Numbers - must be getting something right?

I’ve been thinking a lot about numbers. (For a change, not those numbers that are smaller than we need and preceded by a £ sign!) No, it’s pupil numbers that have captured my attention, this week.

At this time of year, we offer places for Reception in September (Nursery offers coming soon, too). I’m hearing that applications are declining in some local schools and also many Catholic schools across the Diocese. The good news here (back to thinking of those £ signs again) is that we continue to attract a ‘full set of applications’, (approximately 30).

I guess each family has different reasons for making the important choice of their child’s school. The fact so many choose St Joseph’s is a testament to the hard work of both school and parish in continuing to promote our shared Catholic mission. Maybe they chose St Joseph’s for our faith education and closeness to church (geographic as well as relational)? Maybe for our inclusivity and diversity? Maybe your children come here, because you came here or your parent came here? I guess for some, it’s simply the nearest school or maybe you just liked the tie? Whatever the reason, many families continue to benefit from these special buildings on Brackley Avenue! Soon we hope to install new signs welcoming more people to our church, school and parish centre. Let’s hope we still have room for each and every child who wants to ‘Grow in Love’.

Finally, I can’t ignore this obvious opportunity to encourage! If your child DOES have a place at St Joseph’s, make sure they are here in their place, every day - attendance matters!

Mr J Wilkinson