B - 25th Ordinary

Understanding Christ

As we look ahead to the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) we learn that Jesus had some trouble teaching his disciples. He tried to explain to them that the Son of Man would suffer and die but that this would not be the end. We read that, "They did not understand." And what's worse, they were too afraid to ask him.

We all know that vulnerable feeling of failing to grasp or understand what is being discussed. We hope this week to inspire the children to see how perseverance and a growth mindset can help them to overcome these difficult moments in life. We are also encouraging children to engage with their own BIG QUESTIONS about the mysteries of our faith - what don't they understand about God?

Helping us to understand

It was a joy to welcome Fr Thomas to Gospel Worship this week. He is keen to get to know the children better and spend more time in the school. We learnt that he is both the tallest and youngest priest in the whole Diocese!

Straight after worship, he ventured out into the playground to engage with Years 3&4 about their their big questions from worship. It was a real treat to have an "expert" on hand to help us consider some of the mysteries of our faith and to encourage the children to talk about what they don't understand.

Come pray with me

Some wonderful new opportunities have opened up to children across the school this week. Our "Call to prayer" is sounded at 12:45 each day to welcome children to come and pray with a member of the Headship Team:

Taize on Mondays
Rosary on Tuesday
Bible Stories on Wednesdays
Creative Prayer on Thursdays
Praise & Worship on Fridays

As well as this, our Junior Prayer Grottos are now open every lunchtime for children to engage in prayer and reflection with friends.

Witness B - 25th Sunday OT

Beyond Understanding

Miss Green took the lead in this week's Witness Worship, introducing us to the most incredible young man: Jack Andraka.

Jack's life was impacted by cancer when a family friend became ill and sadly died. As a young child, this didn't make any sense to Jack - he couldn't understand what had happened and why.

Quickly, his frustration and sadness turned to action and Jack has now become a renowned scientist who is pioneering tests to detect early signs of cancer. Despite facing many rejections and disappointments in his research, he persevered in his effort to better understand how he could help the world.

Powerful Words

Thank you for all the beautiful and inspiring messages left for the children on our pebble beach. It means so much to our little ones to know that you are always thinking and praying for them.

For those parents who haven't yet had the opportunity, we will get the pens out again at Year R's Curriculum Meeting and our Parents' Evenings - it's never too late.

Serenaded by Year 5

We were so excited to see Year 5 pick up these bright, shining, new ukuleles in their music lessons this week. They had a fantastic time and were completely inspired by the opportunity to try something new. It was a fantastic opportunity for the classroom staff to get their teeth into something different too!

With thanks to the PFSA for their support in funding these beautiful little instruments. They have certainly brought our music lessons to life!

From Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy...

Looking for a way to make a difference?

Community Angels are volunteer befrienders supporting adults of all ages in Guildford who struggle with loneliness and isolation. We give weekly one-to one support, offering a listening, non-judgemental ear, companionship and encouragement to engage with the local community.

If you have a couple of spare hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. We still have spaces at our next training day on Saturday 9^th October. We’ll provide all the training you need, match you carefully and appropriately with someone to befriend, and offer ongoing volunteer support and learning opportunities.

To find out more, please contact Anne Thornton and Susanna Hoar at the Community Angels office on communityangels@gtcc.org.uk or call 07825 799309.

Community Angels is a project of the Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy www.gtcc.org.uk

A Sign of the Times

What a joy to see new clubs and opportunities opening up to our children. Thanks to the generosity and personal interests of Miss Hilborn and Miss Egan, we are delighted to offer Year 1 & 2 Sign Language Club this term.

Here's how the children got on during their first session on greetings...

Sign Language Club - Greetings.mov

Revolting Green Things

It was a revolting day in Year 4 today, inspired by Ronald Dahl, everyday items took on different meanings (green beans became witches' fingers, Brussels sprouts became the ears of a gnome, cabbage was the skin of a poisoned serpent). All in preparation for writing instructions to help others make their own ‘green things’.

6P are Persevering

Our deepest thanks and admiration go to St Patrick's Class this week, not only were they the first class to deliver a whole school worship in over 18 months, but they also inspired us with a beautiful message about the value of perseverance.

6P explained to us that we all have the choice to determine how we face setbacks in our lives; we can decided to give up (a fixed mindset) or we can commit to learning from our mistakes and getting better with practice and experience (a growth mindset).

They performed the memorable story of Jonah and the whale to help us see that God calls us to learn from our mistakes and poor choices, and work with him to make the world a better place. God bless you all St Patrick's Class.

Witness Awards

Congratulations to our Witness Award winners for living out this week's message of perseverance. School staff praised these individuals for keeping on trying when tasks were challenging and for showing others what it means to have a growth mindset.

Well done to:

Jasmine
Lucine
Mia
Alicia
Manavi
Arthur
Autumn
Oscar
Joshua

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