St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy

Our Catholic Life

Worship

Each day in school begins and ends with a prayer and of course we pray at other times of the day too. We celebrate worship as a whole school at least once a week and KS1 gather to celebrate worship together, as do KS2. This is led by our class teachers with the support of some of the children. The worship is based around a piece of scripture and we have a value which is displayed around school and which supports our spiritual, personal social and emotional growth. This value is chosen by the children and links with the season of the church.

The children throughout the year plan and lead a worship for their own class, Key Stage or for the whole school. The younger children are supported by the staff but as they grow in both confidence and skill they become independent in doing this.

We come together for Mass at different times of the year. Mass is celebrated by Father Firth in school and we also make the walk to church too to celebrate Mass there.

We have a group of children who are trained altar servers and serve in both school and the parish. We also have members of staff who are Eucharistic ministers in church and serve in school and family Masses too.

We also share many Liturgies together during the year, reflecting the church's calendar, such as Christingle.

I am pleased to say that all our Masses and liturgies are very well attended by parents/carers, family members, governors and parishioners who are always most welcome!

VIRTUES TO LIVE BY

Our mission statement at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is embedded by the statement of ethos:

‘With Jesus at the centre of all we do and say’

We do this by living out our school virtues of honesty, respect, love, trust and friendship.

There are 12 additional virtues chosen by the Diocese of Leeds which are taken from their Virtues to Live by resource which is used by St Joseph's to help the children grow and develop the virtues further. Each half term is dedicated to focusing on two of these virtues.

Autumn	Spring	Summer
Respect / Courtesy	Faith	Resilience / Perseverance
Thankfulness	Simplicity	Kindness
Hope	Love / Charity	Honesty
Patience	Forgiveness	Service

The Virtues in Action

The children are encouraged to reflect on their own behaviours and to talk about what the virtues mean for them personally and how they can develop these virtues.

Collective worship: The children regularly plan their own collective worship around the virtues.

Charity work: A brilliant example of how the children put kindness and service into action is through their charitable work. The Mini Vinnies come up with lots of wonderful ideas for helping the local community as well as communities around the globe.

Sacramental Programme

The children are able to receive three Sacraments during their time at St. Joseph’s:

The Sacrament of Reconciliation - Year 3
First Holy Communion - Year 4
Confirmation - Year 6

Our school prides itself on strong links between the Parish, school and home. This means that the preparation for these sacraments remains very strong.

Parents are encouraged to attend workshops with their child, in order to be fully involved in the preparation for the Sacraments.

Reconciliation

Year 3 take the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is received by baptised Catholic children at the end of Year 3.

All children in Year 3 are included in the celebration of the sacrament and our inclusive ethos ensures that those children who are not baptised Catholics are enabled to participate as fully as possible in supporting their classmates during the programme.

Year 3 take a step along their Faith Journey, by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a chance to say sorry to God for the things they have done that have hurt God, others and themselves. When God created man, in his image and likeness, he knew we would make wrong choices so he gave us the gift of Reconciliation so that we have the opportunity to put our wrongs, right and grow closer, to God; following in his ways.

The children will learn the Act of Contrition;

O my God, because you are so good,

I am very sorry that I have sinned against you,

And by the help of your grace, I will try not to sin again.

Holy Communion

As from September 2018, children in Year 4 receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The children prepare thoroughly for this Sacrament. The preparation takes place during RE lessons and there are also meetings between school, parents, and our parish priest Father Firth.

The children receive Holy Communion after Easter. This sacrament is widely celebrated by the entire school and parish community.

Confirmation

Children in Year 6 receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Here they learn to grow in faith whilst considering the role of the Disciple. The Bishop confirms the children, during a moving service.

If you do not attend St Joseph’s Primary School but you are interested in preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation or would like to know more about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr Kevin Firth on 01282 812204

Reconciliation

Congratulations to our Y3s who recently made their Reconciliation.

Confirmation

Year 6 children were confirmed by Bishop Marcus at St. Joseph’s along with children from St. Stephen’s parish, Skipton. The children received the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them in life. Thank you to all involved especially the catechists who prepared the children so well

Mini Vinnies Penitential Service

our Mini Vinnies led a beautiful Penitential service for KS2 and Fr Phillip. They presented readings and reflections prior to the children going to confession.

School service of remembrance

In this special month of November, we prayer for all those who have died. Father Phillip came into school and led a prayer service with the children in KS2 . It was a very beautiful and reflective. Five candles were lit from the Pascal Candle, (one for each class)

Service of Remembrance

Representatives from school attended the Service of Remembrance at the cenotaph in Barnoldswick to remember and honour those killed or injured in conflicts around the world.

Learning about the Rosary

Father Phillip came into school and KS2 made a giant Rosary in the hall. He guided the children through this and explained the Rosary.

Harvest

Our Mini Vinnies went to church to display all our amazing Harvest donations for West Craven Food Bank.

Thank you to all our families. Your generosity will help so many locally.

Canon Firth's Retirement

A parish celebration was held to commemorate the retirement of our parish priest Canon Kevin Firth. Father Firth had served the parish for eight years and will be greatly missed. A presentation was made and the parish joined together to wish him a very happy retirement.

First Holy Communion

Eight children made their First Holy Communion. It was a wonderful occasion for our children and their families.

Stations of the Cross

Class 2 & 3 visited church to learn about the Stations of the Cross. Canon Firth took the children around various areas of church and explained the different stations. The children listened attentively.

Reconciliation

Congratulations to our group who made the act of Reconciliation recently. Thank you to our catechists for preparing them and to our families for supporting them on their journey of faith

Class 4 Assembly - Saints

Class 4 delivered their class assembly about what is means to be a saint. They hosted a quiz about our class saint and told us all about St. Oscar Romero. Thank you to the families who supported this.

Reconciliation for Advent

Class 4 and 5 took part in a Penitential Service as part of our preparations in Advent. We thank Canon Firth who spoke to us about the importance of Reconciliation and our Mini Vinnies who led us in reflection.

Class 5 assembly - Respect

Class 5 delivered the whole school assembly on the virtue of 'Respect'. They planned it and decided each reading and prayer. Well done Class 5!

Confimation

Many congratulations to our Year 6 who were confirmed at St. Stephens in Skipton by Bishop Marcus. It was lovely to join with our neighbouring Parish to celebrate this special sacrament

Penitential Service

KS2 joined together for a Penitential service with Canon Firth to reflect upon how we live our lives and what we could do better. Children then went to confession to speak to God.

Stations of the Cross

Class 4 and 5 visited St. Joseph's Parish Church and Canon Firth led us in prayer through the journey Christ took to the cross. The children read The Stations of The Cross with reverence and clarity.

Prayer room

Father Firth came to bless our new prayer and nurture room.

Outdoor Liturgy with Father Firth

We held our new school year liturgy outside with individual bubbles and Father Firth. It may be a new way, but it was so lovely to remember why we come to St. Joseph's and what makes us special and unique.