Catholic Life and Mission
At St Joseph's our motto shapes our Mission:
'Through Christ We Achieve Our Personal Best'.
This motto is for all of the St Joseph's community, children, staff, parents and Governors.
Through the teaching, words and example of Jesus Christ, we strive to give of our best in all areas of school life.
We are a welcoming and inclusive school. We value our pupils' voice and input.
Through prayer times, assemblies and class discussions children are consistently encouraged to be kind, selfless and respectful. 'Kind words, kind hands, kind feet' is a regular mantra in the school.
Supported by our faithful, dedicated and ambitious families - St Joseph's aims to inspire each child to reach their full potential and to flourish (whether that be academically, spiritually, socially, musically, artistically - or all of the above!).
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It is regularly discussed with the children that we must not merely say good things, but we should look to put our faith into action (to truly 'love our neighbour'). Why we should do this is also regularly discussed to deepen the children's understanding of our responsibilities as Christians. Through the school year there are many ways in which the community of St Joseph's looks to make a positive impact for the 'Common Good'. This may be through prayer, teaching, specific projects, or through charity fundraising for various local, national and international charities.
All staff are conscious of the fact that working in our Catholic school is a privilege and a responsibility. The children deserve our 'personal best' every day and we expect our children to strive to do their 'personal best' in every area of the curriculum and in their personal and social development.
Educating is an act of love - it is like giving life.
Pope Francis
Each week the school newsletter has a 'Catholic Life' section which updates our families on developments from the past week.
Here are some quotes from families who have been part of St Joseph's:
+ Our children ' have grown in love of learning, respect and care for their peers and confidence'.
+ Thank you to the staff who taught our 'children daily with enormous care and patience, allowing them to discover, cherish and develop the best in them.'
+ 'We know what being a St Joseph's student truly means'.
+ 'In St Joseph's we found more than a school, we found a community...we found a family'.
+ 'We discovered that love can be received through a school'.
+ Your unwavering commitment to our children's well-being and development is truly inspiring'.
+ Our child ' has learned to be close to God in a very natural way'.
+ 'We found a community sharing our family's values'. Thank you for creating an atmosphere of ' trust and kindness'.
Jubilee Doors
Each class decorated their classroom doors to make them special 'Holy Doors' as a reminder of the Holy Door in the Vatican. Each time the children walk into their classrooms they are reminded that this is a special Holy Jubilee Year.
Pilgrimage
A beautiful Pilgrims of Hope display is in the Heart of our School, with reminders of special places of pilgrimage.
The Nursery children painted a beautiful centre piece for this display.
Pilgrimage Walk
In March, Mr Stacey led other families of the school on an eleven mile 'pilgrimage walk' to some holy sites in Central London.
It was lovely to walk, talk and pray together. We visited some very special places and said prayers in each. We had prayers with Fr Anthony (from St Thomas More School), Bishop Curry, Mr Stubbings (Head of CVMS), Fr Hugh (at Westminster Cathedral) and Fr Shaun (who blessed us as we finished). It was a truly blessed day and the children, families and staff of St Joseph's were prayed for a lot.
Festival of Hope - June 2025
The Pupil Chaplaincy Team joined hundreds of other pilgrims at the Diocesan Festival of Hope in Westminster Cathedral to mark the Church's Jubilee Year. It was a wonderful occasion. The side chapels in the Cathedral were filled with partner agencies such as CAFOD, CARITAS, PAX CHRISTI and others. The children visited the chapels and took part in activities. We prayed by the tomb of St John Southworth which was very special too.
The service was led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and we were lucky enough to get a photo with him afterwards. He thanked the children for their faith and support and reminded them that they were 'Pilgrims of Hope'.
It was inspiring for all to be at this lovely service in our Cathedral and even more special to hear from the Cardinal and receive his Blessing and encouragement.
