Mass:

What a wonderful way to begin our new school year. On Monday 14th September, our school family came together for our first Mass of the academic year – and it was a particularly special occasion as we welcomed our new parish priest, Father Ephraim, to our school community. There was a lovely sense of excitement as children and staff gathered together to celebrate Mass and to place the year ahead in God’s hands.

 
Our Mass gave us lots to think about as we begin another year together. Our Year 6 children shared the First Reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, which reminded us of the importance of showing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love. What a wonderful message for our whole school community! These are qualities we can all try to show each day – in our classrooms, on the playground and at home. Our Gospel was the story of Jesus welcoming the children. The message “Let the children come to me” was a particularly beautiful one for our first Mass, reminding us that every child is precious and loved by God. Our children also led us in our Bidding Prayers. We prayed for Father Ephraim and all those who lead us in faith, for our teachers and staff, for all the children in our school and for our families. We also remembered children around the world who do not have the opportunity to attend school. We finished our celebration with a joyful version of “He’s Got the Whole School in His Hands”, with each of our Houses – Our Lady, Sacred Heart, St Joseph and St John – standing to receive a blessing.

This Mass was a beautiful opportunity to pause, pray and remember what really matters as we begin a new school year. We are excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to growing together in faith, friendship, kindness and love.