With Christ at our side to guide us,
we shine in all that we do.

We Praise You God – Year 4 performing a dance for Gaudete Sunday

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The season of Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for Christmas, as well as remembering that Jesus will come again at the end of the world, as he promised.  Children learnt that the third Sunday of Advent is called ‘Gaudete Sunday’.  Gaudete is a Latin word for Rejoice.  It is meant to be a break midway through the season of Advent.  It encourages and reminds people of the nearness of Jesus’ coming.  On Gaudete Sunday, you will often hear the word rejoice.

Year 4 listened to the Scripture from Phillipians then sang the hymn ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always’ based on that Scripture.  They were then given the music and lyrics to John Burland’s hymn ‘We Praise You God’ and performed a dance to it.

You God’ then performed a dance to it.

Y3 Celebration of the Word

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Well done to Year 3 who shared a lovely class celebration of the word together today.

Year 1 Christingle Celebration

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Year 1 have been learning all about Christingles and what each part represents. The orange reminds us of the world. The red ribbon represents the blood of Christ and His sacrifice for us. The sweets symbolise God’s gifts and the fruits of the earth. Finally, the candle reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World.

After making our own Christingles, we gathered in the school hall for a special Celebration of the Word by candlelight. It was a beautiful moment to reflect on the meaning of Advent and Christmas, and to share the light of Jesus with others.

The children even made extra Christingles to give as gifts to other classes, spreading hope, joy, and peace throughout our school community.

Year 5 Celebration of the Word

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This week, our Year 5 pupils led a Celebration of the Word on the theme of Hope, sharing their reflections on Advent with their families. The focal point was the Advent wreath, reminding us that this season is a time of waiting in joyful hope for the coming of Jesus.

Through readings, prayers, and a litany of rejoicing, the children explored what it means to wait with hope and purpose. Parents were invited to join in singing a joyful hymn and to write messages of hope to hang on our tree.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. May this Advent season fill your hearts with hope and joy!

Travelling Crib

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In Advent, as we wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus, the children have been invited to join our special project called ‘The Travelling Crib’.   Starting this week, each child will take turns bringing home a pack to share with their families.

This is to help us remember the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem, and as a family take time to stop and think about the true meaning of Christmas.

Children in KS1 will bring home The Christmas Story, while children in KS2 will bring home a book called ‘When the Stars Shone Bright, A Christmas Tale’ telling the Christmas story from the perspective of the three wise men.

Y1 Remember – Remembrance Day

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Year 1 have been learning about Remembrance Day and why it is such an important time to pause and reflect. The children explored the meaning behind the poppy and how it reminds us of those who gave their lives for peace.

As part of our learning, the children created beautiful poppies and a class poppy wreath. We then used our wreath during a special Celebration of the Word, where we prayed together and shared a moment of silence to honour all those who have died in wars and conflicts.

It was a thoughtful and creative way for Year 1 to show respect and learn about peace.

Mini Vinnies Prayers for Peace

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November is a time of prayer and remembrance for our lost loved ones.
After attending our Remembrance Day assembly, our Mini Vinnies reflected on the impact of the two world wars and the conflicts happening right now all over the world. We discussed the importance of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.

We remember all the soldiers we lost in World War I and World War II as a result of conflict. We talked about the power of prayer in communicating with God and forming a deeper relationship with Him. We wrote prayers asking God for help to bring peace and heal our broken world. Some of the children shared their prayers with the group and we added them to our Prayer & Reflection Area.

Year 3 Class Celebration of the Word

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Well done to Year 3 who shared a lovely class celebration of the word together today.

Year 4 Celebration of the Word with parents

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In RE, Year 4 have been learning about Reconciliation.  Some of the children have been preparing for their First Reconciliation.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates the fact that we are loved and forgiven by God and that when we say sorry to one another and experience forgiveness we are experiencing God’s forgiveness.

Parents were invited into school to share in our Celebration of the Word as we celebrated God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.  At the end of our Celebration of the Word, the families were given a mission to show love and care for others, letting their light shine.  The children gave their parents a leaf on which to write (with their child) how they would follow our mission.  At the end of the COTW, parents were given a Good Shepherd’ prayer card to take home.

© 2025 Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.