Assemblies and Celebrations

Easter Show

Year 3 and 4 put on a fantastic show for all their parents and careers last night as they performed the modern day parable: The Three Trees.

Three trees on a wooded hill were discussing their hopes and dreams. The first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. People could fill me with gold, silver and precious gems. They could decorate me with intricate carvings and everyone would see its beauty.” The second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the seas and sail to unknown places. Everyone will feel safe because of the strength of my hull.” Finally, the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of a hill, look up to my branches and think of the heavens and God. They will remember me as the greatest tree of all time.”

After years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. One came to the first tree and said, “This looks like a strong tree. I can sell the wood to a carpenter.” After being cut down, the tree was happy because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree a woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree. I can sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down, his dreams would not come true. A woodsman said, “I don’t need anything special from this tree so I’ll just take it back with me.” When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, they made it into a feed box for animals. It was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. They cut the second tree and made a small fishing boat. They cut the third tree into large pieces and left it alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the feed box made from the first tree. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One man went to sleep. A great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man. He stood and said “Be calm” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. Later, they nailed the man to the tree and raised him up to die at the top of a hill. On the third day, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible. Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral is: When things are not going our way, know that God has a plan for us. God will do almost anything for us. Jesus reminded us through his teachings and his stories how much God loves us. Place your trust in God and God will always give you what is best for you.

Reconciliation Service

In the week leading up to Easter the children have been getting themselves ready by taking part in Reconciliation led by Father John, Father Kevin and Father Lois. The children were extremely reverent throughput the service and all felt great after stating they felt ‘closer with Jesus and good to talk about the wrongs we have done.’

Mini Vinnies

This week we were delighted to announce the chosen applicants for our Mini Vinnies for the rest of this academic year and next. The Mini Vinnies are quite literally mini St. Vincent de Paul’s. Mini Vinnies are 7 to 11 year olds based in schools and parishes across England and Wales, and in several other countries across the world. They come together to form a part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society England and Wales, a voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms. Mini Vinnies meet to pray, discuss and support however they can to help make a difference in their communities.

Mini Vinnies truly turn concern into action as they use the simple formula of ‘see, think, do’ to find people in need and help them. They might help by: 

  • Writing cards for children in hospital
  • Visiting local care homes to sing or play games with the residents
  • Knitting scarves for the homeless
  • Running food collections for a local foodbank

 

Ash Wednesday Mass

It was amazing to have the opportunity to welcome back parents and carers to join us in celebrating Mass and having ashes distributed as part of Ash Wednesday. Father John came into school to celebrate with us all and explain the symbolism of the ashes and the importance of Ash Wednesday. 

 

On Thursday 1st December the Year 3 children got the opportunity to visit Westminster Cathedral to take part in the annual Catholic Children’s Society Advent Carol Service. In his homily the Archbishop spoke to the children about the gifts which the Wise Men gave to Jesus and the gifts which the children give to the charity by their fundraising. He told the children that just as the Wise Men gave to Jesus, so they had given to the Children’s Society so it can do the Lord’s work. The children had a wonderful time and felt it was a brilliant way of joining with other schools as part of the Diocese.

Year 4 invited the Year 5 class to join them in their student led Advent Liturgy. The Liturgy was entirely planned out by the children. Collectively they chose and in some cases wrote the sorry prayers. The children learnt lots about the different parts of the mass and it resulted in a wonderful Advent Liturgy. Well done! 

As part of our ‘ Go Green for Cafod’ day Year 4 decided they wanted to do something a bit extra to help raise money for such a great cause. The class came up with some ideas before deciding they would like to have a jumble sale of things they could bring in. They went above and beyond expectations and organised a hugely successful jumble sale that alone raised over £300 for CAFOD. Well done!