The death of Pope Francis this week has brought a new found togetherness within school. At our liturgy on Monday it was not spoke of sadness, but rather the legacy that Pope Francis has left on our world. He was incredibly active in the world, which we certainly need more people to be. All week, the children and staff, have been contributing to a book of reflection and prayer for the late Pope, which will now make its way to Rome. On Sunday, Mr and Mrs Uttley have a trip planned there and have very kindly offered to take the book on our behalf. Along with the book, there will also be a school cardigan with our STAR badge on it. This badge is a sign of us all being active members of our community - just like Pope Francis was. It is so important that the school has contributed to this moment in time. We now pray for Pope Francis’ successor and will watch in the coming weeks as the conclave gather to make the decision. On Monday evening, I will be joining Bishop Paul, along with Mrs Hills and Father Peter, at the cathedral for a requiem mass for Pope Francis. Then on Tuesday evening, there will be a deanery mass held at St Joseph’s at 7pm. This mass is open to all. I encourage you and invite you to this mass to pay your own respects.
In assembly today we have looked at the theme of miracles and how Pope Francis called for everyday to be a miracle, not just the monumental moments in life. We are in the period of Eastertide where Jesus appeared three times before Pentecost. I challenge you all to see the miracles of life, each and every day, and to give thanks for them.
“Let Nature be your teacher.” – William Wordsworth
You will all know that I am incredibly passionate about the children experiencing enriching opportunites beyond the classroom; which is one of the reasons that we have developed a forest school here at Our Ladys. There is a really clear pedagogy behind the philosophy of Forest School, but we would still like all of our children to experience it throughout the year. This week, our open invitation to parents was taken up and Miss Lavelle and Mrs Tierney held two sessions of adult play - boy did they play! From forest bathing, to the new hammock and den making area, to tree climbing; lots of fun was had by them all.
We are trying to keep forest school as self-sustaining. With the budget pressures that all schools are facing, areas like this are so important and need to be preserved. We will continue to find innovative ways to maintain the area and will always need your help with this. If you have any tree stumps that we can use for seating in the area, or want to donate some new climbing plants for the back fence of the area - please do!
A little Forest School Update for this half term…Over the half term holiday there was lots of changes in Forest School. Matt from Greentouch Landscapes installed our new hammock posts and out amazing den building supports. All the trees and brash were responsibly sourced from The Coppicing Co-operative. Mrs Tierney dug our new pond, which will soon be home to our tadpoles which a currently in nursery. Our groups this week have been enjoying our new additions - the hammock is proving popular! Some of the feedback has been lovely to hear such as "this is my new happy place" and "I can't remember the last time I was this relaxed." It's good to slow down and appreciate the little thing in life and the nature we are so lucky to have. We've also been doing some weaving using sticks and wool which have been hung in our Holm Oak tree.
The statue of Our Lady Of Lourdes has also visited Forest School, our children have decorated pebbles to make a beautiful cross.
Fun Nature Fact Of The Week - There are more trees on earth than stars in the Milky Way. Scientists estimate that there are between 200-400 billion stars in our galaxy, while there are an estimated 1 trillion trees on earth!
Year 5 have also started their own forest school journey this term. They have been trying out the new hammock and den making kits to see what they can build - with a little bit of tree climbing in the mix…and smores!
Shining Stars and Leading Learners
Office News
On Thursday 8th May, we will be celebrating 80 years since VE Day - such an important day in the history of Great Britain. To honour the day, the children can come into school wearing red, white and blue; and we will also be having a school picnic on the field for lunch time.
The menu will be: assorted sandwiches, pizza bites, sausage rolls, veggie sticks and dip, and crisps - with a victoria sponge cake and fruit.
If your child normally has a dinner on a Thursday, then you do not need to complete the form. If your child has a packed lunch or does not have dinner on a Thursday, and would like a school picnic, then please complete the form below. The cost of the picnic is £2.90.
This half term is a really short one, but still jam-packed with lots of opportunities for the children. Please continue to read each class blog to keep an eye on what is happening in school. I have updated the school calendar with all of the events that are taking place this term, and will continue to do so over the next few weeks. The Gym Jam Jog will happen in the second half of the term - this is such a great event for the whole school!
Finally, a really huge good luck to our parents who are running the London Marathon this weekend! You are superheroes!
God bless
Mrs Gregan