12th September School News from our Primary Schools

St. Joseph’s Primary School

We would like to thank The Friends of the School community who gave their time and support to our school events last term.  We have some exciting events happening over the Autumn term and if you would like to attend our next meeting it would be fantastic to see some new people join us. The meeting will be held on Tuesday 16^th September at 1pm in school. Come and join us for a cup of tea and a chat.

We would like to give a huge shout out to Barratt Homes who have donated a generous bundle of books based on emotions and wellbeing. On Friday 19^th September it is Youth Mental Health Day  and the theme is #ShareSupport. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about youth mental health and promoting discussions on mental well-being.  These books will be a valuable resource in each of the classroom libraries, and we would also like to remind families that the little free library in the reception area has been filled with lots of new books that anyone in our community can take home to read and share with others.

St. Godric’s Primary School

Open Mornings

Saturday, 20^th September – 10.00-11.00am (Reception and Nursery)

Wednesday, 1^st October   -  10.00-11.00am (Reception)

Wednesday, 3^rd December – 10.00-11.00am (Nursery)

Is your child is ready to start school in September 2026?  To help you decide on a school place, we would like to invite you to attend one of our open days to find out more about what we offer.

We also have a nursery and children are welcome to start the term after they turn 3 years of age. More information about the school can be found at https://stgodricsdurham.bwcet.com See poster at the back of church.

St. Leonard’s

St. Leonard's Year 7 Mass of Welcome: We will be celebrating all our Year 7 pupils at our annual Mass of Welcome on Thursday 23^rd  October. Mass will take place at 6pm at St. Joseph’s Church Gilesgate. All are welcome to help us celebrate what a brilliant start this year group has made.

Open Evening

Our Open Evening takes place on Thursday 2^nd October. It is open for all pupils and their families in Year 5 and 6. Doors open at 5:30pm and the evening starts at 6pm. It will be an exciting night – as it is current Year 6 who will start their journey in our brand-new school building!

Parish Youth Group

We believe young people are a vital part in our church; their energy, ideas and happiness help the whole community. So we are looking at starting a group for children (KS2 school aged up to age 15) that will meet monthly in the Jubilee room on Saturday after the 5pm mass at St Joseph's.

This will be a great opportunity to spend time together, do fun activities, and grow together in faith. (Parents will be welcome to leave them or stay for tea/ coffee in the smaller room)

The first session will be on Saturday 27^th September, for more information contact stjosephsinternationalgroup+youthgroup@gmail.com we look forward to seeing you there.

Photos from the Parish Picnic 6th July 2025

As Fr. Colm noted at our parish picnic held on Sunday 6th July we were treated to some wonderful dancing performances by very talented people.

"Wonderful Irish dancing by such talented young parishioners. There was even a fusion of Irish and rock briefly to the sound of ‘Beat It’, which we all duly did beat it to the school hall, where we enjoyed a competitive game of bingo followed by a group of Mexican dancers who travelled all the way from Manchester to be with us."- Fr. Colm