St. Joseph’s Catholic Infant School’s Centenary – 19th January 1926 – 19th January 2026

On Monday 12^th January 2026, St Joseph’s Catholic Infant School in Birtley marked a remarkable milestone as it celebrated its centenary. The celebrations began with a beautiful Mass held in St Joseph’s Church, led by Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Scott OSB, Titular Abbot of Lindisfarne and proud alumnus of the school. His presence added a poignant sense of continuity and community to the occasion, as he used his homily to recognise the strengths and achievements of the past 100 years and reflect on how these can be carried forward into the future.

Past and present members of the school community gathered to share their memories, reconnect with old friends, and reflect on the school’s rich history. Guests enjoyed exploring an impressive collection of memorabilia and artefacts, carefully curated to document the school’s journey over the past 100 years. Photographs, log books and other treasured items offered a touching insight into the many generations who have passed through St Joseph’s doors.

The celebrations continued the following day, as parents of current pupils were warmly welcomed into school to join their children for a delicious afternoon tea. Prepared by the children themselves, the event brought families together in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere, offering a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to the centenary festivities. The occasion highlighted not only the school’s long and proud heritage, but also its ongoing commitment to nurturing community, faith, and togetherness.

St. Joseph’s Mini-Vinnies

St. Joseph’s Catholic Infant and Junior Schools are proud to now be a part of the Saint Vincent De Paul Society (SVP)! We have recruited a great group of children from Reception all the way up to Year 6 to help spread God’s love and the love of St. Joseph’s community!

Each school held a separately commissioned Mini-Vinnie group, who were commissioned into service by Michael Willcock. The group are just starting our journey and are excited to join: “See, Think, Do”. They focused on these three things and thought about what they can do to support people in their community, school as well as those who are less fortunate.

Our Mini-Vinnies prepared a Mass for the ‘Feast of the Presentation of the Lord’ by learning bidding prayers, learning about Holy Communion and creating a promise board to share with the parish family. The children also made and decorated some prayer bookmarks for the parish, to remind them of their call to be a Mini-Vinnie.

The children have really enjoyed being a bigger part of church life and having responsibilities.

Our Mini-Vinnies would like to say thank you to the Birtley St. Joseph Saint Vincent de Paul Conference, who have kindly supported us in our venture by purchasing the Mini-Vinnie welcome pack for our group.

In the future, we have lots of exciting activities planned. We are organising a bake sale and a non-uniform day as well as working in and around the local community. The school has also been asked to meet with the residents in Covent House, a local care home, to join the residents in an Easter craft session.

More Than Dance – September 2025

During the second week of September, we invited More Than Dance into school to celebrate the Year of Hope/Pilgrims with us. Pupils from both schools learnt a variety of dances in preparation for a sharing with parents. More Than Dance then gave the pupils a small anchor – a symbol of being rooted in Christ.

Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust

At the heart of our School are the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust values which recognise the unique contribution that every member of our community makes. The Catholic life and mission of the school is underpinned by actions and experiences that ensure that these values are lived out in all aspects of school life and so our pupils grow to know God, understand their vocation, and feel safe, nurtured, valued and aspirational.