29 March 2019
“God seeks each one of us personally. God knocks on the door of our heart to draw us to Himself, to lead us forw2 April 2019 ard along the path of salvation.” Pope Francis 20 March 2019
In his Wednesday audience this week, Pope Francis expresses God’s love for each one of us and gives us encouragement for the journey we find ourselves on in this Lenten season of preparation.
In school, the children have all had the opportunity in class to pray the journey of Lent in the Stations of the Cross – reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the cross and taking some quiet time to consider how this shows the love God have for each one of them. In the playground at drop off, families have also been taking a quiet moment of reflection to light a candle and to be aware of God’s love in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the final week of term (Thursday 4 April at 2:30pm), Year 5 will present the Stations of the Cross for parents of all year groups – do join us if you can!
Next Friday will give another opportunity for parents to join the children in their Lenten devotions. As we did last year, we will be participating in the international “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative – supporting Pope Francis’ plan to increase Eucharistic adoration and encourage reconciliation. We are delighted to have the opportunity to play host to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and all of the classes will have some prayerful time in the school hall on Friday afternoon, ending with Benediction for Year 5 and Year 6. Parents are warmly welcomed to participate in any part of this afternoon of prayer, song and thanksgiving. Further details including timings will be sent out next week.
Thank you for supporting all of the children’s Lenten fundraising initiatives. Last Friday, Year 5 and 6 children joined staff in marking CAFOD Family Fast Day with a soup and roll lunch, while this Friday, children from across the school are participating in a Dance-athon to raise money for Bishop Richard’s chosen diocesan charity Missio. As you know we have already supported local charities including White Lodge and Marie Curie during this Lent and it is good for the children to recognise that there is great need both close to home and further afield.
During this week, some classes have been out and about on trips in the local area. Ruby Class had their Mission Week and walked to All Saints in Hersham for Mass with Father Richard. Many parishioners complimented the children on their high standards of behaviour and on their reverence during Mass – they are a credit to their families (and of course to their school!) On Tuesday, Reception had their first “big trip” out to Brooklands – they were very excited and had a wonderful experience. Our huge thanks go to the many parents who helped to facilitate those two trips and ensured the children had a happy and safe experience.
Thank you also to the parents and staff who have supported the various sporting events this week: Tag Rugby last Friday, Girls football on Wednesday, Boys football on Friday, Y5 and Y6 netball on Thursday and Cross country tomorrow. It is great that our children have so many opportunities to compete and enjoy themselves – and we know that there is lots going on outside of school too!
Please remember to send in any photos or certificates of your children’s out of school achievements for our celebration board – and be assured that it doesn’t have to be something ground-breaking. We have some music, drama and dance certificates; photos of cups, ribbons, medals children have won; photos of “cooking my first meal” and “riding my bike without stabilisers”; some notes about Lego construction and story writing. We love to hear about what our children have been up to at home and it is great for children’s self-esteem to share their progress with in school.
Next Friday, there will be a break from the Headteacher update in the newsletter, as I will be away with Year 4 in Dorset. This will be the children’s first school residential and they are already getting very excited about it! It is a great privilege to be able to accompany children on their first trip away – I thoroughly enjoyed the trip last year with the current Year 5 and look forward to sharing in this trip again.
I wish you and your families a wonderful weekend.
All best wishes Catherine Burnham
