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Y1’s Christingle Celebration

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Year 1 explored the story of the Christingle and created their own as part of our Advent preparations. We began by learning about Bishop John de Watteville, who shared the first Christingle with children in his village to teach them about God’s promises.

Through the story, we discovered that:

  • The orange represents the world, created by God and full of goodness.
  • The red ribbon wrapped around the orange symbolises God’s love encircling the world.
  • The four sticks symbolise the four seasons, and the treats on them remind us of the gifts God provides.
  • The candle signifies Jesus, the Light of the World, shining in dark places.

The children thoroughly enjoyed making their own Christingles, carefully assembling each part and reflecting on its meaning. We concluded our lesson with a special Christingle Celebration of the Word, where we shared the story of the Christingle and talked about how we can share God’s love with others.

The flickering light of the candles reminded us all of the importance of kindness and hope, especially during this season of Advent.

Year 3 Advent Drama- Preparing For the Visit of Jesus!

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After reading scripture from the prophet Isaiah, Year 3 have been working in drama groups to demonstrate how we should behave during Advent, as we prepare for Christmas. We explored and depicted giving alms to the homeless, looking after the elderly, praying regularly to talk to God, showing love in our friendship groups and showing understanding with our friends. All of the children collaborated and showed excellent oracy skills with their friends.

Whole School Celebration of the Word

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Year 4 enjoyed sharing their class Celebration of the Word with parents so they decided to share it with their peers in school as well.

Year 4 Celebration of the Word – The Lost Sheep

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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.

We all know that God loves us and is always ready to forgive us, no matter what.  His love for us is unconditional.  The children wanted to share this unconditional love and friendship with their families and friends in our ‘Lost Sheep’ Celebration of the Word.

Children in Need Fundraiser

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The Children in Need Fundraiser was a huge success!  The Mini Vinnies and School Councillors sold Pudsey pin badges, pens and wristbands.  They also sold raffle tickets which entered the children into a raffle for a Giant Pudsey bear and 2 smaller Pudseys (as runner-up prizes) as well as a yummy cake to share with their friends in class today.

Due to the generosity of our amazing St Bede’s families, we had enough cakes for all of the children to enjoy another cake on Children in Need Day on Friday.

The kindness of you all has been phenomenal!  Thanks to your fantastic generosity we raised £250.00 for Children in Need.

Key to Life Food Bank

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The Mini Vinnies and the children of St Bede’s wanted to help people in the local community by supporting the Key to Life Foodbank (an operation providing emergency food and support to people in crisis across South Tyneside) with their Halloween Appeal – Donate If You Dare – to Scare Hunger way!

The families of St Bede’s have been extremely generous in their donations.  Here are the Mini Vinnies with the food collected.

A huge thank you to everyone for your kindness!

 

 

 

Year 1 Remembers

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Year 1 took time to learn about Remembrance Day and reflect on why it’s important. The children created beautiful poppy handprints using paint to honor those who have served and sacrificed. Alongside the poppies, they made prayer butterflies as a symbol of hope and peace.

We gathered together to say a short prayer, showing our respect and gratitude. Their thoughtful artwork is now displayed outside, ready to be seen by everyone in our school community. It’s a meaningful reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring others.

Y4 Youth Village Retreat

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We arrived safely at the Youth Village with everyone in high spirits.  The Youth Ministry team welcomed us, then we met the other schools and got to know them with some ice breakers.  The children were put into teams with their friends plus some children from other schools. The evening meal was lovely then we got settled into our lodge (Bishop Ambrose).  There was a fun filled night with lots of high jinx and eventually we all settled down to sleep.

After a breakfast of fruit, yoghurt and toast we headed to base camp to complete a carousel of activities.

The theme of the retreat for the Jubilee year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

Pope Francis asked people to make 2024 a year of prayer and preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.  The opening of the Jubilee Door marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year.  The children will consider how God opens doors in our lives, encouraging us to ‘Ask, Seek, Knock’.

In the carousel of activities, the children enjoyed a selection of craft, social justice, chapel, outdoor, and team building challenges.  They explored what ‘hope’ means for us, each other, our communities, and the world as they completed their Pilgrim Passport!

The lunch was amazing. Here are the children tucking in. Spot our surprise visitor!

The children enjoyed some free time before our nature walk.

We had a bracing walk through the woods then played football and rounders.

Our next activity was an Escape Room.

After the activities, the children watched a movie then went to bed. No high jinx tonight just 27 tired children and 2 tired teachers. Silence!! Everyone was super organised this morning – bags packed, beds stripped, breakfast eaten.

There was a final activity where the children shared their ideas about what a planet they designed might look like.

Our last photograph before leaving the Youth Village!  A great few days was had by all!

 

© 2025 Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.