Joseph’s Camberwell Newsletter Thursday 25th February 2021 Dear Parents/Carers, Welcome back to a new half term. I hope you and your families are all keeping safe and well. I want to thank you all for your continued support this term with ‘home learning’ and everything that you have done to support the school, the local community and the wider community by following the guidance to stay at home to try and prevent the spread of coronavirus. It seems unthinkable that the lockdowns have continued for as long as they have and that children have had two lengthy periods of time away from school. I am sure that we are all praying that there will be no more lockdowns and that the children can return to school and stay at school from 8th March 2021 onwards. I know that all the staff are looking forward to having all of the children back in school with their friends, learning together. You will receive further guidance in a letter next week, detailing how we plan to reopen fully on the 8th March. As we enter into this special season of Lent, we are reminded that it is a time for spiritual growth. The Church invites us to be introspective, and to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery with prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It can be challenging for children to give alms, so we want to encourage them to practice giving in a way that provides both an opportunity for sacrifice as well as generosity. The children are invited to practice being good stewards of their possessions by going through their things and setting aside those clothes, toys, etc. that they have grown out of, or no longer use. It demonstrates gratitude for God’s gifts, and passes those gifts on to others. Parents in discussion with the child determine who the recipient(s) should be. You might want to pass things along to the child’s younger siblings, cousins, neighbours etc. We are planning to hold a virtual parents meeting next week, before all the children return to school on the 8th March. This will give you an opportunity to meet the your child’s class teacher, share any worries or anxieties you think your child may have with regards to returning to school and for the teacher to give a brief overview of what learning will take place on their return.…