At St Joseph’s, our Catholic Mission is at the heart of everything we do. We follow the example of Jesus through prayer, service and love for others. Our pupils are encouraged to live out their faith by helping those in need, caring for creation and building a sense of community and belonging. Each year, our school community supports a range of local, national and global charities. Our pupil chaplains are involved in choosing charities. Charity is not just about giving money, it’s about sharing our time, kindness and compassion with others.
Charities we are supporting at St Joseph’s this year:
The Whittington Hospital (local):
We have a close relationship with our local hospital and support their work throughout the year. At Christmas, our school choir visits to sing carols for patients and staff, bringing joy and comfort to those in hospital. (Linked to the Catholic Social Teaching theme of Community and Participation.)
Food Bank (local):
We collect food and essential items to support families in our community who are struggling. This teaches our children to think of others and to act with compassion. (Linked to Preferential Option for the Poor.)
Cancer Research UK (national):
We raise funds to help this charity continue its vital research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. (Linked to Human Dignity.)
Oceana (global):
We support Oceana in its mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation. (Linked to Care for Creation.)
Through our charitable work, worship and community spirit, we strive to live out our school mission statement: We learn, love and grow with God at the centre.
Mini Reindeer Dash – December 2024
Our Pupil Chaplains were tasked with finding and deciding on a local charity event to support and felt that as many of us at St Joseph’s benefit from the services of the Whittington Hospital, it was important that we give back and support them to improve the hospital facilities. Children from Little Gems to Year 6 were challenged to done their reindeer antlers and run, hop, or skip 1km around our playground, all in the spirit of fun and giving. As a school, we raised a phenomenal £1087 which will contribute towards transforming the Whittington Hospital’s Children’s Ward into a welcoming and child-friendly space that creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere for their youngest patients.
Foodbank Collection – October 2024
Our Pupil Chaplains organised a collection for the local foodbank as part of our Harvest Celebrations. Our school community rose to the challenge and collected lots of different items from tinned fruit and vegetables to pasta and rice and toothpaste and toiletries. The items were donated to Food Bank London who were so impressed by what the school community had achieved. We know that many families rely on Foodbanks due to difficulties they are facing and these items will help many people in need.
Change for Change Day – 2024
Using the “parable of the Talents’ as an inspirational starting point pupils receive a £10 loan to design, and manage a fundraising stall for a charity of their choice. On the afternoon of St Joseph’s Feast Day the whole school is invited to attend the event and have fun whilst raising money for good causes using loose change. The charities the pupils chose included: CAFOD, WaterAid, Watercan, Ocean Conservancy: Team Sea, Friends of the Earth, The Sea Turtle Foundation, NSPCC, Fauna and Flora: Conservation Leadership Programme, Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, The Honeypot Charity, WWF, World Vision and Rainforest Alliance. The event raised an amazing £900. Thank you to everyone who contributed and participated!!
Wrap Up London
One of our pupils suggested that we participate in the Wrap Up London initiative. This is an excellent scheme that asks for members of the public to donate old and unwanted coats (still in good condition) to various Tube stations across London. The coats are then distributed to the homeless, refugees and victims fleeing domestic violence. We decided to host our own collection at school over a two week period. Our Pupil Chaplains then loaded them in to a van before they were taken to a Wrap Up London collection point.
The generosity of our school community was truly overwhelming! 156 coats for adults and children of all ages were donated! A massive thank you to all who contributed to such a worthy cause as the days and nights grow colder.
Harvest Collection
Our school community collected gifts to share with those who are struggling. The Pupil Chaplains helped to load a car with all of the donations for our Harvest Festival. The generosity of the families in our school has been so over-whelming. It has been estimated that at least 600 products in total have been donated. Everything was taken to a local foodbank run by Light Project Pro International which is located in Islington. The group were extremely grateful. Well done to everyone. Your efforts will help a great number of families over the coming weeks.
