Lent
Wel come
The College motto, Fides, Labore Et Tenacitate, is never more relevant than at this point of the academic year. As such, we wish all Year 11 and Upper Sixth students well with their academic revision, Easter revision courses at school, coursework and public examinations.
We are as ever delighted with the range of university offers received by our Year 13 Sixth Formers. These include Architecture, Biological Sciences, Law, History, Modern Languages, Conservation, Economics and Politics at universities from Exeter to York and from Belfast to Leeds. Students are also in receipt of apprenticeship offers, including International Tax Consultancy in London and for a Cambridge company creating innovative finance software. More offers will follow. Gap year placements have been secured too.
The College celebrated its patronal saint alongside its inaugural Giving Day on Wednesday 19 March, St Joseph’s Day. A huge thank you to all members of our community for making the day and evening such a success. The day started with a whole school assembly which explored who St Joseph was and what attributes are associated with him, as well as the various and many benefits of philanthropy. During our Giving Day, I am pleased to share that:
• Over 4,000 meals were created by our catering team (Thomas Franks), packaged and labelled by our students and delivered by our staff to 22 local schools and charities.
• Over £36,500 has been raised for our Halo and Cornerstone funds through kind donations and a comedy show. (See pages 20 & 21)
At time of writing, we were looking forward to our Prep Easter Extravaganza and Senior Spring Concert, and we were wishing students and staff well as they took part in the College’s first sport (football, netball and cricket) tour to Dubai.
Finally, I do hope you enjoy reading the content of this newsletter, including interesting articles on our Heads of Maths and Finance, and about what has been a busy and successful Lent Term 2025.
I wish all St Jo’s families a very happy Easter break.
Mrs Danielle Clarke, Principal
As we welcome the arrival of Spring, with brighter and longer days and the promise of warmer weather, it’s wonderful to see the positive impact it has on our children and the atmosphere within the school.
The changing season brings a renewed sense of energy and excitement. As we approach the much-anticipated Easter break, I know it will be an opportunity for our children to recoup and recharge in preparation for the busy Summer Term. It is always lovely to look at the term just gone and remember so many of the events that the children have been involved in.
Over the past few weeks, music and drama have truly taken centre stage as our children prepared for our Easter Extravaganza - and what a spectacle it was. Joined by a local primary school, Springfield Junior, the combined choirs came together to deliver a brilliant performance that showcased the creativity and hard work of all involved. This collaboration not only highlighted the joy of making music, but also provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to connect, build friendships, and learn the importance of teamwork. It was an enriching experience that we will cherish as a highlight of our term. In addition to this, we also had several students from our Senior School join us, bringing together our whole community. It really is amazing to see our children performing so confidently to an audience, even those at the very start of their school careers.
Our children have participated in a variety of trips this term to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Each outing has provided unique learning opportunities, fostering curiosity and a love for discovery.
I have had the pleasure of sharing breakfast with many of our children over the course of the term. It has been delightful to listen to their thoughts, interests and questions, all while enjoying a breakfast together. I call these my ‘golden moments’, the moments I get to spend time together with our children are always the highlight of my week.
Have a super break over the Easter holidays, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the Summer Term.
Warmest regards,
Mrs Dianne Searle, Head of Prep School
Prep News
The school council were lucky enough to meet the Mayor of Ipswich, Elango Elavalakan. It was very interesting for them learning about his role. He spoke to the students about their learning in Global Citizenship and was pleased to hear that they were interested in making a difference to reduce waste. The children shared information from our meetings. The Town Sergeant then gave them a tour of the Town Hall and showed them all the historic accoutrements.
Woodland Explorers: Leaf Kebabs, Brioche and Hot Chocolate
In Woodland Explorers this term the children enjoyed getting outside and engaging with nature on our wonderful campus. They have learnt about hibernation and made clay hedgehogs using natural materials. They have also made bird feeders and distributed them around the grounds, remembering to replenish them each week. They collected leaves and made leaf kebabs, celebrating the variety of colours. They also turned leaves into crowns. Fire safety was discussed before a fire was made and brioche toasted. To end each session, the girls and boys enjoyed hot chocolate and settled down to a nature-themed story. This significant part of the curriculum helps children understand the importance of the environment and to respect nature. Whilst modern life is fast paced, hectic and predominantly indoors, Woodland Explorers ensures the children experience being outside whatever the weather, and enjoy slowing down in the natural world.
Pupils use music to bridge the generations
Students from the Prep school visited Thurleston Residential Home and Park View Care Home in Ipswich to meet and entertain the residents. The children sang a variety of numbers including Emerald City and Stronger Together. The residents were then treated to a performance from Luca on the violin followed by a duet by Luca and Manda. Oscar played his electric guitar. All the residents enjoyed the performance and even sang along with a couple of numbers.
Recycling visit ticks all the right boxes
Any Prep School visit incorporating the wonders of composting, hi-viz jackets, a bin lorry, hard hats and a recycling game has to be a winner! Thank you to the Suffolk Waste and Recycling team for such an informative and enjoyable experience for our boys and girls. They loved the hands-on learning about making a difference for our planet.
Making science come alive
What better way to celebrate British Science Week than a trip to Kinetic Adventure in Claydon for an afternoon of all things Science? Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 had a great time finding out about bears, experimenting with the effects of different liquids on melting ice, investigating the properties of wax crayons and how colours respond differently when placed in water, and exploring gravity using a range of exciting resources. The trip gave the children the opportunity to make connections between Science and their Geography topic, ‘Animals Around the World’. We are already planning the next experience for the children to extend their learning beyond the classroom and make real-life connections with the local area.
Cookies with Mrs Searle
Mrs Searle invited the Nursery children to join her for cookies and a chat. It was a wonderful morning with the children eagerly sharing stories about their favourite things – their imaginative tales and excited faces a delight to watch. After indulging in the sweet treats, we settled down together for a story.
Accessing the joy of Post-Impressionism
St Joseph’s ‘old boy’ Paul Cézanne provided the inspiration for artwork by Year 5 Prep pupils. Cézanne’s St Jo’s was in Aix-en-Provence rather than Ipswich, but the connection across a century and a half could be felt clearly. The children were moved to create some beautiful images, many featuring Mount Saint Victoire-like landscapes.
Prep Sport
Early Steps in Business and Enterprise
The young citizens of Year 5 have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of business and trade. As part of a week of Enterprise activities, they welcomed guest speakers from Clip 'n Climb, Pink Parrot Pottery and Sarah’s Coffee Shop, who shared their experiences of running a business—the challenges, the rewards and the key skills needed for success. In class, students took part in a range of hands-on activities, exploring money management, import & export and the importance of trade in our everyday lives. Through teamwork, problemsolving and creativity, the girls and boys have gained valuable insights into how businesses operate and why enterprise plays such a crucial role in our communities.
The main focus this term has been building pupils' resilience, and Miss Banks, Head of Prep Sport, has certainly seen strong evidence of this across all age groups.
Nursery and Infants pupils have been developing their ability to compete in team sports and small competitive environments and learning how to win and lose. The U9s particularly demonstrated resilience, battling through the coldest months while playing rugby and football.
The U11s have faced tough competition this term, rising to the challenge in various events. St Jo’s proudly hosted the IAPS Netball Festival, when 16 teams competed for the top spot, followed by our own annual Prep Netball Festival. Additionally, the U11 boys had the incredible experience of competing at Rosslyn Park for the second year running, testing themselves against multiple prep schools.
To round off the term, all pupils from Years 3 to 6 have taken part in house matches, showcasing their competitive spirit and teamwork. We hope the theme of resilience has truly resonated with our pupils and that they carry these valuable skills into the Summer.
Miss Rachel Young Head of Finance
As Head of Finance, my role often revolves around numbers, budgets and financial planning — but what really drives me is ensuring that every decision we make supports the success of our students and the growth of our College. Education is one of the most valuable investments we can make, and it is my privilege to help create the financial foundation that allows our teachers to inspire, our students to excel and our community to thrive.
During my 17 years in financial management across both state and private school education, I have learned that what makes a school is the people. It’s the feeling of being part of a family, where every individual has a role to play, where achievements are celebrated together, and where challenges are faced with collective strength; this, for me is, St Jo’s.
My big passion outside of work is to travel as much as possible. I love to discover new cultures, meet people from all walks of life and immerse myself in the beauty of unfamiliar places. With a love for adventure and a curiosity that knows no bounds, I took a round-theworld trip, visiting 11 countries, always seeking out hidden gems and authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist paths.
Whether trekking through remote landscapes, navigating bustling city streets or tasting local delicacies, I believe that travel is the greatest teacher, offering lessons in resilience, adaptability and the incredible diversity of our world. When not crunching numbers, I am planning my next journey, embracing the unknown, one backpack and one destination at a time.
Best place to see the sunset: Bali
Most memorable moment: snorkelling with turtles
Next adventure: Thailand, to visit an elephant orphanage with my youngest daughter
Myriad characters book their place in the group photographs
We are a community of readers and it’s not just our e-book library that’s a blistering success. Good, old-fashioned print is as highly valued as ever across the school - from Nursery to staff rooms. We invited everyone to come dressed as their favourite charactersor ready for a bedtime story - and they didn’t let us down.
For our Prep children, World Book Day 2025 was an unforgettable event. They threw themselves into a range of fun and creative House activities. One of the highlights was biscuit decorating, when the children got to design edible Little Miss or Mr Men inspired creations. Their imaginations ran wild as they transformed plain biscuits into sweet tributes to their personal favourites.
Another popular activity was creating raps about themed books and characters, with students showing off their creativity and love for literature through catchy rhymes. They also had the chance to invent brand-new characters, bringing their wildest ideas to life in drawings and descriptions. A lively quiz tested their book knowledge, with everyone competing in teams for the title of Book Day Champion. After lunch, each child had the opportunity to show their beautifully created book character spoons on our playground parade. The children loved engaging in paired reading with Senior School students, building friendships and fostering a love for reading across age groups. The day was capped off by inspiring workshops with children’s author Anne Stairmand, who shared her experiences of writing and encouraged the children to explore their own storytelling potential. As well as being a popular author on her own right, Anne is Founder and CEO of Refuge In Literacy UK, which encourages authors writing for children and young people to donate signed copies of their books to children and young people in domestic violence refuges throughout the UK.
With so many exciting activities and memorable moments, World Book Day 2025 was truly celebratory.
Up at the Senior School there were also plenty of literary characters making the most of the day. Both teaching and support staff transformed themselves, along with some of our braver big kids. St Jo’s also shared the joy by teaming up with local charity, Let’s Talk Reading, which works with children and adults in the local Ipswich community, from predominantly disadvantaged areas, to support literacy and reading. A small group of Sixth Form students helped to organise and deliver books, in line with our St Joseph’s Day charitable principles.
Spanish translation bee tests young linguists
The diligent work accomplished in their Spanish lessons by our Year 7 students was clear to see in the final of the Translation Bee. Finalists Annie, Ava, Holly, Oli, Freddie and Noah were all cool and impressive as they took the hot seat. With 40 sentences in the present tense committed to memory, they translated as many as they could from English to Spanish in one minute. The winners were Freddie in 3rd place, Noah 2nd and Annie 1st. Well done to all!
Watch out World!
Thousands of hopeful young people between the ages of 10 and 23 try out to become members of the National Youth Music Theatre each year. This time, three of the successful candidates come from St Joseph’s. Well done indeed to Grace (Y9), Sam (L6) and Josie (L6) for smashing their auditions. Against fierce competition from talented young performers across the UK, these bright stars have secured their spots in London productions this summer. And speaking of stars, St Jo’s students also lit up the stage at the Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts. Our talented performers from Y6 to Y11 showcased considerable skill and left great lasting impressions on both the audience and the professional adjudicator.
Exploring the Human Brain
Head of Psychology at the University of Suffolk, Dr Rachael Martin, brought some fascinating insights – and state-of-the-art equipment with her when she visited St Joseph’s College to work with our A-level Psychology students.
Accompanied by Sarah, her PhD student, Dr Martin gave a fascinating lesson on Cognitive Neuroscience and brain scanning techniques, with hands-on experience using brain training tools and a mobile EEG device. This was a brilliant insight into the world of neuroscience!
Dr Martin had previously hosted our Upper Sixth Psychologists at her laboratories and we are extremely grateful for her continued interest and support.
Navigating the path to adulthood
A new Employability Skills module has been introduced to our Oracy programme, giving students the opportunity to master the intricacies of the interview, among other confidence-enhancing skills which will benefit their future careers.
Also touching on the world of work, we hosted an Inspiring Futures Careers Carousel for Year 9 to help students explore GCSE options. Eight volunteers kindly shared their expertise in finance, broadcasting, technology, education, construction and government.
Another exciting introduction this term was 'Girls on Board', an initiative to help girls navigate friendship challenges with confidence and empathy. It was led by Mrs Frost and Mrs Willis (Heads of Years 9 and 8 respectively). Our senior students have been learning to manage relationships independently through discussion, reflection and empathy-building activities, boosting student well-being.
Debating: Boys set an ‘unreachable’ bar for opposition
Two St Joseph’s College teams competed in the Rotary Central and East of England Grand Final. By this stage, over 40 teams (240 students) in each category would have competed throughout the four regions and we were the only school with a team in both the Intermediate and Senior competition.
The girls were pipped at the post - but still received individual awards, with Clara winning Best Proposition of the Day. Kudos, too, to Megan and Holly, who performed tremendously well against students two years older.
For the Senior (Year 11) Team - twice before having reached this final stage only to narrowly miss outvictory seemed preordained. Despite having to speak first and again facing teams of sixth formers, they immediately made their presence felt.
One of the adjudicators said afterwards: Ben, Alex and Ademide set the bar so high, it was simply unreachable for any other team!
As the only team to compete without notes for 17 minutes, the boys debated eloquently and answered their unseen question from the audience to an unbelievable standard, achieving rapturous applause from the packed auditorium. Sweeping the board, they won best Chairperson, best Proposition, best Opposition and best overall team, becoming the champions of champions.
The boys’ victory was a fitting conclusion to a highly successful year of debating and with this achievement behind them, they can now turn their focus to preparing for their GCSEs with the same determination and excellence. We look forward to seeing them back in action as Sixth Formers next year!
Our Year 6 debating team took centre stage at the inaugural Rosa Weekes Prize, in collaboration with the Windrush Society. Inspired by Walter Tull, a professional footballer and British Army officer of Afro-Caribbean descent, our talented foursome delved deep into history, presenting arguments with confidence and enthusiasm.
Picture This - A School Bursting with Artistic Promise
Over the course of an action-packed 72 hours in February, a group of our students immersed themselves in the rich Dutch art scene, exploring some of Amsterdam’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. A visit to the Anne Frank House was a profoundly moving experience, contrasting starkly with the vibrant works on show in another destination - the Van Gogh Museum.
Students were privileged to see Rembrandt’s The Night Watch undergoing restoration at the Rijksmuseum, witnessing firsthand the intricate process of preserving a masterpiece. The trip also included the Stedelijk Museum, home to an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, textiles, and photography.
The students returned inspired and eager to apply their new perspectives to their own creative work— Amsterdam truly left a lasting impression.
Inspiration also came closer to home for our GCSE and A-level Artists, with a London trip taking in some of the capital’s iconic galleries, filled with contemporary works and timeless classics.
A talented trio will have their work displayed at the iconic OXO tower, as part of the Young Art exhibition, in association with the Royal College of Art. Work by Grace, Oli and George will be on show from 30 April to 4 May. Speaking of iconic, few names are more redolent of Suffolk than Ed Sheeran. Our go-to portraitist Andy (L6) has captured him brilliantly in charcoal and chalk.
Football
As we went to press, our Under 18 Girls had just faced Mount Kelly School Devon in the ISFA National Final in Slough. The girls did not win unfortunately; it was a hard fought match and remained at 1-1 after extra time - taking the tie to penalties.
The same team has also reached the finals of the Suffolk County Cup and the Society of Heads Cup. Best of luck in those.
Good luck as well to our U16 boys as they approach two finals of their own – the ESFA National Cup and the South Suffolk Cup.
Ollie (Y11) has signed a scholarship with Norwich City FC and Harvey (Y11) has signed a scholarship with ITFC. Year 7 student Zayn captained Arsenal U13s in a Portuguese tournament in which the team finished third.
Netball
We hosted the 4th National Annual Netball festival, welcoming an international school from South Africa and 10 schools from around the country. The event was a great success.
The new St Joseph's College Netball Pin has been presented to the players and will be given retrospectively to festival squads back to 2022. OBs twill be invited to receive their netball pins in October.
Head of Netball, Mrs Lutua said: ‘From this day forward, every girl who steps onto the court as a First Team player will receive a Netball Pin, marking her place in history and connecting her to the incredible players who have come before and those who will follow.’
• Played over 100 fixtures
• Under 14 were unbeatable in the South Suffolk and County Finals
• Under 14A - first time to represent the school in the Regional Finals in February
• Under 14 A - Reached the Semi Finals of the Plate in Sisters in Sport National Cup
• Under 16 A - Reached the Quarter finals of the Plate in the sister and sports National Cup
• Three players in the Suffolk Netball Performance Pathways and one player in the Essex Performance Pathway
Cricket
One-to-one and small group sessions have taken place over the winter with students of all ages working hard on the technical aspects of their game heading into the Summer.
Numbers at squad sessions have been impressive, when competition has been the focus - whether bat v ball in the nets or game scenarios. Well done to all the players who will be playing representative cricket for Suffolk, Essex Districts or Essex.
We are looking forward to an exciting season ahead, with close to 100 fixtures planned across the school.
Rugby
We completed our rugby season with an action-packed finale at Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s. The season saw 218 games, including over 100 games of 7s in the past six weeks alone.
Rugby 7s successes including six titles and reaching new heights with most age groups:
Our U13s won their group undefeated at Rosslyn Park; are Champions at the Saints 7s (undefeated); were finalists at Winchester House 7s.
Our U14s won their group undefeated at Rosslyn Park and competed well at Day 2 in the Plate.
Our U15s won Eltham 7s (undefeated); were finalists in the Saints 7s; and came third at Merchant Taylor 7s.
Our U16s won Oakham 7s Plate, won Uppingham 7s Cup; won Framlingham 7s Cup; won their group undefeated at Rosslyn Park; won their Cup group on Day 2, including winning against Clifton, Radley, and beating Sedbergh in the quarter final, before losing to Millfield in the last play of the semi-final; achieved top 4 at Rosslyn Park - an outstanding achievement and one that earned St jo’s and the team plenty of accolades and respect on the rugby circuit.
Our U18s were Saints 7s finalists and Uppingham 7s Plate winners.
Women’s Leadership Conference is a runaway success!
Top level speakers representing areas as diverse as technology, banking, safeguarding and the law gave a series of insightful and inspiring messages to the girls and women assembled at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich for a Women’s Leadership Conference.
Organised by the school’s Director of Performing Arts, Mrs Georgie Ross, the event marked International Women’s Day. Mrs Ross described it as a passion project driven by her desire to ‘celebrate female voices and their ability to change, inspire, encourage and support communities.’
The audience included St Joseph’s College girls of 16 and above, visiting students from Felsted and St Alban’s Catholic High Schools, staff, parents and governors. Whilst the audience was overwhelmingly female, some men also attended.
Mrs Ross, who has overseen the introduction of oracy across St Joseph’s said, ‘As a mother of daughters and having taught many incredible young women, during my career, I believe this is an important moment in time for girls to understand the power and importance of using their voice.’
There were seven speakers – all women in leadership roles - who had demonstrated that glass ceilings could be broken and perceived stumbling blocks to career progression, such as pregnancy, a natural tendency to avoid stress and conflict, and female medical issues, could be successfully navigated. The resulting inclusion of a fair representation of women on boards, working in technology and in the upper echelons of companies only strengthened those
firms and significantly improved their reach and outcomes.
Many of the speakers urged the young women present to be kind to one another and to remember that imperative once they themselves had attained positions in leadership. They urged them to avoid the empty jealousy social media could arouse and to begin networking now. A large percentage of the girls in the audience already had LinkedIn profiles.
Networking was another goal of the Conference and during breaks and at the close, the speakers generously made themselves available to young women still in education but formulating career plans. The speakers were Samantha Rope, Senior Vice President HR, NEEMEA at the Adecco Group; Serena Fordham, Founder and CEO of ProspHER; Carrie Wootten, Co-founder of the Global Media and Entertainment Manifesto; Julie Henkel, MD, Global Head, Operational Client Relationship Management for BNP Paribas, and St Joseph’s College Governor; Nicola Weldon, Head of Private Client, Ellisons Solicitors; Charlotte Burtle, Talent Acquisition Lead at Google DeepMind; and Sadie Barber, Partnership Manager at Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.
The conference, which was sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors and Source One Consulting, was closed by another woman
in a leadership role, Mrs Clarke, Principal of St Joseph’s College. She reflected on the long march forward in the independent schools’ sector since her first Society of Head’s meeting in 2014, when she had arrived to find she was the only female present. Girls were indeed a force to be reckoned with at St Joseph’s, she said, as typified by their national successes since the introduction of girls’ football the same year the England women won the Euros, the highly successful switch from rounders to cricket, and the excellent uptake by girls as well as boys of Engineering.
Mrs Clarke finished by quoting Coco Chanel, ‘A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.’
Mr Christopher Langston Head of Mathematics
After completing both my Mathematics degree and my PGCE at the University of Leicester, I have spent the past 16 years teaching Mathematics in the UK and Qatar. Having joined St Jo’s as a class teacher in September, I was thrilled to take on the role of Head of Mathematics in January, bringing to this role my eight years of experience working as a Head of Mathematics at two previous schools.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about instilling confidence in all learners within a supportive and hard-working environment. I am a strong advocate of developing a positive growth mindset in students, equipping them to confidently solve problems and show tenacity when faced with challenges. My goal is to create an engaging and inclusive learning atmosphere in which every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their best.
In my role as Head of Mathematics, I am excited about the opportunities to further develop the Secondary Mathematics Department. I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality of education. One key development which has already been introduced is the Sparx Maths platform, for the completion of student homework across KS3 and KS4. This platform uses AI adaptive learning to provide personalised homework for each student every week. Moving forward, we will be looking to further integrate our curriculum and assessments into the platform to enhance its potential for improving student outcomes.
I have enjoyed joining St Jo’s both as a member of staff and as a parent. My two children have joined the Prep School, and it has been lovely to see first-hand what a caring and supportive community St Jo’s is.
Outside of work I play chess, which has always been a favourite pastime of mine. This strategic game provides a great way to unwind and challenge my mind. Recently, I started playing chess with some of the staff on Wednesdays in the library, and it has quickly gained a following from the students. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and engagement as they join us for a game.
Looking ahead, I am eager to contribute to the success of our students and the school community. With the support of my colleagues and the school leadership team, I know we have an exciting future.
Eva Stands the Heat to Star in the Kitchen
First fillet your mackerel. You don’t make it to the final 12 of the Springboard FutureChef competition without mastering professional level skills.
St Joseph’s College is enormously proud of the skills displayed by Eva (Year 10). Her culinary expertise separated her from over 18,000 entrants and saw her cooking for a brigade of culinary experts at Westminster Capital City College, the UK’s leading school of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, with an extensive gastronomic practice and commitment to innovation.
The scene was set – including an overnight stay at the Marriott Kensington and a lavish celebratory dinner for competitors, family members, teachers and mentors at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.
Cool and collected as one facing a trial in the heat and pressure of the professional kitchen, Eva took it all in her stride. She told organisers, ‘Winning a cooking competition is not just about perfecting a dish, it’s about pouring your passion into every ingredient and sharing your story with every bite.’
Representing the East of England, Eva cooked a main of grilled mackerel fillet, sautéed seasonal vegetables with a potato galette and white fish sauce. Her dessert was rhubarb crumble soufflé, textures of rhubarb and pistachio crumb served with a vanilla custard.
As well as family, Eva was accompanied by Food Technology teacher Miss Harvey and her mentor from Thomas Franks. But all supporters were left to wait and wonder as the competitors got to work under the appraising eyes of the judges.
As a national finalist, Eva came away with a personalised chef’s jacket and skull cap, an embroidered apron, a commemorative plate and medal, a cookbook by BritishVietnamese restaurateur and author Thuy Pham, and £100 in cash!
Eva is pictured with celebrity pastry chef Cherish Finden, resident judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
Asked if she planned a career as a professional chef, Eva promptly replied that she wanted to be a Norland Nanny. All we can say is ‘Lucky babies!’
We also congratulate fellow Year 10 student Finlay, whose skills also took him to the regional finals of the competition.
Giving and receivinga day of Philanthropy
One of the greatest assets of St Joseph’s College is its strong community – students, parents, staff, Old Birkfeldians and friends. The whole body came together magnificently on 19 March when the school held its first Giving Day and raised over £36,500.
The event was held on St Joseph’s Day and chimed with the charitable nature of the school’s patron saint. As well as raising money for bursaries – means-tested financial support for families who would otherwise be unable to afford the school fees – and capital projects, the day saw the distribution of more than 4,000 complimentary meals to residents young and old in and around the town.
Spearheading the event was Mr Anthony O’Riordan, Director of Business Development and Operations. Delighted by the response, he said, ‘We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible generosity, enthusiasm and support shown. Thanks to a brilliant collective effort, we achieved a truly remarkable milestone, one that will have a lasting impact on our students, the programmes we deliver, and the broader College community.’
Highlights of Giving Day included a special assembly and morning lessons exploring the role and value of philanthropy, two spectacular football games – one involving Ipswich Academy players versus current students and the second a selection of St Jo’s teaching
and support staff. The games were cheered on by the whole Senior school.
Pupils in the top years of Prep and the senior school helped with the distribution of free meals. This was a collaboration between St Joseph’s College and catering partner, Thomas Franks. Recipients included primary schools, care homes, churches and support groups for women and minority groups.
The fun at St Jo’s continued with four giant inflatable courses generously provided by Mr Will Gladwell OB of Gladwell Entertainments. Then it was back to the College Chapel for a hilarious Masked Singer event. Teachers were behind the masks and their performances were warmly received by the student body. Overwhelmingly voted winner was Science teacher Mr Rob Crack, whose dance moves are legendary. He performed to the JXL remix of ‘A Little Less Conversation’ by Elvis Presley… in a frog mask.
Throughout the day pledges came in from around
Britain and overseas. Some donors chose to buy commemorative plaques for display in the College Chapel or commemorative bricks for the Science block upgrade.
When evening came it was time for the grown-ups to laugh. Giving Day ended with The Big Cheese Comedy night, held in the school’s dining room. The finale was a charity auction when another alumnus, Jonathan Benson OB, Director of Reeman Dansie Auctioneers of Colchester was in the chair. Jonathan gave a funny and spirited performance to drive up the charity bidding and fully deserved a place on the playbill. The school is enormously grateful for the donated prizes and to all the bidders. There is still an opportunity to take part. Visit https://www.stjos.co.uk/giving/
Boarding
Spring blossoms at the boarding house
As the chill of winter fades, we reflect on the fun we have had over the last few months and begin to look forward to the warmth of spring. Our boarding house is buzzing with excitement and renewal. We have enjoyed our time together and had many adventures!
Paintballing adventure
Students geared up for an exhilarating day of paintballing. Teams competed strategically in friendly matches, making it a day full of excitement and camaraderie.
Easter crafts workshop
Our creative boarders gathered for an Easter crafts workshop, when they made beautiful decorations and gifts. The event was a hit, with everyone showcasing their artistic talents.
Movie night
We enjoyed a cosy indoor movie night with a screening of The Princess Diaries. Residents relaxed with popcorn and drinks, making it a perfect weekend break.
Rollerblading trip
A group of students headed to the local rink for a fun-filled ice skating session. Whether they were gliding gracefully or learning to balance, everyone had a fantastic time.
Spring Message
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, both in nature and within ourselves. As we step into this vibrant season, let’s embrace the opportunities it brings to refresh our surroundings, nurture our relationships and set new goals. The longer days and warmer weather are perfect for outdoor activities, so we will take advantage of the sunshine and explore the beauty around us.
Remember, Spring is also a time for self-care. We encourage our students to take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, appreciate the blooming flowers and reflect on their personal journey. Whether it’s starting a new hobby, connecting with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the grounds, let this season inspire you to blossom in your own unique way.
Young adults with their finger on the pulse
The effects on young girls of Disney’s representation of ideals, euthanasia, the nation of Peru and the repatriation of museum artefacts were just a few of the topics examined in depth by Sixth Form students in their EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) presentations. Other areas included an analysis of media handling of the 9:11 terrorist attack, the inevitability or otherwise of Britain becoming a cashless society and the pandemic. Education was explored in topics including ‘How do differences between private and state education affect an individual’s behaviours and socio-economic advancement?’ and ‘How does Montessori schooling compare to other styles of education for a student’s achievement and development.’
Jane Austen, the migration of birds, transgenderism… Fantastic work everyone and good luck with your results in August.
Snus and nicotine pouches
The risks
Nicotine pouches, including tobacco-free versions, are increasingly popular among young people, but their risks should not be underestimated Unlike traditional cigarettes or vapes, these products are placed between the gum and lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream The high nicotine content can have significant effects on health, behaviour and learning
Health impacts
Effects on learning & behaviour
Cognitive Development: Nicotine disrupts brain development, affecting memory, concentration and learning ability in young people.
Risk-Taking Behaviour: Addiction can lead to increased impulsivity and engagement in other risky behaviours.
Academic Impact: Studies show that nicotine use is associated with lower academic performance and reduced attention spans.
Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, especially for young users, leading to long-term dependence and increased risk of using other tobacco products.
Physical Health: Prolonged use can lead to gum disease, oral irritation and an increased risk of hypertension and heart disease.
Mental Health: Nicotine affects brain chemistry, increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depression and mood disorders in adolescents
Celebrity endorsement & the normalisation of nicotine use
One of the most concerning trends is the endorsement of nicotine pouches by celebrities, particularly athletes and influencers. Reports indicate that many footballers and other public figures use these products, which has serious implications for impressionable young fans.
False Perception of Safety: Celebrity use may create the illusion that nicotine pouches are safe and socially acceptable.
Increased Curiosity & Peer Pressure: Young people are more likely to try these products when they see their role models using them. Undermining Safeguarding Efforts:
Normalisation of nicotine use challenges the work of schools, parents and health professionals in educating young people and protecting them from addiction
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Working in partnership
Education and awareness: We have delivered assemblies to all students in Years 7 to Upper Sixth on the dangers of snus, with a particular focus on their addictive nature and harms. We have shared the serious sanction that will be applied should a student be found with snus on their person at school: a twoday exclusion
Parental support: Parents who are informed about snus and the risks they pose can look for signs of use and discuss with their children the dangers of nicotine products