This week we welcomed Father Steve and Father Max who delivered our Ash Wednesday worship. Parents and carers joined us for the service which was held in school.

As part of the service, children received an 'ashing' - this is the sign of the cross being made on a person's forehead using ash. The ashing is given as a preparation for Lent, a time of reflection and repentance.  

Mrs Graham, our Headteacher, leads us in worship every day. We join together as a school community to reflect in an atmosphere of Peace and Respect. Bible readings are used to help us to learn how we can live our school values. A combination of music, song, drama, artefacts and storytelling bring the worship to life for the children.

Mrs Graham leads this special worship every Friday. We celebrate our amazing children's achievements together, with a focus on the school values that the children have shown. Firstly, children are chosen by their teachers to receive a 'Star of the Week' certificate. Teachers also choose children who have completed their Reading Records to receive an award. Children can also be chosen by their friends with a 'Nominate a Friend', this is a really special certificate to receive!
Any Sports teams or other activities out of class are shared with the whole school. Finally, it's time to find out which classes have been the champions this week, as we find out the highest attendance, the 'Going for Gold' winners and the class with the most 'Lining up Stars'.

Our traditional Advent worship was held at St Mary's Church. The Advent candles were lit and we learned about the significance of this period of reflection as prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Year 6 shared Bible readings from the Old and New testaments. 
Following the recent First Communion classes, we incorporated Eucharist into the worship. Father Steve reminded us of the symbolism of the Bread and Wine, recalling Jesus' words at the Last Supper. 

Father Max led us in a reflective worship as we remembered the sacrifice of those that have fought in wars, as well as praying for Peace. We learned about a work of art created by sculptors in Mozambique, made out of weapons.

Mrs Chetri led a lovely worship to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali. We lit the oil lamp (diya or diva) to bring positivity, prosperity and success in our life. It also symbolizes the victory of good over evil and we explored this theme as we learned the story of Rama and Sita and why this is important for Hindus. Finally, we learned some of the colourful ways that Hindus celebrate Diwali.

Father Max led us in a very special Harvest worship as we gave thanks for all that we have in the world. Thank you to all of our families, who very generously donated a record breaking amount of food and toiletries, especially given the challenging times we are living in. All of the contributions will be shared with those most in need in our local community.
The children confidently sang three special Harvest songs and Year 6 delivered the readings and prayers. During the worship, Father Max taught us how bread is made before blessing a very special harvest loaf, kindly baked by one of our School Governors, Kate Riches. Back at school, every child in our school community was offered a delicious piece of the Harvest loaf, as we shared one bread together.

Father Steve and Father Max welcomed us to Church to celebrate and bless the new academic year. It was also an opportunity to reflect on our school value of Respect.

Reader Marion welcomed the children to the beautiful surroundings of St Mary's Church for Pentecost worship. Mr Stringfellow accompanied the hymns on the organ and children from Year 6 shared the readings and prayers.

At this most important time of year in the Christian calendar, we welcomed Father Steve and Father Max to lead us in our Easter worship. Year 6 shared some Bible readings relating to the events of Holy Week and Father Max brought these to life - with the help of some of our children! Thank you to our School Governor Mr Stringfellow, who accompanied our hymns and led the School Choir in two beautiful and reflective songs. At the end of the worship, each child received a palm cross before spending some time peacefully in our Spiritual Garden, where a reflective scene of Jesus' tomb had been created.