The Summer Term at St Joseph’s is focused importantly on public and internal examinations for Senior School students. Whilst shorter and (usually) accompanied by better weather than our Christmas and Lent Terms, the Summer Term does not feel any less busy and is certainly packed full of enjoyable occasions both on and off campus for students of all ages.
From reflections on the academic year, Celebrations of Achievement in Prep and Senior School, sports days and student social events to ongoing teaching and learning and planning for the new academic year, there is much to concentrate our attention on.
I hope you enjoy this Newsletter and reading about our students’ successes, plus the bios of two of our wonderful staff, Mrs Taylor and Mr Cull. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all College staff for their commitment and service this academic year. As we prepare for September during the summer break, we look forward to:
• The opening of our new Prep Performing Arts Centre.
• The installation of a state-of-the art astro and refurbishment of our netball courts
• The re-configuration of our boarding houses to create Junior Boarding in Goldrood House and Senior Boarding in The Mews
The new academic year starts with our Lower Sixth Enrolment Day on Friday 29 August, Year 7 and Lower Sixth Induction Day on Wednesday 3 September and the return of all other year groups, both current and new students, on Thursday 4 September.
Please know that the Senior Leadership Team works across the summer break alongside finance, admin, student services and admissions staff. We are available online, by phone or in person should you have a query at any point.
I wish you and your family a fabulous summer break.
Mrs Danielle Clarke Principal
As I write this, the end of the academic year is fast approaching, as is the end of my first year as Head of Prep. What a privilege and pleasure it has been. As I reflect on the year, I realise what a long way we have all come and how much we have achieved together.
The year has been vibrant, with numerous highlights in many areas. Our children have had the opportunity to embark on various trips, visits and residential experiences, allowing them to explore and learn beyond the classroom. The concerts, carol services and performances have showcased their talents and creativity. In addition, the many and unrivalled sporting opportunities they have had this year, be that in lessons, fixtures or tournaments, has meant that each and every one of them has had a chance to shine, grow in confidence and build resilience. Our curriculum and provision is very intentional, giving every child the space to thrive.
We have also been very intentional in our focus to reintroduce a variety of community events to the Prep School. Our bingo and quiz nights were well attended and a great success. Our Prom on the Playground is always a highlight, as is our very popular Grandparents’ Breakfast at the start of the year. Of course, our Christmas Fayre and Summer Fete are two wonderful opportunities to come together and to raise funds for our current projects. We have also seen some quite big projects take place this year; and we will really see the benefits in September. These have included the addition of a sleeping room to our Nursery, and the size of the Nursery doubling; the creation of a new space for our Performing Arts Centre; and a design for our Wellbeing Garden. This has been finalised and work will begin in early July.
It’s that time of the year when we say farewell to our Year 6 children as they prepare to move across to the Senior School. Although we are always sad to see them (and their parents) go, we know that they are ready. They have been wonderful role models and have contributed immensely to the life of our
Prep School and we wish them all the very best. While they will be missed, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for them.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff who work in and with the Prep School. Their commitment to enhancing our children’s experiences has made this year truly special. We are very sad to be saying farewell to both Mrs Barker and Miss Banks as they begin their maternity leave. We wish them and their families the very best as they begin this exciting new chapter in their lives. Thank you both for all that you have given to the Prep School this year.
To our parents, thank you for your support and for being such active participants in your children’s education. Your encouragement and support means the world to us.
I wish everyone a happy, restful and safe summer holiday. Enjoy this time with family and friends; we look forward to seeing you all back, ready for another year in September.
Warmest regards,
Mrs Dianne Searle, Head of Prep School
Creative and Performing Arts Round-up
‘Colour my world with sunshine yellow each day…’
From the mellow streets of Agrabah, where the air is full of spices, to the London catwalk, our students’ senses have been beguiled as creativity has beamed down around them. They have generated plenty of the artistic sunshine themselves, too, with performances, artwork, craftwork and enthusiastically original responses to the artistic riches laid before them. The fortnight before the final week of term was jam-packed with the best in the Creative and Performing Arts. Audiences have enjoyed performances of Aladdin and Oliver with a Twist. Thank you to the performers and also all those working on sound, lighting, hair and makeup. Our students are nothing if not versatile.
West End Musical Director Vicki Calver gave Aladdin cast members some fascinating insights when she worked with them in the Drama Studio. Workshops led by industry leaders have explored glass, illustration, sculpture and fashion. Students have taken in London Fashion Week graduate show, plus the work exhibited by more local universities – in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Their own work – covering a wide variety of genres – has been exhibited in three shows: A-level Art, Textiles and Photography; GCSE Art, Textiles and Photography; and EYFS and Infants. As we went to press, an online exhibition, ‘Through the Frame: Expressions from St Jo’s’ was about to launch
One Day I’ll Fly Away…
If you didn’t know already, you know now: Upper Sixth are all grown up and ready for their next adventure. The young ladies and gentlemen attending the Sixth Form Leavers Ball at Ipswich Town Hall did so with style and grace.
At their Leavers’ Assembly in the Chapel, they celebrated a wealth of memories – some going right back to days in Little Jo’s nursery – and a host of achievements and milestones to carry with them. They also received Old Birkfeldian badges marking their automatic transition to OB status.
Retiring Head Boy and Head Girl, Olly Edwards and Nina Ruis Coles planted an apple tree on behalf of their classmates. We say fare well to them all – we will follow your careers with warm interest.
“…pray you’ll
never know The hell where youth and laughter go.”
It is perhaps the youth of the soldiers who fought in the First World War and of the great poets who captured the spirit and tragedy of the time that makes the period so relatable to our students. That and the very near connection felt by those whose forebears had faced the horrors of the Great War in person.
That empathy came to the fore during our Poetry and Battlefields Trip, which deepened students’ understanding of the physical and psychological cost of trench warfare and the staggering scale of loss on the fields of the Somme and Passchendaele. Tactics and landscapes were brought into focus. Similarly, the worlds of war poets including Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon came off the page and into life as the students better understood how and why they came to be created. Deputy Principal and historian, Mr Cinnamond, described the joint venture between the English and History Departments as ‘brilliant’. He thanked his colleagues, Mrs Lim and Mrs Hosking-Burtle, and veteran John Atkinson OB for his support.
Senior Sport
As the summer term draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on what has been an outstanding and action-packed cricket season here at St Joseph’s College. Across the Prep School and Senior School, we played over 100 competitive fixtures, offering opportunities for players at every level to represent the College and develop their game. The warm weather and dry pitches made it a true season for runs, with some superb batting displays throughout the term. In total, 18 players passed the landmark of 50 runs in an innings, with three going on to make memorable centuries. Among these, a special mention must go to First XI captain Alex Bush, who not only led by example throughout the season but also earned his St Joseph’s College cap with a fine century against RHS.
There were numerous team and individual performances to celebrate across the age groups. The U13 boys were worthy winners of the OBH Festival, showcasing skill and composure throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, the U12 boys reached Finals Day, a fantastic achievement that speaks to the exciting potential in our younger teams.
The First XI enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in recent years, recording notable victories against MCC, the Gents of Suffolk and touring side, Embley College, in addition to a full schedule of school fixtures. These results reflect the effort, commitment and teamwork shown by the squad all season. It has also been hugely encouraging to see over 80 girls represent the College in school fixtures, a record figure and a clear sign of the continued growth of girls’ cricket at St Joseph’s. The enthusiasm, commitment, and progress made by our female cricketers this term have been exceptional.
Our programme continues to help talented individuals take the next step in their cricketing journey. Thanks to their hard work and performances at school, a number of players have earned places on pathway programmes with Suffolk and Essex. Notably, George (Y9), who has captained Essex U14s. As a member of St Jo’s 1st XI he scored a century against Eltham College, in a game which saw St Jo’s backs against the wall. Mr Parker, Head of Cricket, said, ‘George displayed maturity well beyond his years, in a calm, composed and fluent innings that gave the team renewed belief. With the momentum shifting, Eltham were forced to defend as St Jo’s pushed for an unlikely victory. In the end, the game concluded in a draw, with Eltham holding on as time ran out.’
To all players continuing their cricket through the summer—be it at clubs, in representative sides, or even just with bat and ball in hand on holiday—good luck and enjoy your cricket. For our leavers, thank you for your commitment to cricket at St Joseph’s; you leave a lasting legacy. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all players, coaches, ground staff, and parents for your support, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the season.
Football
It has been a busy and successful summer term for everyone involved in football at the College. Our U18 girls achieved remarkable national success, triumphing in the Society of Heads Cup, the AOC National Futsal Cup and the Suffolk County Cup. Their dedication and teamwork have been truly outstanding throughout the season. The U16 boys also enjoyed a fantastic term, winning the South Suffolk County Cup and, for the first time in the competition’s history, we retained the ESFA National Cup!
Their consistency and skill have made them a formidable force on the pitch and their achievements are a testament to their hard work and determination. We proudly hosted our second annual Football Festival, a highlight of the football calendar. The event kicked off on Friday with the Prep Football Festival, featuring exciting matches for both boys and girls during the day. In the evening, we welcomed back our OBs for a special reunion game; a fantastic opportunity for former students to reconnect with the College community.
On Saturday, both our boys’ and girls’ teams fought valiantly but narrowly missed out in the finals. They demonstrated great spirit and sportsmanship throughout the tournament and their commendable efforts have set a strong foundation for next season. We would like to congratulate both Blenheim and Leiston on their success.
To conclude this action-packed term, we had the honour of hosting the Premier League Kicks tournament. This event brought together young footballers from the area, promoting not only competition but also community engagement and positive development through sport. Overall, it has been an exciting and rewarding term for football at the College, marked by success, community and memorable moments on and off the pitch.
Successful Dubai
Netball & Cricket Tour
Our joint Netball and Cricket tour to Dubai was a tremendous success. The unforgettable experience married competitive matches, team bonding, dunes, a jeep excursion and camels!
Our focus then shifted to pre-season netball training. The players have been working hard to build fitness, develop skills and prepare for the competitive season ahead.
Momentum has been maintained thanks to participation in the Colchester League, with matches every Thursday evening from the start of summer through to the end of term. This ongoing match play has supported development and provided vital game experience for our players throughout the summer.
We send our best wishes to our incredible Upper Sixth netball girls as they complete their exams and prepare for life beyond school. We will miss their leadership and spirit on court. Now we are looking forward to October, when we welcome back our recent leavers and other OBs for the annual Old Birkfeldian Netball Fixture.
Science Round-up
British Science Week 2025: Exploring Change and Adaptation
This year’s British Science Week brought the theme ’Change and Adapt’ to life across our school, with a fantastic range of activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity in science.
Our Year 7 to 9 students took part in a series of exciting extracurricular lessons, each exploring the theme in a handson and engaging way:
• In biology, students investigated the evolution of birds’ beaks through an interactive seed collection challenge.
• In chemistry, they explored air quality using fluorescent techniques to detect particles and pollutants.
• In physics, students tackled the challenge of protecting an egg from changing forces — with some very inventive designs!
Our Year 6 students joined in by exploring adaptations through a ‘Design an Animal’ challenge, imagining creatures perfectly suited to survive in extreme environments — again, with some wonderfully creative results!
Across all year groups, students competed in our fast-paced House ‘Sprint Science’ competition, where quick thinking and scientific knowledge were put to the test. Congratulations to Birkfield, the overall winner.
Students also had the opportunity to enter the British Science Week Poster Competition, with a new category introduced by University College London. It focused on improving indoor air quality, and we are incredibly proud of our finalists — Annie, Holly, William, Zack and Henry. Their posters demonstrated outstanding research, creativity and presentation.
A special congratulations goes to William, who was named national runner-up! The judging panel from the British Science Association, UCL and external experts was so impressed by the quality of the entries that all five finalists were awarded the Crest Discovery Award — a first in the history of the competition!
Innovation, teamwork and scientific curiosity were celebrated during British Science Week 2025 and we can’t wait for next year.
Year 10 Students Shine in the Junior Physics Challenge!
Year 10 Triple Science students took part in the Junior Physics Challenge, a national competition run by the British Physics Olympiad. Designed to stretch and inspire young minds, the challenge presents students with a variety of thought-provoking problems rooted in the GCSE curriculum. It rewards curiosity, general knowledge and a passion for practical science.
We are thrilled to announce that our students performed exceptionally well in their first year of entering the competition. Of 23 participants:
• Joseph and Jovante, both secured Gold Awards, placing them in the top 13% of entries nationwide — an outstanding achievement!
• Eight students achieved Silver Awards — congratulations to Kezia, Logan, Dominic, Aiden, Tommy, Gabriella, Max and James on this fantastic accomplishment.
• 13 students earned Bronze Awards, demonstrating solid understanding and enthusiasm for physics. The Junior Physics Challenge is not just about high scores; it’s about sparking interest and enjoyment in the subject. We are very proud of all the entrants for embracing the challenge with such enthusiasm and determination. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the supportive learning environment fostered in our science classrooms.
Well done, Year 10 — we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
Success in the UK Chemistry Olympiad for Deputy Head Girl Liana
Our retiring Deputy Head Girl, Liana, achieved a Silver Award in this year’s prestigious UK Chemistry Olympiad — placing her in the top third of entries nationwide. The Olympiad is the leading chemistry competition for secondary students in the British Isles. Designed to challenge and inspire, it offers a unique opportunity for students to stretch their understanding and demonstrate excellence in the field of chemistry.
We wish Liana every success as she continues her journey in science beyond St Joseph’s and are certain she has a bright future ahead!
Mrs Kelly Taylor, Prep School Teacher
My Journey into Teaching
How it all began… For many years, I worked as a hairdresser, co-owning a salon with my sister. It was a rewarding and flexible career that fit well with the demands of raising a young family. But I always knew my true calling was in education. That spark was lit during my work experience at 15, when I first stepped into a classroom and felt instantly at home.
As my children grew older, I began to seriously consider a career as a teacher. I started as a teaching assistant, eager to get my foot in the door and immerse myself in the day-to-day life of a school. I loved supporting children, watching their confidence grow and playing a role in their learning journeys.
My curiosity then led me to work as a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA), which gave me more responsibility and the opportunity to lead lessons. This role deepened my understanding of classroom dynamics and reaffirmed my desire to become a fully qualified teacher. Becoming a teacher felt like the natural next step. I pursued my degree whilst continuing to work, determined to make the transition.
Today, I teach the Reception class in the Prep School and currently oversee the Nursery while my
colleague is on maternity leave. This dual role has been a wonderful challenge and has allowed me to see the full arc of child development—from those very first steps in Nursery to their final year in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Working in Early Years is where my heart truly lies. There is something incredibly special about supporting children as they take their first steps in education, watching their personalities blossom and helping to build a strong foundation for their future learning. Every day is different, filled with new discoveries, laughter and nurturing young minds. Looking back, I’m proud of my journey. Each stage has taught me valuable skills, the resilience to keep going when you want something and that teaching is where I’m meant to be.
Prep News
Death on the Nile and How to
Navigate the Afterlife
The children in Year 3 and 4 were transported back in time when they attended an Egyptian workshop. It began with exploring why the Egyptians settled near the River Nile. After that they found out about the rather gruesome process of mummification. Once the canopic jars were full, the journey to the afterlife began with fabulous masks of Egyptian gods and goddesses.
The session finished with the girls and boys becoming archaeologists and examining replica artefacts from the period. They had to guess what items may have been used for and the materials from which they were made. This was an exciting way to begin our topic and the students’ knowledge has certainly grown!
Year 2 Delves into Problem Solving Space Task
The girls and boys of Year 2 have been on a galactic adventure, following the landing of a space rocket. The children discovered that a box of lost toys had mysteriously arrived in the classroom. They hypothesised about where the toys could have come from and how they could help find their owners, then created ‘Found’ posters to try to reunite them. WonderDoll took the children on a journey to space where they met Hoctopize, who had lost Cuddles. The children wrote letters to Hoctopize offering their advice on how to return all the stolen toys and ultimately how to find Cuddles.
All the World’s a Stage for Our Prep Performers
Infant Production
The infant and nursery pupils dazzled with their charming production ‘Hats Off’. To bring the story of Apple, the Pony who lost her hat, to life they had memorised their lines and learned many songs.
Prom on the Playground
Our Prom on the Playground concert is always a highlight of the Summer Term. With ukulele and samba performances, recorder and string ensembles and songs from our five choirs, it was a truly wonderful way to spend time with friends and family listening to music performed by our pupils.
Oliver with a Twist
The anticipation surrounding the Junior The anticipation surrounding the Junior Production of ‘Oliver with a Twist’ was well rewarded as the children delivered enchanting performances over two evenings in the Chapel. With the cast assembled, the pupils worked hard from February to perfect the well-known characters of Oliver, Dodger, Nancy and Fagin.
Our Year 3, 4 and 5 classes were wonderful members of the supporting ensemble and our Year 6 girls and boys shone in the leading roles.
Busy, happy, active days in France
Parents may have noticed their children returned from their residential trip with a certain je ne sais quoi about their demeanour. After all, five days away from home and overseas at that is sure to be a formative experience for Year 5 and 6 boys and girls. Our party travelled to Rue in northern France and made themselves at home in the early 18th century Château du Broutel, set in 40 acres of parkland and boasting a private boating lake. Just an hour from Calais, the small historical town of Rue provided a novel and exciting setting for our young adventurers.
There were also numerous activities to keep any thoughts of homesickness at bay. These included a trip to Nausicaa National Sea Centre, the largest aquarium in Europe, and a visit to Le Touquet Market.
Water sports on the lake were very popular… but maybe just pipped by a visit to a chocolaterie. Evening activities at the Château rounded off the days for those who needed a bit more action before bedtime.
Prep Sport
This year has truly been a landmark one for Prep School sport; a year defined by growth, vision and opportunity. With a clear strategic direction, Prep School sport is firmly on its path to becoming the cornerstone of our pupils’ sporting development.
From the earliest years through to KS2, there has been a focus on the fundamentals. Across every year group, pupils have engaged in lessons rooted in basic movement and physical literacy, essential foundations that will support them in sport and life. Our commitment to providing every child the chance to reach their full potential has seen many rise to the occasion, with notable national success in both swimming and squash.
It has also been a year of festivals, a celebration of all that sport can offer. We kicked off the year with an unforgettable U11 Rugby Festival, where pupils had the stirring opportunity to play on the main pitch, complete with fire cannons and a live stream. The energy and pride were palpable, and it set the tone for a season filled with opportunity.
The school has proudly hosted a wide range of events, including IAPS tournaments in Netball, Rugby and Cricket. These prestigious competitions brought together schools from across East Anglia and showcased an incredibly high standard of sport. Alongside these, we organised our own independent festivals, with U9 and U11 boys and girls competing in Netball, Football, Cricket and Rugby - a testament to our inclusive and ambitious sporting ethos.
One of the year’s highlights was our sports tour to Barcelona, where pupils were immersed in elite-level facilities and coaching, giving them a taste of high-performance sport and invaluable cultural experiences.
As the year comes to a close, we celebrate not just the accolades, but the spirit and determination shown by every child. Prep School sport is thriving and this year has made it clearer than ever that we are building a strong foundation for the future.
Enabling and empowering the conservation movement across Africa
Guest speaker for our Senior School End of Year Celebration was an ‘old boy’ of St Joseph’s College whose subsequent career has demonstrated every virtue of both our motto – Faith, Hard Work and Tenacity – and of the College values, Aspiration, Respect and Confidence.
That is quite a list to live up to, but Nick Bubb OB has managed to do so. His career has taken him from engineering and professional sailing to heading up a leading conservation charity. Add into the mix becoming one of the youngest sailors ever to race non-stop around the world, sailing with his family from the UK to New Zealand, a little representative politics, some long-distance bikepacking and the odd ultra marathon.
Nick was kind enough to tell us his school years ‘laid the foundation for everything. St Joseph’s gave me lifelong friendships, a love of sport, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for nature that’s shaped the way I see the world. In some ways I was a bit of a late bloomer but the values I picked up at school,
discipline, teamwork, resilience, have stayed with me through every phase of life.
Nick was appointed Chief Executive of Tusk in January 2024. He was formerly Business Development Director at Fauna & Flora International (FFI), one of the world’s oldest conservation charities. Tusk’s mission is to accelerate African-driven conservation.
‘Despite facing some of the greatest challenges to international conservation in history, Tusk continues to be a shining light in what are tragically dark times for Africa’s wildlife.’
HRH The Prince of Wales KG, KT
Royal Patron
Mr Martyn Cull Estates Manager
We are famous for Rugby, with Football hot on its heels, but have four Performance Sports and sport for all, too. Which is your favourite?
Cricket is always in my heart, but I have a huge passion for producing the best possible surfaces for all sports. All the surfaces bring many different groundsman practices. We may face many challenges throughout the year: too wet, too dry, too hot, too cold. Could you tell us a little about your career before you joined St Joseph’s College?
I spent time in the Armed Forces before turning to the fitness industry but for the past 15 years I’ve worked in the grounds industry. It’s an amazing job; hard work but can be very rewarding. Was your interest in estates work created by an interest in sport?
I was a keen cricketer and loved being outdoors. We always try to produce a surface that we would want to play on.
And could you tell us a little about your life outside work?
I enjoy spending time with the family and I’m always happy to be walking round a golf course losing golf balls! I also love a BBQ and a beer!
Have you got an immaculate lawn at home or is the grass knee high?
I would love to say it’s immaculate but, unfortunately, it’s not. I like to blame the boy for playing football on it all the time!! Is Climate Change having an effect on your work and if so, what countermeasures are you taking?
It has had a huge impact on our industry. We now experience more extreme changes in the weather. Irrigation and drainage are always huge parts of our job. Also, the growing season is never ending now. The industry is always evolving with new technologies; we try and stay in line with these as much as possible. We face many challenges as a grounds team, but we always strive for perfection. It’s something that we will probably never achieve, but it keeps us driven
Have you found the staff and students appreciative of the efforts put in by your team?
The whole College, staff and students, have been amazing with their support and comments. As a team we are always striving to improve the whole campus. If the school budget allowed it, what one piece of equipment would transform your life?
Great question, almost too many to name. Pop up irrigation would be a massive help for us. A tractormounted disc seeder would also be ideal
MCC and OB Matches Bookend the Season
The green and leafy St Joseph’s campus made a splendid early evening setting for the annual OB cricket match against the school. The 20-over game was closely contested, with Isaac Toombs OB achieving a half century and retiring Head Boy Olly Edwards responding with 68 for the school. Year 11 student James secured two wickets, as did Kyle Tanner for the OBs. It was to be the OBs’ day; they finished on 216 for 3.
St Joseph’s fought hard but ended on 180 for 6.
A bar, a balmy evening and a wonderfully entertaining game, we only could have wished for a larger crowd of spectators. Do please let us know what we should do differently next year so we can share the event more widely.
St Joseph’s College beat MCC in the first home game of the season, a first victory over Marylebone in 10 years. The day was made even more memorable by the return of Nick Curran OB, a current MCC player.
Before the game, Mr Ben Parker, Head of Cricket, presented Alex Bush (U6) with a cap for his century against Langley School last year. Players scoring centuries or taking five wickets for the 1st XI are capped according to a long-standing College tradition.
Igniting a Beacon for Service and Sacrifice
Following the success of our D-Day 80 commemoration in June 2024, St Joseph’s College felt it was fitting to mark Victory in Europe Day, which the landings eventually led to. And St Jo’s did so in style.
‘This was our opportunity to bring the St Joseph’s College community together and to say thank you to the “golden” generation who won us the freedom which we enjoy today,’ said Mr Cinnamond, Deputy Principal.
Opened by Chair of Governors, Mr Perry Glading, the evening celebrated past sacrifice and current peace. In readings, songs and music, the joy and relief of 1945 was recreated by students of all ages, by staff and by Old Birkfeldians, who returned to add their own tributes. Songs popular with the Forces and on the Home Front rang out across South Park. Our Prep Junior Choir brought added poignancy. Marching in unison and dressed as evacuees, Land Girls, soldiers and nurses, they sang a medley of tunes. Senior students Grace (Y9) and Oscar (Y10) gave outstanding renditions of ‘Wish Me Luck’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ respectively. Grace later teamed up with the master of ceremonies, Dr Briege Rice, to perform the History teacher’s own composition, ‘Shores of Normandy.’
The Prep and Senior Vocal Ensemble came right up to date with a song highlighting the ongoing sacrifice of Service families, ‘Wherever You Are’, the Military Wives’ Choir Platinum-winning anthem. Returning students adding their special talents to the evening included Bella Ross OB, who sang ‘Smile’, former Deputy Head Girl Anna SimpsonJacobs OB, who sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ in duet with Acting Director of Music,
Mrs Barker, and Tabitha Debenham OB. Fortunately for us all, Tabitha has gone on to be a member of The Three Chordettes, a harmony trio specialising in the mid-century era.
The stylish Chordettes sang two sets of period perfect songs, braving the cold in vintage swing dresses on an evening when Forties furs would have been appreciated.
Poems were recited, including ‘The Return’, written by a St Joseph’s College student in 1945. It was read by Luca (Y4), and Jensen, Isobel & Felicity (all Y6).
Ademide and Alex (both Y11) also spoke, and Holly (Y7) delivered an excerpt from George VI’s VE Day speech. Playing an active part in the event, too, was Mrs Wong, St Jo’s new Director of Music, who will be taking up the post in September.
Dr Rice and Mr Cinnamond set the event in context, before the audience joined former Head Boy Wilfred Kemsley OB in the hymn, ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’.
The solemn mood was enhanced by a Piper’s Tribute, played by another Old Birkfeldian, Euan Chalmers. This was followed by the lighting of the beacon at 9.15pm, as similar fires were struck across the country. A joyful burst of fireworks brought the commemoration to a close.
Boarding at St Joseph’s College
Living in one of St Joseph’s boarding houses offers a unique and enriching experience, especially for students seeking independence, personal growth and cultural immersion. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to dive into English language and culture, enjoying the best of sunny Suffolk while playing golf, flying kites and visiting the beach.
St Joseph’s provides a deep cultural experience. Boarders get to observe and participate in customs, traditions and daily routines, engendering a better understanding of the local way of life. This cultural immersion can be especially valuable for international students, as it helps them adapt more easily and feel more connected to their new surroundings. This amazing environment encourages discipline and focus, helping our students achieve their academic goals. At the same time, living away from home teaches independence and responsibility. Managing personal schedules helps
develop essential life skills that are useful well beyond the boarding experience.
Socially, we foster a vibrant community where boarders form close bonds with peers from all backgrounds. Our annual balls and festivals, for example, cultivate friendships and lifelong connections. Our boarders also develop interpersonal skills, such as teamwork, empathy and communication. The shared living experience promotes a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Finally, we provide a safe and structured environment. With supervision, clear rules and dedicated residential staff, the stable and secure setting supports boarders in both their personal and academic development. The balance of freedom and guidance makes boarding house life a valuable and transformative experience.
HEALTHY EATING: SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN’S WELLBEING TOGETHER
Encouraging
Healthy Food Choices
We encourage all our students to enjoy a wide variety of foods to fuel their bodies and minds Small changes at home can make a big difference. Getting children involved in meal preparation, offering colour ful fruit and vegetables and modelling balanced choices all help reinforce a positive approach to eating
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Younger children can benefit from routine, familiar options and gentle encouragement to tr y new foods Older students often respond well to understanding the 'why' behind healthy eating - how cer tain foods can boost concentration, stamina and even mood.
If you need further support, please contact us. Our pastoral and safeguarding teams work closely with families and can liaise with professionals to ensure
students receive timely, expert care when needed. Disordered eating is a serious issue, but early intervention makes a real difference. Please do reach out to your child’s tutor or email safe@stjos.co.uk.
Starting Conversations About Nutrition
Talking to your child about food can sometimes feel tricky, especially when they are exposed to mixed messages online and from peers Aim for open, nonjudgemental conversations that focus on health, not appearance Questions like, ‘What did you enjoy eating today?’ or ‘How does your lunch make you feel afterwards? can start meaningful dialogue.
It is helpful to emphasise balance and flexibility rather than labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Teach your child that all foods can be part of a healthy dietit's about variety, moderation and listening to our bodies
When You Are Worried
If you are concerned that your child may be developing an unhealthy relationship with foodperhaps avoiding entire food groups, obsessively reading labels, hiding food or showing signs of distress around meals - it’s important to act early and compassionately
Try asking:
‘I’ve noticed you ’ ve been skipping meals lately- is something bothering you?’
‘You don’t seem yourself at the moment; would you like to talk?’
