This week has been quieter in school, but noisier in the Botley area, as Year 6 have been away on their annual week-long residential at Fairthorne Manor.

In what has been glorious autumnal sunshine for the most part, the pupils have enjoyed a great range of outdoor activities, here for example using pioneering skills to build a swing that was so strong even Mr Land and myself got to have a go (after the pupils, of course!).  Hop over to the Year 6 blog for more detailed updates on their adventures this week – all that I need to add is my thanks to the colleagues who have led both the Year 6 trip, and the recent Year 5 residential trips to the Sustainability Centre, which are reported on the Year 5 blog.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Ten pupils were lucky enough to be involved in a visit to the Port of Portsmouth as part of Maritime UK Week.

The event was a showcase of careers and opportunities in the maritime world, both on shore and afloat.  The day started with a series of 5-minute job reports from a range of people including staff from the Royal Navy, Brittany Ferries and Viking cruise ships to name just 3.

After that, we were lucky enough to have a detailed guided tour of the Viking cruise ship from Third Officer Lars, with an incredible chance to see luxury afloat on a vessel that is usually only for adult passengers.

On the quayside                                 The atrium staircase

Third Officer bridge tour                    Norwegian chocolate from the Captain

Following the cruise ship tour, we went to the quayside to watch cargo vessels unloading bananas (lots of bananas!) before having a minibus tour of the Naval Dockyard by Sub-Lieutenant Bryan (who was taking a break from his helicopter training).  The day finished with a visit to Boathouse No. 4 at the Historic Dockyard, giving a chance to see traditional boat making crafts and skills.

Enormous thanks go to Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, and to Miss Chapman and Mrs Chapman for organising and leading the trip.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Sunday 2nd October saw pupils from the schools in the local area don their uniforms to attend 10:30 Mass at Sacred Heart and St Peter the Apostle in Waterlooville.

St Peter’s was very well represented, not just in numbers attending, but also in readers and singers.

As ever, thanks go to Fr Jeremy and Fr James for con-celebrating Mass, and to Miss Heath our lay chaplain for coordinating much of the proceedings.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

It’s been a long 18 months, but finally we were able to celebrate Mass in our school hall with pupils from Years 1 to 6 to mark the start of the new school year.  And to add excitement to joy, we welcomed Fr James Lewis to St Peter’s to celebrate his first Mass with the school community. 

With prayer, song and praise, Fr James enjoyed a wonderful celebration with our pupils, and promised to bring biscuits for all the staff next time he visits (but not for this many pupils!).

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Almighty God,

You are the author and sustainer of all human life;
grant that your servant, Elizabeth our Queen,
whom you granted a long and happy reign as Monarch,
may be rewarded with that eternal life promised to all those born again in the water of baptism and power of your Spirit.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

As a school community this morning, Friday 9th September 2022, we gathered today to remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth , who lived her life in service of our country. We expressed our sadness following the death of Her Majesty, and prayed for the repose of her soul and for her family who mourn her death. We were steadfast in our belief that our uniting in prayer today would assure Queen Elizabeth of God’s everlasting care and love which we all hope to enjoy one day.

There is no light without a dawning
No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing……
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
out of a restless, care worn world
into a brighter day.

Eternal rest grant unto her o Lord,

and may the souls of the faithful departed

through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Congratulations to our award winners 2022

Mrs Liz Holford – Chair of Governors

Bella – Sportswoman of the Year

Emi – House Captain for St Mother Theresa House (Winning House 2022)

Henry – Sportsman of the Year

Laura – Mrs Daley Reading Award

Summer – Key Stage 2 Governors’ Award

Phoebe – Key Stage 1 Governors’ Award

Jacquie – Musician of the Year Award

Mr R Cunningham – Headteacher

Happy Hampshire Day, and also Happy Saint Swithun’s Day, on this 15th July 2022.

St. Swithun’s Day is a day on which, according to folklore, the weather for a subsequent period is dictated. In popular belief, if it rains on St. Swithun’s Day, it will rain for 40 days, but if it is fair, 40 days of fair weather will follow.  Well, in this current heatwave, I think we’d all welcome 40 days of rain!

Pictured here is the Hampshire flag, which was gifted to St Peter’s by Mrs Cairns on the occasion of her retirement in April 2022 after 25 years of service to the school.  It will be flown annually each 15th July, just as we fly the flags of the home nations on their patronal feast days each year.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher