Year 1 had a lovely afternoon bringing in toys from home! The children really enjoyed playing nicely with their friends and sharing together. They also loved having chocolate and sweets as a special treat to celebrate working so brilliantly this half term. Well done, Year 1!

There’s a warm welcome for all at St Alban’s Catholic Primary, as we continue to invite members of the community to join our staff and children for Mass. We have been hosting the services every other Tuesday at our school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, after heating problems left neighbouring parishioners literally out in the cold. “Due to ongoing issues with the church heating, and limited funds to repair it, the local parish has been unable to hold Mass in the church building,” explained our Headteacher, Ciara Yeoman. “To ensure that parishioners do not miss the opportunity to gather and celebrate together, St Alban’s has opened its doors and is now holding parish Masses on site.” “The Mass takes place in our school hall, which we have arranged to include a dedicated altar and prayer space,” she continued. “The hall provides a large, flexible area that allows us to comfortably accommodate pupils, staff, and parishioners. “This arrangement came about through collaboration with the Parish Team, as the parish church building is currently without heating. “We were keen to offer a warm and welcoming space for worship during the colder months, and to continue enabling parish Masses to take place regularly. “It also gives our children a wonderful opportunity to experience the Mass within their school setting, and to strengthen the relationship between the school and the parish community.” Led by Father Jonathan Bowes from Christ the King Partnership, each fortnightly service involves one year group in rotation, so that every pupil, from Reception to Year 6, has the opportunity to be included. “Children participate in readings, prayers, and the offertory, as well as supporting through music and song,” said Mrs Yeoman.  “Class teachers and support staff attend with classes to guide and supervise the children. Members of the Leadership Team also attend regularly to support the service. All staff are welcome to join the Mass, if they are available. “This arrangement has already brought the parish and school community even closer together. Children, staff, and parishioners are sharing in worship, prayer, and fellowship – a true reflection of our mission to live out our faith in service and community.” In an additional act of hospitality, we also offer post-service refreshment to the worshippers. “After each Mass, we provide light refreshments for parishioners and staff, creating a lovely opportunity for conversation and fellowship,” added Mrs Yeoman. “We typically welcome around 15 to 20 parishioners from the local community to each service. They join the children and staff in prayer, and are always warmly welcomed by the school. “The arrangement will continue through the winter months, while the parish heating system is being repaired. We will continue to review this in partnership with the Parish Team, but we are very happy to support the community for as long as the need remains.”

Year 6 had a fantastic time preparing their own afternoon tea this week. They thoroughly enjoyed planning and making a selection of treats, working enthusiastically throughout the afternoon. The best part, of course, was tasting their creations at the end! We even shared some of the delicious treats with Mrs Yeoman, who was very happy to sample them and give her review. A wonderful and tasty experience for everyone involved!

This week, Year 5 children have enjoyed creating the Christmas stockings they designed in Design and Technology. They are excited to take these home in time for Christmas.

Year 4 have had a brilliant time exploring in Forest School this half term. They ended their sessions with an exciting lesson on building fires and fire safety. However, the highlight of the afternoon was definitely the toasted marshmallows at the end!

We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 and 6 pupils for the fantastic effort they have been showing at Drama Club this term. Each week, the children arrive enthusiastic, focused and ready to challenge themselves. They have been developing their confidence, teamwork and performance skills through a range of engaging activities, including improvisation, character work and group performances. It has been wonderful to see pupils supporting one another, sharing creative ideas and growing in confidence on stage.

Thank you to everyone who has donated for our local cat and dog shelter. The children of St Francis House are very grateful for your support this half term. Because of your efforts, cats and dogs at the shelter will be warmer, happier, and well cared for while they wait for their forever homes.

Here are our award winners this week.

Please follow the link for the Wednesday Word. Christmas Holiday Special - Magazine - Page 1

Our Year 3 and 4 pupils delivered a fantastic performance in their festive show. From start to finish, they brought energy, confidence, and plenty of Christmas cheer to the stage. A huge well done to all the children—you were brilliant!

Our Year 5 and 6 pupils delighted us all with a beautiful carol performance that truly captured the spirit of the season. Well done, Year 5 and 6—you brought Christmas cheer to us all!

We are so incredibly proud of the children for their wonderful nativity performance. They worked so hard and truly sang their hearts out—what a magical way to celebrate the season!