To mark the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis, pupils across St Joseph CMAT gathered at a special Epiphany service to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and receive news of a new shared symbol: a tree for every school to plant in its grounds.

Carefully chosen by the trust to represent its ethos and shared mission, the aptly named Joseph Rock tree carries the colours of the Jubilee through the seasons, with green leaves and white flowers in summer, and red leaves and yellow berries in autumn.

This vibrant transformation mirrors the consistent rhythm of growth and renewal that defines St Joseph CMAT, which has been on a remarkable journey since 2021, and is continuing to flourish.

Commenting on this meaningful initiative, director of Catholic education, Michelle Forrest, said: “Last year, our St Joseph CMAT Jubilee candle made its own pilgrimage around all of our academies. Each academy then devised their own workshops around the Year of Hope and added their reflections to a large book, before passing it on. This was such a special activity that really brought our pupils, staff and families together in faith. We wanted to find a way to mark our participation in this Jubilee Year.”

As Michelle shared, the Joseph Rock tree is not the first symbol to unite the Trust’s pupils and diverse communities.

To celebrate the previous Year of Hope, all academies in the trust worked closely with each other to pass on the Jubilee Candle, letting its light inspire faith and hope in every school community.

“We’re looking forward to watching the trees blossom and grow along with St Joseph CMAT,” Michelle added. As these trees take root across the Trust’s 10 academies, they stand as a symbol of unity and hope.