St Joseph’s Preparatory School

Back in September, the staff at St Joseph’s Prep welcomed Ann and Roisin into school, to deliver training to both old and new staff about Edmund Rice and what it is like to be a part of this wonderful family.

This term has, as always been a busy and exciting term with a range of activities going on. One of the main activities we have started this term is our very own Forest School. Mrs Grady, from our EYFS department has created this wonderful natural environment which the children enjoy visiting in all weathers.

“St Joseph’s Preparatory School has been awarded the Gold Award by the Woodland Trust. The Green Tree School initiative offers the opportunity to learn in the great outdoors. The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in woodland and trees. The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points, and we are delighted to receive this accolade. Our Forest School launched in September and has seen our EYFS children enjoy weekly sessions in a small woodland area of our school grounds.” Mrs Grady.

Throughout our recent Multicultural week, the children in EYFS took this opportunity to look at Edmund Rice, and how he began with such small seeds and growing into the network we all know about today.

EYFS have been learning about the life of Edmund Rice. We have enjoyed learning about how we can be more like him; caring and being kind to one another, as well as thinking about how we can look after people and the world around us.

At Forest School we role-played Edmund helping and feeding the children, recreating the Hedge school which Edmund created.

As you can see, our EYFS children have been so busy, and this has continued throughout the rest of the school. The children were able to look at a number of religions in multicultural week, and even visited the local Gurdwara.

We held our annual Harvest celebration, and the children brought in produce which we donated to the Alice Charity. Prep 5 held their assembly, which focused on Edmund Rice, and gave an opportunity to talk to not only the children about him but their parents too.

I would like to give a warm welcome to the new members of our family here, which include both children and staff. I hope that your time here with us at St Joseph’s Preparatory School will enrich you.

Below is Levi’s interview about being a new pupil.

What is it like to be at St Josephs? 

“It feels good to be at this school, because I’ve made lots of new friends, the students, teachers, and many more. Everyone here is very friendly, and it is a fun place to learn and play.  I’ve got the opportunity soon to represent the school at a Year 5 and 6 multisport tournament and I am looking forward to it.”

Being an Edmund Rice school – How is it better or different than your old school? 

“Most people here are Catholic and do good deeds for House Points. At my old school, there was no such thing as House points. At this school, we follow the 8 essentials-such as education for justice, striving for excellence and many, many more.  I think I work hard to strive for excellence and have enjoyed our Literacy and writing mystery stories this term.  During Advent, I hope to communicate the message of justice and fairness as I prepare for Jesus’ birth at Christmas.”

At this busy time of the year, I would like us to take the opportunity to think about all that is going on in the world today and hold these thoughts in our prayers.

Bible verse from Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from everyone at St Joseph’s Preparatory School.