Catholic Life of the School
Catholic Life of the School
Christian values are at the centre of all we do at St Peter-in-Chains and St Gildas’ and the children have a clear understanding of how to treat each other with love and respect.
Throughout the liturgical year the children are involved in the preparation and celebration of key events in assemblies and performances. Their gifts and talents are acknowledged through award assemblies each week. The schools develop strong bonds between home, parish and school where all members of these communities are welcomed and valued.
We encourage the children to learn, grow and develop guided each day by our dual Mission Statements of:
St Peter’s -We follow Jesus everyday in all we do and all we say.
St Gildas’– Through our actions, we try to live as Jesus lived.
Prayer and Liturgy
Pupil Led Collective Worship:
An opportunity to stop, reflect and gather together in prayer.
The children really enjoy opportunities to hold their pupil led worship outside!
The children plan and lead collective worship in their classrooms, a special quiet and prayerful time
Pupil voice: what the children think about having the opportunity to plan and lead acts of worship.
Remembrance – when we stop and think about those that are no longer with us
Advent wreaths help remind us of the nearness of Christ as we journey through the season.
Our class/home prayer books help to provide a vital link between school and home. Children write their own prayers which are used in class worship.
Class altars and prayer spaces reflect the liturgical season and current learning.
Pupil’s Work:
Teachers plan a variety of ways for children to share and develop their religious knowledge and understanding. Letters, contracts, artwork and extended pieces of writing are used for the pupils to showcase their talents and skills.
Year 6 have been learning about the inspirational witness of Fr Balashowry who takes care of street children in Hyderabad, India. We have focused on the specific qualities he possesses and how he lives out the Gospel message.
Magazine adverts for a Smartphone Bible App to encourage the faithful to seek God in Scripture.
Learning about the life and martyrdom of St Stephen – a true witness to the message of Christ.
Year 6 learnt about Maximillian Kobe and his life of charity living the Word of God
Year 6 Social Contracts
Year 5 were learning about the Sacrament of the Eucharist and used oil pastels to depict this sacred chalice.
Byzantine-inspired mosaic crosses.
Year 2 wrote Lenten Promises and thought how they could follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Year 6 Stations of the Cross artwork
Year 2 Stations of the Cross
Common Good:
At The Federation of St Peter’s and St Gildas’ we live our Mission Statement by actively engaging in charitable outreach and supporting those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We support a range of charities and incentives throughout the year supporting our pupils to develop their social responsibility.
Red Nose Day 2022
Children in Need Day 2022
Christmas Jumper Day for Save the Children.
CAFOD’S Walk Against Hunger during Lent 2022
Anti-Bullying Week – two of our proud Anti-Bullying Ambassadors from Year 4
Don’t forget to read our weekly newsletters for news and information on the Catholic Life of our schools https://stpetersandstgildas.co.uk/news-events/newsletters/
Support for prayer and worship at home:
Wednesday Word
Look out for the Wednesday Word which is published each week on Google Classroom. This provides a wonderful opportunity for your family to bring the Gospel message to life as you read, discuss, pray and reflect together.
http://www.wednesdayword.org/school/index.htm
St Peter-in-Chains Parish
Please visit the Family Room for lots of inspiration on how to bring the church into your family homes. This page is updated weekly to reflect the liturgical year and themes.
http://stpeterinchains.com/parish/family-room/
Mark 10 Mission
The Mark 10 Mission in partnership with The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, is a brand new project for Catholic primary schools in England and Wales. This is an excellent resource used which can be used at home as well as in school as a means of listening to and responding to God’s Word in Scripture.
Each episode of The Mark 10 Mission is made up of 5 key elements:
- Welcome from a host
- The reading of the Sunday Gospel
- A reflection unpacking the Scripture
- A time of guided prayer
- A song of worship
The ‘Weekly Mission’ is something we encourage all pupils to partake in.
Ten:Ten Resources
Please find links below to support collective worship at home via the Ten:Ten Newsletters.
https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/prayers-for-home/parent-newsletter/
Pope Francis on Twitter
Pope Francis is the leader of the global Catholic Church and has much to share with us. He tweets daily reminding us that we are all members of a worldwide faith community and to support us in prayer and building unity across nations and peoples.