Catholic Life of the School

Class Saints

Each class in school has a Class Saint whose Feast Day they celebrate. We also have whole school celebrations to celebrate the Patron Saint of our school - Saint Joseph.

The Class Saints are:

Year 5 enjoying dressing up as animals as part of their Saint Francis celebrations.

CHARITY EVENTS

At St. Joseph’s School, we try to support different charities throughout the year by organising various fun events. Our Mini-Vinnie team help to organise these.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

In the autumn term, we held our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning. Although it had to be a bit different this year, the children still enjoyed eating cakes and raised over £270 for this worthwhile cause.

Harvest Appeal

In the autumn term, we had our annual harvest celebration - thanking God for everything he has given us. As part of this celebration, children were invited to bring in donations of non-perishable food items for the local Otley Food Bank.

Advent Appeal

In Advent, the children were invited to bring in new toys for the SVP to distribute to those children across Leeds who might have a difficult Christmas. They also brought in food so that we could create Christmas hampers for disadvantaged families in Leeds. We collected over 150 toys and made 10 food hampers.

Lent Appeal

To raise money for the Good Shepherd Appeal, CAFOD and Mission Together, we held various charity events in Lent including:

• Toast Tuesdays

• Fruit & bun sales

• Easter Egg Raffle

Mini Vinnie Team

Children in Year 5 and Year 6 are invited to apply to become members of the Mini Vinnie Team. They then take part in a special commissioning service. During the year, they help organise various charity events in school.

PARISH LINKS

Our School Parish is Our Lady and All Saints Church which is next to the school.

We are very blessed to have Father Nicholas Hird as our Parish Priest.

During the year, the children attend Church for Holy Days of Obligation, special whole school Masses, visits linked to the RE curriculum and each term the children lead the Sunday Mass for the parish.

sacraments

RECONCILIATION

In Year 3, children prepare and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the spring term following the Diocesan programme called, “Heart Speaks to Heart: The Gift of Reconciliation”.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The children receive First Holy Communion in the summer term of Year 4 having completed the Diocesan preparation book, “Heart Speaks to Heart: The Gift of Holy Communion”.

CONFIRMATION

In Year 6, children prepare and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation using the Diocesan resources.

SCHOOL DISPLAYS

In the school hall, each class has a display board which reflects different themes linked to the catholic Life of the School.

LENT DISPLAYS

EASTER CROSSES

Each class made a cross from a different country for our display in the hall.

VIRTUES

Each class focused on a virtue that we think about at school and created these displays.