# data[].attributes.headline
Remembrance Day-Community Worship on the Square

# data[].attributes.subject
Remembrance Day-Community Worship on the Square

# data[].attributes.headline
First Sunday of Advent-Invite to parents to Family Mass

# data[].attributes.subject
First Sunday of Advent-Invite to parents to Family Mass

# data[].attributes.body
At St Mary's, our mission is to foster a community where we work, pray, share, and learn together. Our Friday masses are an integral part of this mission, providing learners with an opportunity to come together in faith and reflection. Every Friday, two year groups from Year 1-Year 6 gather at our parish church to attend mass with Father Hennessy.

# data[].attributes.body
We were joined by our families and our parish community to mark the First Sunday of Advent at our parish church. Coming together to mark the beginning of the Advent season, our learners played an important role in the mass from lighting the first advent candle, organising and singing the hymns and also serving on the altar.

# data[].attributes.headline
ClassDojo Post-First Sunday of Advent Thank you

# data[].attributes.subject
ClassDojo Post-First Sunday of Advent Thank you

# data[].attributes.headline
Results of Parent's Collective Worship Survey

# data[].attributes.subject
Results of Parent's Collective Worship Survey

# data[].attributes.body
During the Advent season, we wanted to create a special opportunity for parents and carers to fully immerse themselves in the school experience. To do this we organised a PACT session in each year group around the topic of Advent.

A PACT session is a unique chance for parents and carers to actively participate in their child's education, while building a strong connection with our school community. We believe that together, we can make a real difference in our children's lives. As part of the PACT session, parents had the option to join in a Collective Worship, fostering a sense of togetherness and spiritual growth.

It was a wonderful way to embrace the true meaning of Advent and reflect on the joyous season. Both, staff and learners were excited to share this special experience with our families. Afterwards we shared a survey link on ClassDojo to get their thoughts on the experience.

# data[].attributes.body
Nursery Advent PACT session - 5th December 2023

# data[].attributes.body
Children planned a worship to share with parents. This started our PACT session and the start of Advent.

# data[].attributes.body
We spent time thinking about Advent. What promises can we make during Advent? We made promises with our parents and talked about different ways we prepare for Christmas during Advent.

# data[].attributes.body
It was Year 5’s turn to host a Parent Engagement Session, focusing on the theme of Advent. The session began with a class worship, carefully planned and led by the pupils. During the worship, they read and reflected on a reading from Isaiah, exploring the meaning of being Faith-filled and Hopeful in anticipation of the birth of Christ.

During our PACT session, we engaged in discussions about the scripture we had heard, joined by our parents and guardians. Together, we explored ways to embody faith and hope during this special Advent season. Each participant took the time to write down personal reflections and placed them on our class Virtue tree.

In addition, our parents and pupils crafted Christmas cards, specially designed for those who may have distanced themselves from the spirit of Christmas. They also created Advent Wreath Christmas Ornaments.

We are proud of the thoughtful engagement, creativity, and meaningful conversations that were sparked during this session. It was fantastic to witness our students and their families coming together to celebrate the spirit of Advent in our school.

# data[].attributes.body
Year 3 celebrating Advent during our PACT session with parents. The children led a special worship within class to begin the session. The children chose the gathering, hymn and mission. Some pupils prepared their own response and created their own prayers. This collective worship celebrated the ‘Annunciation’.

# data[].attributes.body
In Reception, we did a collective worship based on Peace Week. We created peace stars and discussed what Peace means to us and how we can bring Peace to our class, homes and community. We then brought our stars to our worship.

# data[].attributes.body
In Year 2 & 3 we took part in a Collective Worship on the theme of Peace. During it we showed each other the sign of Peace by shaking hands. Our mission was to think of how we can show peace in our lives and we decided to make a recipe for peace.

# data[].attributes.headline
Year 5 Advent PACT Session-Collective Worship Planner

# data[].attributes.subject
Year 5 Advent PACT Session-Collective Worship Planner

# data[].attributes.body
Pupils in Year 5 planned and led an Advent Collective Worship. Pupils selected scripture they had heard (Isaiah 25: 8-9) from their Come and See topic-"Loving".

# data[].attributes.body
Following on from Peace Sunday, this week Year 6 decided to focus their collective worship around Peace. The children led a special worship to begin our session. The children independently chose all elements of the worship. All pupils participated during the gathering and had time to gather their own thoughts.

# data[].attributes.body
Our collective worship about Peace. We talked about what Peace meant and what it might look like. The children made Peace promises.

# data[].attributes.body
Parents are informed about upcoming services which include their children.

# data[].attributes.body
Year 2 peace collective worship planner

# data[].attributes.body
Parents, staff and pupils took part in a Lenten worship in Year 3. We based the worship on 'Palm Sunday' which was the following Sunday. Parents engaged in the 'gathering' and the 'word' and enjoyed listening to the pupils talk about the meaning of Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Pupils planned and prepared the worship themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
May is a truly special time for us as a school, as we embrace 'The Month of Mary'. During this beautiful month, we come together to honour Our Lady, crowned as the Queen of Heaven. It’s a time filled with joy and reverence, where we celebrate Mary not only as the Mother of God but also as the first and most perfect disciple of Christ.

The atmosphere is simply wonderful, with students and staff alike engaging in various activities to deepen our understanding of her role in our faith. As part of our celebrations, we hold heartfelt prayers and processions that remind us of Mary's unwavering love and devotion. This collective act of faith draws us closer together, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. Let’s remember throughout May and beyond the importance of Mary in our lives and how she serves as an inspiring example for us all!

# data[].attributes.headline
Letter for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist 2025

# data[].attributes.subject
Letter for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist 2025

# data[].attributes.body
Year 3 and 4 joined together to celebrate the month of May and Our Lady. The children in year 4 planned and led the worship.

# data[].attributes.body
At our school, we truly believe in the power of collective worship to nurture our community spirit and promote personal growth. We have established a weekly timetable that allows pupils to engage in worship each day, complementing our daily prayers and meditation practices. This ensures that every learner has the opportunity to reflect and connect with their beliefs in a meaningful way.

During the Summer 2025 term, we have been excited to adopt a more dynamic approach to our whole school worships by encouraging our students to take the lead. We’ll be using the Ten Ten collective worship resources,  to help inspire creativity and engagement within our worships. This initiative not only empowers our pupils but also fosters a stronger sense of ownership over their spiritual journey. We can’t wait to see how our pupils shine in this new role!

# data[].attributes.body
This year, our Ash Wednesday service was a lovely occasion held in our school hall by Mr Buckley. It’s always a special time, marking the start of Lent, and this year was no exception! The atmosphere was filled with a sense of reflection and community as we gathered together.

We were fortunate to receive the ashes that morning from our Parish Priest, Father Hennessy. There’s something quite poignant about the ritual of receiving ashes; it’s a moment that invites us to pause and think about our journey over the coming weeks. Mr Buckley led us through some thoughtful prayers and reflections, making the service both meaningful and uplifting.

The children were engaged and respectful, which truly enhanced the experience. Here’s to a fruitful and reflective Lent ahead for everyone!

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout October, as part of the

Month of the Holy Rosary, our Year 3-6

pupils took home Rosary Prayer Packs

The Rosary is a lovely way for families

to join together in prayer, reflecting on

the lives of Jesus and Mary.