Throughout November we have been selling and wearing poppies as a reminder of the soldiers who fought during the First World War. This Remembrance Day, the children have been reflecting on those who selflessly served their countries, protecting our freedom and values. We held a 2 minute silence in school at 11am. Our Deputy Head girl and boy, along with some of our Mini Vinnies, represented our school at a Remembrance Service in Monkton Village. They laid a wreath made of poppies and were very respectful throughout the service.

Today, some of our school council children visited the ‘Shoe box Appeal’ warehouse, in Jarrow.  It gave them the chance to see first hand the work of the fabulous volunteers who work for the Samaritan’s Purse.

Yesterday, Year Two were so lucky to have a visit from Pat who works for CAFOD.  The children listened to a discussion about children who have to take refuge when their homes aren’t safe anymore.  The children were set a task where they were given a rucksack and twelve different items and as a team, they had to think about six items which they would take in their bag if they had to escape from their homes quickly.

Then, they discussed what was important.  Some of the children thought sweets were very important and one child said ‘A teddy so that it can make you feel safe and comfortable’.  We would like to say a huge thank you to Pat.

This week, we have been learning about Remembrance Day.  All of the children have been learning about why we wear poppies and taking some quiet, reflective time to think about all of the soldiers who fought for our country during World War One and all of the soldiers who died.  The children decided to show their respect by making a poppy using different resources such as wool, tissue paper and ribbon.  They looked truly beautiful!

This week, some of our children visited Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Penshaw. The community there have worked together to create a magnificent poppy installation. Each part of the church represents a different part of the war. Well done to everyone involved!

In Reception we have been finding out lots about Remembrance Sunday. We all made a Poppy to help us remember all of the soldiers who did not survive during the war. We talked about how important it is to be friends.

Reception Class visited Church during our Baptism topic. Mrs Scullion showed us around and talked about different parts of the Church. She talked about the font at the back of Church and told us that Father Dave makes the water Holy by blessing it.

On Saturday 3 November the Guild of St. Stephen and Vicar General Rev. Martin Stempczyk welcomed altar servers from across the Diocese to celebrate our Eighth Altar Servers’ Mass at the Cathedral Church of St. Mary, Newcastle. Four of our pupils regularly serve others and attended the service.

Reception Class visited Hebburn Court Care Home. Our visit was to celebrate Harvest Festival. As it was such a special visit we brought along a hamper containing chocolates and sweets for all of the residents to share. They were very grateful.