[heading]Collective Worship[/heading]
Dear Parents,
This week’s newsletter has been designed to show how Christian collective worship is placed at the centre of the school’s daily life. Each child’s spiritual and moral development is nurtured in the context of the Christian faith. It acknowledges the beliefs of all faiths and none.
As collective worship is a spiritual occasion, it is essentially a time for pupils and staff to reflect upon questions and to search for meaning and purpose in life. Children are given the opportunity to reflect upon the relevance and meaning of the Christian faith personally and within the communities in which they live. Through stories, songs and discussions, children are able to develop a sound understanding of the Christian faith and are given the opportunity to adopt the Christian values. Coming together at the beginning of the day develops each child’s sense of place in the school community and enables them to tackle the day ahead feeling both challenged and inspired.
Collective worship in school
Children gather for collective worship in the hall every morning and this lasts for fifteen minutes. During this time a candle is lit to symbolise the special, spiritual nature of our gathering, and a hymn is sung. Children are encouraged to actively participate in assemblies in a number of ways including drama and reflecting on questions posed.
At the beginning and end of the act of worship, children and staff are encouraged to be silent in order to benefit from private reflection whilst appropriate reflective music is played. The pupils learn simple prayers, hymns and songs. At the end of the act of worship we say the Lord’s Prayer and our prayer for Zimbabwe together.
The acts of worship follow themes such as Bible stories, prayer and friendship. We are currently exploring our school motto, 'Life in all its fullness'. Sometimes Collective Worship will link in with an important date in the Christian Calendar, for example, Epiphany or St. Patrick’s Day or events in the life of the school. Collective Worship is led by different people throughout the week:
Mondays: Senior member of staff
Tuesdays: Teacher
Wednesday: Class led
Thursdays: Clergy
Fridays: Children lead Celebration Assembly – these assemblies are led by 2 children from Year 6. Pupils from each class are rewarded for their efforts and achievements that week. The 'Stars of the Week' can be found on the class blogs each week.
We are very proud of the extent to which the children lead our acts of collective worship. School Council, The Rights Champions and The Digital leaders will also lead Collective Worship throughout the year.
Collective worship at Southwark Cathedral
Church services are held in Southwark Cathedral six times a year. Each class in Key stage 2 will lead at least one service.
Pupils are actively involved in the preparation and presentation of the service, and are encouraged to write their own prayers and reflections. The dates for these services will be given to parents via paper letter though their child. All parents and members of the school community are very welcome to attend these services. The Christmas and Easter services are always particularly well-attended by parents across the school.
Today's service was led by Year 6 on the theme of the school motto, 'Life In All Its Fullness'. The reflections were illuminating and very well-written.
Holy Communion for Year 4, 5 and 6
Holy Communion at Southwark Cathedral provides a very special and personal opportunity for children to reflect on their beliefs; an opportunity shared with their peers, members of staff and parents. Holy Communion takes place in the Harvard Chapel three times a year, following our Whole School Services in September, February and May. A letter will goes out each term inviting communicant children who are in Years 4-6 to take part in this service.
Best wishes,
Mrs Leighton
Assistant Headteacher
[box title="Mathletics" color="#0D83DD"]
Children in Years 1 - 6 will take home new sign-in cards for Mathletics today. Staff have reminded pupils not to share their login details with other people.
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[box title="Contacting the Office" color="#0D83DD"]
If you need to change the arrangements for collecting your child at the end of the school day please inform the office before 2pm unless it is an emergency.
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[box title="Summer Uniform" color="#0D83DD"]
Just a reminder that summer dresses are worn with white ankle socks. Tights are part of the winter uniform and they cannot be worn with summer dresses.
After October half term, all children must wear winter uniform (which can be worn all year round.)
For more information about uniform, see the Uniform Policy:
http://www.cathedralprimaryschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Uniform-Policy.pdf
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