As we move closer and closer to Good Friday, and to Easter Sunday, the bible readings that we are hearing are preparing us for what is to come; we are being introduced to themes of death and resurrection. In this week’s Gospel we meet Martha. Martha loved Jesus and was a friend of His. It was her faith that helped her and when she needed help - Jesus did as he said.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
It is in this story of Lazarus that we understand the fear that Jesus was starting to face. He knew he was to be killed, he knew he was despised and hated. Yet, he continued to help and encouraged everyone to have faith.
Next Friday, we will start our Holy Week liturgies to the cross; led by our pupils. These are always such a solemn reminder of the path that Jesus walked. We hope that you can join us.
Friday 27th March at 9.15am - Year 2 Palm Sunday
Monday 30th March at 9.15am - Year 3 The Last Supper
Tuesday 31st March at 9.15am - Year 4 Gethsemane
Wednesday 1st April at 9.15am - Year 5 Crucifixion
Thursday 2nd April at 9.15am - Year 6 Resurrection
Food bank donations for March - Biscuits. The foodbank have seen a significant surge in demand at their food bank over the past few weeks, making it increasingly challenging to meet the needs of those who rely on their services. Let’s help where we can!
“The Catholic ethos of the school is vibrantly lived out by all and impacts pupils, staff, governors, families and the wider community.”
A couple of weeks ago, we were visited by the Catholic Inspection Team who conducted a thorough and rigourous two day inspection of all things Catholic life at Our Ladys. The inspection looks at three areas; Catholic Life and Ethos, Religious Education and Collective Worship. Within those, leadership, provision and pupils are also inspected. I hope when you read it you feel the same sense of pride that I did when I read it for the first time. The result of this inspection is not easy to achieve and in the last year when we have had a new RE curriculum, new Prayer and Liturgy Directory and a new Inspection Framework; the results are even more astonishing. To maintain what we have done, given all of the changes (and to do it so quickly) is something to be celebrated. Our beautiful children are at the heart of it all.
There is a lot of ‘noise’ at the moment about the education sector, which is hard to ignore. With lack of funding coming our way, teacher retention and competition with other sectors, poor communication and growing need; schools are expected to be more than a place of education, and also a place that is beyond the school day, which of course has an impact to everyone involved. This report is testament for the hard work of a team of dedicated and committed staff who love our children deeply. They constantly go above and beyond; teaching is most definitely a vocation. Relationships are at the heart of this report and the links within our community. The vision that I have for our school is being “vibrantly lived out by all.” Thank you to each and every member of our special community.
"Baptism marks the start of a beautiful story."
On Wednesday, our Year 2 children put on their finest clothes to share in a very special day. Nellie was baptised into the family of faith. Year 2 knew this was a very important day and they knew they had to dress for the occasion - I am so proud of them all. Again, to say you want to be baptised is an incredibly brave decision to make; Nellie shone so brightly. Thank you to her family for letting us be part of this beautiful day.
Exciting Enrichment for our Ambassadors
This week, a number of our children have had the opportunity to branch out of their school surroundings and try something different. Year 4 have headed to The Grand this week to take part in Shakespeare alongside other schools - they had a great time performing there. Then today, our digital leaders, supported by Mrs Naylor, headed to UCLAN to take part in a digital showcase. Together with children from lots of different primary schools and staff from BAE, STEM was the focus of the afternoon. This is incredibly exciting and something we will be able to explore more next year.
Leading Learners and Star Virtues
Winter Warmer Snack Booking Form
Here is the winter warmer snack booking form for next week. Please book before 8am on Monday. A reminder text has been scheduled for Monday at 7.20am.
Office News
Please check the extra-curriculare timetable to see when the clubs your child is attending finish.
Please settle ALL Parent Pay amounts before Easter. From September, there is a directive that everything must be paid for in advance to avoid an outstanding payments at the end of each half term.
Own clothes day on Monday - bring an Easter Egg for the Easter Egg Raffle. Tickets will go on sale towards the end of next week.
School Photographs on Wednesday.
We have Our Lady merchandise! The Our Lady Tote bag is available for £5 to support the school PTFA. Order yours via Parent Pay and we will get one sent home with your child.
School attendance for this week
Have a lovely weekend with your families. Here is hoping the sunshine stays for just a little bit longer.
God bless
Mrs Gregan