St Joseph’s College

Here at St Joseph’s, we’ve enjoyed a busy term full of retreats, reflections, and prayer. Our Sixth Formers and Year 11s have had the opportunity to think about themselves, the world around them, and their role in it, whilst staff have had the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and work on our Staff INSET day which focused on what it means to be a member of staff at St Joseph’s College as well as a member of staff in an Edmund Rice school.

Our students in Year 9 and Year 10 have taken part in Lenten Penitential and Reflection Services, thinking about the importance of Lent and the moment it gives for reconciliation to take place. As a school we’ve also had the opportunity to think about and pray for our futures as well as the future of the Church as we sponsored a deanery Vocations Mass.

Faithful and Strong

As we move towards a brave new world in our Laetare CMAT, staff at St Joseph’s College wanted to reaffirm what is distinct and precious about our school and what is distinct and precious about being part of the Edmund Rice family of schools.  Therefore, we spent our Catholic INSET day recently, reminding ourselves of just that.

Each year at St Joseph’s College, we have a headline that is our focus: ‘Don’t Just Imagine Your Future – Create It’ is our focus this year.  So, gathering our key themes over the last twelve years, we set about working out what makes us so proud to be St Joseph’s College.   Regardless of the group, the year or the headline, the same themes were clear:

In true Blue Peter style, we then moved to look at what is so special about our network of schools.  Our magnificent RE department led us in thinking about what it means personally to all of us to be part of the network and to appreciate the value and worth of our individual parts in it.

This was then complemented by Andy Bridson explaining how all of the above will fit into the Laetare CMAT and fittingly finished with Mass celebrated by Fr Simon.  It was a day that allowed all that is magical about our school and our network to be shared and appreciated – summed up most beautifully by a member of staff in school: “Today has rejuvenated my soul.”

Encounter

“The Encounter residential retreat provided a transformative experience for me, offering a unique opportunity to unwind and engage in personal reflection with the guidance and support of mentors. The tranquil environment created during the retreat allowed both students and teachers to detach from their daily routines and foster meaningful connections with all participants. I found the walk, where we were paired with prayer-partners to share personal reflections and experiences, particularly impactful. This exercise not only provided a sense of relief but also offered valuable insights and advice from peers, enhancing the overall reflective process. Encounter struck a delicate balance between casual camaraderie and spiritual depth, making it a truly exceptional and enriching experience.”

Stephanie, Year 12 Student

St Cassian’s

“My time spent at St Cassian’s retreat has been a great privilege, making many precious memories that will always resonate with me. Initially, I chose to take part in this retreat as a break from the stresses of a busy school life. Now, not only do I feel replenished, but I have also gained new skills, became closer to others, and now have a deeper understanding of my faith. Upon arriving, I met the most considerate and generous group of people there, all who devoted their days to spending time with us. From many fun games, outdoor activities like rope parkour to reflective moments and meaningful conversations I felt connected to people who I had never met, or had not previously talked to.

 Being at the center, I was enclosed from the outside world, away from the commotion of school, from a society engulfed in social media, yet I felt more at liberty than I had before. Teamwork activities required me to empathize and communicate with those around me, sparking more confidence within me.

 Peaceful moments of prayer helped my mind clear and fully reflect on who I am. Moments like these have shown me how vital it is to really consider the special aspects of life and as quoted by the staff themselves, has enabled me to “live in the moment”.

 This experience was not just the usual school retreat I had expected but instead a retreat that has unveiled a deeper connection to myself and to others. I hope, having learnt more qualities about myself, to spread virtuous acts to those around me, just as the St Cassian’s team did for us.

Asiha, Year 11 Student

Vocations Mass

“This term I had the privilege of attending the vocations mass as St Teresa’s and reading a bidding prayer. For young people such as myself, masses such as these are immeasurably important to celebrate the God-given callings of those nearest to us: teachers, parents, brothers and sisters in faith; while also providing us a chance to give praise for the benediction of free will. The mass, thanks in no small part to eye opening sermon of Father Simon, was nothing short of a breath of fresh air.”

James, Year 12 Student