Hello,

I hope that you have all been having a peaceful and relaxing holiday so far.

What a busy half term it has been! I would like to begin by thanking all those who attended the Year R Liturgy on 12th February 2019. In addition, I would like to congratulate all of the children and staff who represented the St. Peter’s choir at church on Sunday 17th March 2019. At St. Peter’s, we continued our Worship during our Whole School Ash Wednesday service on 6th February 2019 – this was a beautiful service that enabled the children to ask God’s forgiveness of their sins as they embarked upon their spiritual journey to become close to God during Lent. The children were beautifully behaved and represented our school exceptionally. Well done to KS1 and KS2! Across the Spring term, pupils at St. Peters were able to demonstrate their participation in the challenges set by Mr Cunningham from their Lenten passport, attached below.

Lent Calendar Challenge – St Peter’s

As we progressed through a reflective and prayerful 40 days of Lent, the children were given opportunities in their RE Curriculum learning to consider ways in which they could pray, fast and give to others as this stage during the Liturgical calendar. We were particularly impressed by the honesty of the children’s responses when setting their own personal goals and targets during Collective Worship. During w.b. 1st April 2019, each year group was invited to attend a bespoke Stations of the Cross reflection with the chaplain of Oaklands Catholic School chapel, in order to learn about Jesus’ journey to the cross and appreciate His love for all of Creation. The children were very respectful and were enthusiastic when partaking in the Q&A sessions at the end of each worship – the range and depth of questions asked by the children reflected the high level of critical thinking skills from each class. Please refer to the photos below.

Next term, we look forward to many more exciting developments in the Catholic Life of the school. For instance, in our prayer garden the pergola has already been installed and plans for future planting and growing have already taken place. Furthermore, following the meetings and discussions between members of St. Peter’s school council, our representatives have decided upon and agreed the following name for our new school building: The Unity Building – St. John Paul II. It has been wonderful to see the children responsibly taking part in the decision making process and for them to see their choices making an impact on the school – the building name perfectly encapsulates our school ethos and we cannot wait for the opportunities it shall give our pupils for demonstrating God’s gospel values and our school Mission Statement, across their curriculum learning.

Today is Good Friday, when we remember the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is not an easy story to hear, but we are reminded that Christ’s death was not without purpose. He died for us and for our Salvation.

“On Him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) 

As we near the end of our Lenten journey and reflect upon the death and Resurrection of our Lord, let us join together in prayer:

God of mercy, forgive us our sins.  

For the times we have closed our eyes to injustice: Lord, have mercy. 

For the times we have closed our ears to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor: Christ, have mercy. 

For the times we have closed our hearts to our sisters and brothers in need: Lord, have mercy. 

Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.

Amen

I wish you all a joyful and pleasant Easter. We look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday 23rd April 2019.

Kind regards,

Miss Honeywell