminder to our young people that even the simplest acts of kindness can make a real difference.

Year 7 Retreat – Thursday 26th November

We are also very excited about our forthcoming Year 7 Retreat to Kintbury, which promises to be a wonderful day of friendship, team-building activities, prayer and reflection.

We kindly remind parents and carers to complete their consent and make the requested £29 contribution towards this retreat, please.

Above all, we want every Year 7 pupil to experience this valuable day together with our Head of Year as well as the tutors, which will be a wonderful opportunity for our whole school community.

A Final Thought

As we remember those who sacrificed so much for others, and as our young chaplains prepare to be commissioned, we are reminded that service, kindness and love are at the very heart of our school community.

Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can leave the greatest mark on someone’s life.

Thank you, as always, to our pupils, families and colleagues for helping to make St Joseph’s such a caring and welcoming community.

With every blessing,
Otto Blaho-Schlogl
School Chaplain