On Wednesday, part of the school’s EARA (equality and rights advocates) group took part in a Climate Unity Conference with other schools in Hampshire, under the guidance of Miss Sheppard. The conference was part of Hampshire’s Climate Unity Project, raising children’s awareness of global issues effecting the environment.

During the conference, the children discussed different environmental issues brought to them by Hampshire Wildlife Trust. They worked as a group to identify solutions to each issue and it was interesting to see the range of different solutions suggested by each school.

Next, they were introduced to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, who ran a workshop on elephants. The children worked together using waste materials to create an enclosure to keep these animals from eating crops. Ideas the children encompassed in their models included: loud noises, fences, alternative food sources and other things to scare off the elephants.

Finally, the children had the exciting opportunity to use a program called Lyfta, where they were able to zone in on an area of Cornwall and a man carrying what looked like an Easter Island statue! After discussing their initial thoughts on what they saw, they then watched a video where the man was seen beachcombing and using what he found to make sculptures and artwork.

The conference generated lots of food for thought of how we can protect the environment locally and globally and the children look forward to actioning some of their ideas in the future.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Fr James celebrated Mass to mark the start of the new school year at St Peter’s, with 370 children from Years 1 to 6 in attendance.  Fr James based his homily upon the upcoming Year of Jubilee 2025, the theme of which as decided by Pope Francis is to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. 

The children were made aware that this jubilee year will be marked across the whole Church throughout the whole world, but that its presence will be felt right here in the school on a daily basis.  Seeing the vibrancy, the solidarity and the love of the school community is a source of hope that in our little corner of the world we are creating a small piece of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Fr James explained that when he visits the school, he is always filled with hope for the future when spending time with the children of St Peter’s. 

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

This week has seen our newest and youngest learners join St Peter’s.  Children in the Reception Year have now started attending ‘big school’.  Once our Early Years teachers had set out to visit each child at their home, the children had an opportunity to come into school for an hour at a time with a family adult for a ‘Stay and Play’ session.  Then, a series of half-day sessions begun, giving the children a chance to experience morning and afternoon routines on different days, before moving on to include staying for lunch at school.  

From Monday 16 September, 60 girls and boys will be full time at St Peter’s in the Early Years Key Stage, setting out on a big adventure for the next 7 years of education, growth, friendship and formation.  Please keep our youngest pupils and their families in your prayers this week.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

We returned to school this week straight into autumn weather, with wet playtimes and puddles on the playground. The pupils in Years 1 to 6 have settled in exceptionally well, and on Friday we welcomed new children into Year R for their “Stay and Play” sessions before they settle in to half-days next week, and full time from Monday 16th September.

The new school year got off to a collective start at St Peter’s this week with pupils from Years 1 to 6 joining together on the first morning back for worship.  Even with primary-aged children, the challenges of this summer across the country could not be ignored, likewise the tragic loss of 3 girls in Southport of primary school age.  Therefore, the Beatitudes were chosen as the scripture for our worship, and rather than dwelling on the loss and violence, the focus was on inclusion, love, understanding and community, from the classroom to the playground to the wider community.  Our worship was concluded with the following prayer:

Merciful God, author and giver of peace, as we continue to pray for the families and friends of those who died and those who were injured in Southport, we remember that You have created each of us in your image, and that everyone is worthy of dignity and respect.
Heavenly Father, listen to the cry that rises from many towns in our country, from those subjected to violence and racial hatred. We pray for peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us, is a peace which the world cannot give. We pray that closed eyes may be opened to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and hatred. May hearts be renewed to embrace all your children as brothers and sisters.
In your righteousness, stir the hearts of your people that, rejoicing in our diversity, we may be assured of your love, be free of all fear and strive for peace.
Amen 

Please keep the pupils, staff, families and community of St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in your prayers for the academic year ahead.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher