Class 6 are preparing for their Leavers’ Service, At Southwark Cathedral on Friday 10th July, at 9.30. They will be leading the service with a selection of their memories, thanks, prayers and hopes for the future.
As part of the service, we need to choose the hymns that will be sung; these are the ones that the class has suggested, please vote for which you think the most appropriate for this celebration, giving of thanks, and sharing of hope.
We will be reflecting on this Bible Reading:
Joshua 1.1-6.9
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, 2‘My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites. 3Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, as I promised to Moses. 4From the wilderness and the Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, to the Great Sea in the west shall be your territory. 5No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. 9I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’
Thanks
Class 6 have been on many fun and interesting trips: The Lion King, Chessington, PGL, Sports Day. And none of this would have been possible without two people: June and Janice. They make sure that if we are hurt, we get treated. If we have left our PE kit at home, they ring our parents or carers. They make sure our letters are sent out, and make sure they are brought in. And in the words of Miss Fullana, “June and Janice are the nicest people in the world.”
Next I would like to talk about a teacher who has been with us from the beginning; from our Teddy Bears’ Picnic, to The Lion King musical. They have pushed us from the beginning until the end – cheering us on always. This ‘They’ is Mrs Rees. From 2007 she has been there with us, and so I would like to thank her for supporting us all the way through.
And finally, I would like to talk about two very special people in my life. Without these two people, I would not be lucky enough be standing here today. Without these two people I would not be lucky enough to be going to the secondary school I am. Without these two people I might not have even been lucky enough to be alive. These two special people are my parents. They have pushed and pushed me, making me work hard every day- helping me achieve my goals. So I would like to say a sincere thank you to them for being the best parents anyone could ever have.
Thanks:
Thank you to June and Janice who are always there to makes us feel welcome and are always making Cathedral School feel like home. June’s smile always brightens my day and always makes me feel blissful; Janice’s cuddles makes me feel at comfort whenever I feel upset and I know whenever I am worried that Janice is always there for a hug. Thank you to you both – you have made my time at Cathedral Primary School an experience I will never forget. Thank you to Mrs Rees who has always been with us from the very start. Everything she says comes from the heart and is a teacher who has always pushed me to the best of my ability and has watched us grow from that very day in Reception. She has always followed our progress, and has always made things possible for us. Mrs Rees and I hope I can follow your lead, and to always be truthful and say what matters. Thank you. I wold like to say my thanks to Mrs Scott who has been like a guardian angel for all of us and has always motivated us to be the best we can and always tried her best to make this school the best it can be; with all the trips and actives it is definitely the best school, a place I call home. Thank you everyone for making Cathedral Primary School a place I can call family. Thank you.
Prayer:
O Mighty Father,
Thank you for letting us be who we are and achieving our full potential,
Thank you for a school were my voice matters and a place where I can be heard,
Thank you for a school that is always there to support me through everything I do,
Thank you for a school like a family,
Thank you Lord for Cathedral School.
Please help students to feel welcome – just like I did – and know that this is a place one day to call home,
Please help children around the world to feel special and for teachers to seek their talent,
Please help everyone to know your words and to always be safe with you Lord.
Amen.
Reflection:
Be strong and courageous:
Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you. I think that this passage means to let go to the things we love in life and to start afresh and to be wise as we go on a new adventure. We should never feel frightened or dismayed but we should be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you.
This will affect me as I have to leave Cathedral School and go on a new adventure and to learn new things and to be more confident and independent as we go on in life facing new challenges on the way but we should not be frightened or dismayed but we should be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with us.
This message also applies for those who are welcoming new people in the world and those children who will be starting nursery and as we all know it may be a nerve-racking experience as they are coming into the school for the very first time but we all have had the experience of school life. It also applies for people who are moving on in their life and will be facing new challenges but they have to be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you.
Thanks
June
As I stepped into the office, the floor was paved with a soothing, delicate feeling; I was hurt with pain from falling over. But suddenly a figure appeared from the corner of my eye. A figure that knocked some sense into me saying, ‘Do not worry, everything will be just fine’. I looked up and there she was…as soon as she stepped in, she brightened the room. She bent down to me. A smile was wiped onto my face as June led me into her office.
She got a wipe and cleaned my knee. Although my pain stung, it was not as powerful as June`s care for me. She put a big, brown plaster on my cut. She gave me a smiley faced sticker and walked me back to Reception.
As I went to play, I promised myself to never forget what June had said and done to help me – including the sticker. I stuck it on my wardrobe and from that day onwards, it still remains there. Although it may be tattered and scratched, it will always remind me of June`s love, care, kindness, loyalty and honesty.
Thanks:
As I came through the classroom door (on my first day at the school, in Year 1), I saw Mrs Scott drawing a square on the board and saying things I did not understand. I thought she was going to leave me confused, but as soon as we went back to our tables, she kindly and patiently explained to me what I had to do, since that day then she has helped me and supported me. As I grew older, I have learned to trust her. Thank you Mrs Scott always accepting every one of us for who we are.
Reflection:
This shows how God is always going to be with us every step of the way. This comes in handy to us because we are going to have different teachers and meet different people which is a bit nerve-racking but we need to remember that God is with us.
It also shows how God is telling Joshua what he should do after Moses dies and is encouraging him to lead a new path in his life and that is what we are doing, we are making a new path in our lives with new people, new teachers and new responsibilities.
Memory
As I stepped onto the red, ruby vibrant carpet, reception felt like new beginning. I gazed around looking at words, the alphabet and numbers to 20. There she was… she was like a shining star that had fallen from the heavens.
She stood proudly and offered me her hand to hold. Suddenly I burst into tears. I squeezed my mum`s hand with fear. She gave me a hug, let go and turned to walk out the door. Mrs. Rees held my hand and showed me around the classroom. My fear was strong but not as strong as Mrs. Rees kindness and love.
She then sat me down on a chair and showed me how to use a computer. She gave me a friend to play with. After that Mrs. Rees read me a story called the ‘Baby and the elephant’ and eventually taught me how to read the words. She made me sound out my phonics and write them down. She told me, “You are a very brave girl.” And from that day onwards she has helped me in the infants and the juniors.
She goes on trips with me and my class: PGL, the theatre, teddy bears’ picnic, science museum and many more but I will never be forget her and the words she told to me in reception.
Thank you Mrs Rees!
Almighty God,
Thank you for everything you have given us, dawn until dusk, such as endless equipment we use to the life-long skills we have learnt. Thank you for letting us into this heavenly school which teaches and nurtures us every minute of the day. Thank you for every single pupil in our school who grow from tiny, shy ducklings to beautiful, confident swans. Thank you to the staff who teach us, fix things, serve us food and mark our work long after school is finished. But most of all, thank you for the creator of our school those years ago. I wish they could see how many lives they have changed.
In the future, please help those who are looking to find their educational path. Please assist those in impoverished places enjoy their right to learn and help those who are nervous about going to school to feel at peace and confident.
In your son, Jesus’ name,
Amen
My Memory
When I conquered the trapeze
We arrived at PGL, all ready and raring to go. We found where we were sleeping and quickly got settled in to our cosy cabins. The next morning, after a hearty and fulfilling breakfast, we were whisked off to our first activity. We marched through the forest, chanting to keep our spirits up. When we arrived at the trapeze, I recall that my eyes darted from left to right, until they fixed on a daunting sight. The giant trapeze, ominously lurking in the treetops. But there was only one way to find out whether I could conquer my fear. To face it.
My harness was clipped on and I walked carefully with trepidation and fear. As I gradually drew nearer, I began to have doubts. What if I can’t make it? What if I fall? These thoughts were swimming inside my head and I began feel nauseous. I stretched out my fingers to their extremities and my knees began to tremble and tears pricked my eyes as I reached for it. I jumped out, peering at the huge drop below, but my fears got the better of me and I couldn’t catch the trapeze. Failure! But I couldn’t let it beat me.
I climbed up for a second time. I faced the dreaded drop again. This time, victory! My friends and I cheered. I had done it! What an amazing memory.
Thanks
When I first felt ill at Cathedral School, June cared for me dearly and told me not to worry; she was always there for me, when I needed her, and she made me feel better all the time. June would always watch over me to make sure I was alright. She was always determined to support me.
June – who is a kind, helpful and loving woman – helped me when I had a stomach ache and she helped me when I grazed my knee. Every time I went into her room and told her I was sick, she would always come round to me and give me a nice, warm, gentle hug. She would say, “You will be fine.” It made me feel more alive, delighted and joyful inside; she always helped me go through the troubles I had and I will never forget that.
It is clear that Cathedral School was more helpful, caring and kind than any other school, because June was there. She would always find a solution to cheer you up because she cares about you (which is what I love about June). She will care for you whether you are cheerful and jolly or ill and miserable. No matter what. June is a kind-hearted, loving and kind woman who is always there by my side.
Message of thanks
I had just started a new chapter and I was slowly drifting off into eternal boredom. There was only one last bit of energy left in me – so I used it all. “Mamo had escaped,” said my small weary little voice. “Uh, seriously? This time with more… expression!” said Sue. And before I knew it, I was speaking like an actual author.
If it weren’t for Sue, I wouldn’t have got a level 5 in my reading. She believed in me which made me believe.
When I came to this school, Mrs Scott was there supporting children in the school. Straight away, it was clear to me that Cathedral School was different from any other school seen. Mrs Scott recognize the outstanding effort in everyone, she look for contentment in you and shares your cheerfulness in many ways. She is the most thoughtful person and appreciative. When there are difficulties facing us, we all know that Mrs Scott will try the hardest to find a solution: or make it easier to confront your fear and that challenge.
Thank you Cathedral School.
My reflection
The story is about how the Israelites dealt with the loss of a leader – Moses. The people, even though they had experienced a terrible tragedy, strode on and even when things seemed blue, they began a new life with infinite possibilities. As we say goodbye to primary school, like the Israelites did to Moses, we can use that message of hope to lead a new life, that can open doors for our next stage. As can all of you. Everyone takes a new step in their life, whether it is year twos going to junior school, the new nursery class, year 5 weighing the mountain of responsibilities class 6 brings, or even teachers who get a new class, and the clergy who continue to lead our Thursday services. Everyone in the school community needs to be strong and courageous and never frightened or dismayed like Joshua to begin a new chapter.
As a clean sheet began, the slippering slope of reading frightened my nerve-racked heart, but Sue’s soulful teachings brought my imagination to life. As I struggled to untangle the complicated words, Sue said these graceful words, “Sound it out,” at once everything was all clear.
“I have overcome my fear,” I thought to myself.
Now I knew that when I attempted to read, Sue would be there to guide me on a journey of books. Thank you Sue; thank you Cathedral School, I will never forget you or your motto, ‘Life in all its fullness.’
By Marko
Reflection of Passage.
This passage is just like a metaphor of the situation I am going through now. In a few weeks I will be leaving. This amazing school has been like Moses to me; it has guided me and taught me all there is to know at ten years old and even a little bit more! Cathedral Primary School, you are my Moses.
Not only does this passage apply to myself, it applies to everyone around me: my friends and my teachers will be affected. My friends will be affected because we are going to different schools.
It will be hard leaving such a wonderful, caring environment. Cathedral Primary School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie, thank you.
Nancy’s reflection:
This passage means when you start a new chapter in life, you should not be worried or frightened and through difficult and daunting times God will be with you. Like Joshua not having Moses and having to lead on his own, we will not have our teachers and friends and we will have to find our own way.
In our new schools, we will have to meet new people, such as teachers and pupils, find our classrooms, and do new lessons. Sometimes we will become new people. But God will guide us and help us make the right decision. It is not just us who are starting a new chapter in life.
We are moving on in our lives but so are the people in our community. Mrs Scott and Mrs Willis are having babies, the teachers are getting new classes and the children are moving to the next year, and many more changes. But God will guide us all and show us the right path.
Memory
I was the new girl, I didn’t know anyone. I went into the classroom before school started and met my teacher, Mrs Rees. She sat me down, gave me a whiteboard and a whiteboard pen and asked me if I could write my name.
Soon the rest of the class came in and Mrs Rees introduced me to everyone. Two girls called Eleanor and Ellie were asked to look after me. Ellie’s first words were, “I can spell telephone,
t-e-l-f-o-n.” I was impressed!
When it came to lunch time, I got bit confused and went to take my lunch into the classroom but Eleanor stopped me and showed me the right way. I remember feeling happy at the end of my first day – not just to see my mum – but to tell her about the fun I’d had and the friends I’d made.
Throughout my years a Cathedral Primary School, I have had lots of fun experiences such as planting poppies at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister, going to see The Lion King in the West End and, of course, our amazing week away at PGL.
I’ve made many fabulous friends and learnt to have confidence in my own ability, the importance of caring for others and to live life in all its fullness.
Oh, and how to spell telephone correctly.
Memory
It started off as a normal day, but three little things changed that day. First of all we all brought in suitcases, we all had our own clothes on and… wait for it…we were going to PGL!
It took a while before we got there but we eventually arrived. We settled into our rooms and un-packed (I shared a room with Marko, Kiran, Jed, Nii and Gabriel). Before we knew it, we had already started the activities. My 5 favourite activities were: zip wire (which is self-explanatory), trapezium – which is where you had to climb a wooden pole, jump and hold on to a bar, abseiling, ambush (which is basically hide and seek at night in the woods) and my favourite – giant swing – which literally was a giant swing. I do not know about you, but PGL could stand for pretty good lunches. The food there is spectacular! I do not think I have ever had finer cuisine!
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for always giving us a chance to speak and that when we speak our opinions are heard and valued. Thank you for making the school push us to achieve our best. Thank you for making us respected for who we are and helping us to believe in ourselves. Thank you for making the teachers teach us things we need to know. Finally, thank you for the range of activities you have given us.
God,please help the school to carry on making everyone feel happy and for no one to be bullied or teased. Please help the school to always make sure there is someone people can speak to if you are upset. Also please help the teachers to trust every single one of us so we can be given more amazing opportunities – both in school and out. Lastly, please help to keep on letting the school allow us to express ourselves and be who we want to be.
Cathedral School will always have a place in my heart, a place deep down, which will never be forgotten.
Amen.
Reflection:
The passage Joshua 1.1-6.9 seems to fit the circumstance that my class (and many other people and classes all over the world) are in perfectly. It describes the situation Joshua was in when Moses died; how he no longer had anybody to follow and had to set out on an intrepid adventure into the unknown alone. The Lord was able to outline what was going to happen, but really, he could not (or would not) tell him any more than the basics of his journey. However, he could give him advice – to not be frightened or dismayed but to be strong and courageous, never yielding to the temptation of defeat. This could be thought of as a metaphor for anybody who is entering a new stage in their life. It describes all the good points and bad points: all the mountains and valleys, rivers and forests – and how, although you may not enjoy every minute of your journey and how you may have to make many detours, you shall almost always arrive at the place your headed and achieve your goal.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us fantastic education.
Thank you for the kind and loving staff who work here.
Thank for teachers who have helped us fulfill our full potential let them also help others;
Thank you that whenever there is a problem, teachers or staff will always resolve it.
Thank you for our rights been heard.
Thank you for the opportunities which we have had in this school.
Please bless those who come to this school and make them feel wanted.
Please comfort those who do not have education like us,
And help us continue to live life in all its fullness.
Amen
My Reflection (the real one)
I remember when Nursery was going on a school trip to Little Dorrit! We were allowed to bring our toys along and I was overjoyed. We had just finished making our pasta necklaces and we were ready to set off on our adventure, an adventure to ‘teddy bear picnic land’! Debbie had helped me make my necklace and I honestly felt like a princess.
My point is, no matter what we go through as a whole class, or as individuals, people like June and Janice, Mr and Mrs Scott, Miss Fullana, Debbie, Sue and so many more people that form our loving school community are always there to guide us (and make us feel like princesses). Those same people not only make us feel special, but help us to become the best versions of ourselves.
Like the teddy bears, sometimes we fall apart, but because of all these people, we are quickly put back together and made to feel happy again. Something that I love about this school is that, through all the bumps and bruises we get along the way, the friendships and the failures, our teachers have always been there to guide us no matter what and never for once let us waver from who we are.
So thank you.
June + Janice
Ever since my first day here at Cathedral Primary School June and Janice have been there to catch me when I fall, which considering the scars and bruises on my legs and arms, is quite a lot! They have described wound after wound to my anxious parents. For 8 long years, they have been there to offer me and my classmates wet wipes and tissues when we need them. And if we didn’t have June, who would keep a tight(ish) regime in the lunch hall? And if we didn’t have Janice, who would organise amazing trips like Chessington World of Adventures and The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre? We are so lucky to have June and Janice because if we didn’t have these two, who knows what would happen!?
Mr Scott
I would never have thought two teaching awards so funny if it had not been for Mr Scott. Mr Scott was a born comedian, there is no doubt about it and funny teacher + class full of students = students who learn a lot. Simple! And Mr Scott has done just that. We have learnt so much. From an operatic song about area to Level Six booster in the ‘Scott-light’, this year has been full of hilarious moments…for some. But aside from the jokes, Mr Scott helped us to get the best marks we can get in SATS and taught us how to act like lions, hyenas, giraffes and evil villains. If Mr Scott had not been here this year we would have looked bored if someone even mentioned a teaching award. Trust me…teaching awards have been a very common topic this year. So thank you Mr Scott for every laugh, joke and giggle that you caused.
Miss Fullana
When I came into Year 6, I hardly knew any methods of multiplication, addition, subtraction or division. And I wasn’t the only one. And when we said we didn’t know how, Miss Fullana was determined to teach us the right way forward. From all-day maths lessons, to after-school booster to the maths practice drawer we were always practising. And even though people groaned when Miss Fullana told us the homework was maths, we became super clever. Yes, Miss Fullana has shouted at us and yes, she’s been angry with us but that has just pushed us more and made us want to be the best we can be. She’s been firm, strict and sturdy, as a good teacher should but she’s also been interesting, funny and smart. I hope that the next Year 6 class has her because she has taught us more than any other teacher. Thank you for everything Miss Fullana
Nancy’s thanks
At the beginning of the year, I was in a mind-numbing whirl that I could not escape from. Then I was untangled from my fear, I was cured with a medicine called confidence (which I had come across in the past) by the doctors, who were pretending to be teachers, Mr Scott and Miss Fullana. They showed me a different light to work. I was afraid that my ideas would be unappreciated, but that was not the case. I have learnt lots of things this year that will stay with me for many years and will help me. I learnt lots of things in grammar, literacy, maths and how to be confident. In the future, I would like to follow their lead. I would like to be smart, happy and remembered.
My heart was pounding, my eyes were watering. It was the dreaded beginning of the year tests. My mind had gone blank. Mr Antcliff was the reason I did not drop three sublevels, he was different. He stayed by your side in a war with maths or a confrontation with literacy. He encourage and gave us one to one attention in times of need or if you were struggling.
Even though not all of the teachers are still here I would still like to thank them.
Miss Elliot welcomed me to the school. Miss Morris told me amazing and inspiring stories. Miss Grieve helped me with my letters and numbers and friendship.
Thank you.
Thank-you:
Right from the start people have been there for me; whether they take up some of their time to help me with something I don’t understand or just give me a passing smile when we walk past each other in the corridor whilst I am feeling down. I have been told to write about one or two people who have helped me over the past eight years of my life, but, as there are so many people who have been kind to me and looked after me during the first few days of my rather diminished childhood, I am going to attempt to include everybody in this speech – so I am sorry if I bore some of you whilst I drone on and on with the lists of the names of all the people to whom I owe so much.
First, I would like to thank all the teachers and T.A.’s who work at Cathedral School. Every single one of them have made me feel at home and helped me to express my true feelings for everybody in long speeches such as this. One of the people who I would like to specifically mention is Mrs Scott. She always seems to be everywhere at once helping all the children in every class in Cathedral School, and after asking around a bit, I haven’t discovered a single bad word to her name. I hope that she will continue to be head-teacher after she has had her baby (best wishes to her and Mr Scott!) and enjoy many more years of teaching and inspiring young children.
Some other names that I would like to mention are: Mr Scott and Miss Fullana for persevering instead of giving up on us for a lost case – as many other teachers probably would have done – until Year 6’s work improved so that (hopefully) thanks to them we should get some pretty good S.A.T.’s results; Debbie and Miss Elliot, who were my first ever teachers and who taught me to write my name; Mr Antcliffe who helped me to produce good marks for my secondary school and Mrs Rees for teaching me every so often all the way through my school experience and making lessons more enjoyable than they otherwise would be.
Next, I would like to thank all the people who work around me all the time but who I never really get to talk to. First, I shall thank Steve who has been here for as long as I can remember doing odd jobs around the school. Thank you to the cleaners who manage to make everyone’s classrooms presentable each day, particularly after we have had a very messy art lesson and didn’t quite pick up everything that had fallen on the carpet. Thank-you to Joe for keeping an eye out for everybody and talking to us if we feel upset or uncomfortable. And thank-you to the dinner ladies who cook for us each day making our diet as healthy as possible. Also, thank-you to all my friends who have been with me all the way along the lengthy journey to Year 6.
Finally, I would like to thank all the members of the clergy here at Southwark Cathedral. The Cathedral has been part of my life throughout all my 11 years. People have left and new people have arrived, yet everyone I have encountered has been really friendly. From Father Collin – the old Dean – who died of cancer four years ago to Father Michael, who arrived only a few months ago, they have all helped to become the person I want to be through their enjoyable assemblies.
If I have not mentioned your name, it is only because I have run out of room on my piece of paper, for every single person in my life has looked after and helped me at some time or other. My primary school experience has been the best start to life that anyone could wish thanks to these people and I am pleased that I have had this opportunity to say thank-you!
My Prayer
Our Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our endless opportunities.
Thank you for our entertaining education.
Thank you for this school and all the wonderful staff, the kind children and the amazing time we have had at Cathedral School.
Thank you for our technology, reading books and all kinds of other equipment we use on a daily basis.
Thank you for our eco-friendly environment and that we can come to at school, where we are respected and not hurt.
Thank you for my thrilling time at Cathedral School and leading me on to my next stage.
Thank you for a school that respects my rights.
Thank you for Cathedral School.
Please help other children to get chances that we take for granted at Cathedral School.
Please help children all over the world who do not have an education or do not get the most out of school.
Please help all children in schools to be friendly to one and another, so that they can have an amazing time like I have.
Please help schools that are not as fortunate as us, so that they can have the right equipment like we do.
Please help the environment of schools be a brighter place.
Please help all schools to be as amazing as mine!
Amen.
Thanks
This whole step of me going to a great secondary school would not have been possible without all the teachers but I would like to point out one who has helped me for my transition and who has pushed me to achieve my full potential. Thank you for Mr Scott. He is a teacher with an ambition and a vision of Cathedral Primary School. With his third teaching award on the horizon, he is an educator who captures you in lessons and is the most hilarious teacher you will ever come across. He has taken this Class 6 on a journey for SATS and now I feel like it was a breeze, as he prepared us for that challenge and thanks to him I feel we will all get grades we deserve.
You can learn a lot from him and have a great time in lessons – two for the price of one! He has made this next stage painless and has prepared us for secondary school. Mr Scott deserves his third teaching award, would not you agree?
My memory from Cathedral School
I remember a time so funny that it is still laughed about today. This legendary event took place at PGL (Parents Get Lost) 2015. It was Thursday the… I can’t really remember. Our afternoon activity was wacky races it was going great until…
The time came. The dawning of my fate. I was giving an example of the next random run. You had to run up, rest your head on a stick, spin round 10 times and run back before the next person went. Sounds simple right? Well take my word for it, it is not. I ran; sprinting to my inevitable doom, then I rested my head on the pole and span one…two…three BANG I fainted with a degree of dizziness and the class burst out with laughter as I picked myself up, tried again only to fall again like one of those cartoons who have birds circling their heads.
Memories
In my time at Cathedral School, I have been on so many amazing trips and have visited so many amazing places that I could spend hours and hours writing them all down. However, as I can only choose one to write about, I have decided to tell you about how much I enjoyed my recent visit to the Lyceum Theatre to watch the West End production of The Lion King:
When Mr Scott first said that we were going on a trip to the theatre, I didn’t quite believe him (sometimes he plays jokes like that), but when I realised that he was being serious I almost exploded with excitement. Unlike some children, I have been lucky enough to go to the theatre quite often during my short life; The Lion King however, was nothing at all like any play that I had been to so far.
On the night people began to arrive in small groups until 6 o’clock – the set time to leave. We were quickly dispatched into five groups before setting off on the journey to the theatre. We were allowed to wear our own clothes and we chatted all the way, not taking much time to admire the scenery or the sunny evening.
At the theatre we all crowded into our seats and settled down to count the minutes until the show started. As the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, a hush fell upon the audience; then as the first scene began, we were lost in a whirlwind of colour, music, dance and imagination…
I am afraid that I cannot really explain the show to you. Really, you had to be there to understand just how wonderful it was, yet, at the end everybody said that they had enjoyed it SO much! Several people had cried and every single person had lost themselves so deeply inside the story that it took them a few moments to realise that it had finished!
The remainder of the night – getting home and all the rest – passed in a blur, but on the night, the next morning and on all the days that followed, everyone who had been on the trip seemed to absolutely agree on one point…that it was one of the best experiences of their lives!
Memory:
I was left alone, just me and the door. It was my first day of primary school and I was completely and utterly terrified. A wet solemn tear dripped down my cheek; I knew that one day this class would be a part of my family and everyone was having such a great time. I was going in. No I couldn’t… yes I-I could? My mind was dazed with so many thoughts. But, why was I so scared? I just had to put my fear behind me. As I opened the door, I did not realize it, but I was standing right in the middle of the classroom and with so many people crowding me, I just did not know what to say or do. But from that very day, I have loved coming to Cathedral School and I have grown more confident learning something new, whatever the subject. Thank you to the staff at Cathedral School for always making lessons so entertaining and interactive. Cathedral School is a school were you feel accepted no matter what gender, race or religion. Thank you.
Jack’s Memory
It was the day. I got into the minivan and we started on our journey to Downing Street. When we got there, we had to go through a metal detector – to make sure we had no weapons. (We had none!) Then we waited for the door to open. So whilst we were waiting, we took pictures of us in front of the famous door of Number 10. Then it opened. A man came out and took us into his living room. Everything was gold, gold, GOLD! We were given a drink and then we went out into the garden; we waited for the Prime Minister to come out. While we were waiting, I looked at how big the garden was. I also looked at the TV and newspaper crews setting up, and I wished that I would be in the newspaper or on the TV. But my thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the Prime Minister. He said hello to everyone but to he said, “Put it there, partner” to me, as he held out his hand, which I thought was the most surreal thing that had ever happened to me. We planted our poppies; we were interviewed for the paper and the TV. We then went back into the minivan (the driver had been waiting there for 2 and a half hours) and we went back to school. When we got back I was finally allowed to tell my friends that I went to Number 10. It was a really good experience… but it was not the best. It is impossible to find the best experience, as Cathedral School provide so many for us. Thank you for that.
Please may we sing the Cabbage Song? This song is very special to all of us because it is one we learnt when we still in the early age of education.
We can definitely sing this together, but it might not be quite as relevant for the whole audience.
Thanks
To begin with, all my thanks go to Mrs Scott. Mrs Scott! She was the one who guided me to success. I knew I could always trust this kind-hearted woman. I am grateful for Mrs Scott because she is the one who organize everything for us. Also my thanks go to June and Janice because they are really caring for other people; they make you happy when you are sad. Thanks to all of these people and more for helping me be the person I am today.
One of my best memories: The BFI
One of my best memories was going to the BFI in Year 4 and learning the different steps of how films were made. In my group I worked with Nancy, Oisin, Kiran and Lola. Our group was filming the art of colour and how colour in the films was born. We were able to film our movie based on the Wizard of Oz, but in our version; we were able to film lots of scenes and edit them with special effects, then, as a class, all the videos of the different eras in time for film. We all used different photographs, green screen, fabric and lots of editing to fit it all together, with the help from one of the BFI staff called Sam, with this experience we learnt lots of information about how the film was created and how it became popular over the years.
Memory
Shooting Stars team report: resources. Empty cup, tissue paper, bin bag, string and a Sainsbury`s bag. “Not much compared to our rival’s- Jack’s team’s- resources,” I think to myself. We were competing in the egg challenge; a challenge where you had to win as many races as possible to earn as many objects as you can. You then use those objects to make sure it does not break when dropped from the second floor of the building we were sleeping in on PGL. We were all looking a little bit glum as we thought about what to do, but just then we had a brilliant idea…
What if we used a parachute! As we worked cutting the bottle in half and cushioning our egg, I glanced over at the other team`s egg- it had loads of protection- how were we supposed to beat that? But still we worked and worked on our egg until time was up. Now we just had to cross our fingers and wait.
The first few eggs had been dropped, and only one had survived- we were feeling nervous. Now it was time for the favourite`s (Jack`s team`s) egg. Drop…smack. It had hit the ground. While we were waiting for that team’s egg to be uncovered, it was our go. Drop…nothing. Our egg had survived! And just at that moment our rivals` scores came in; their egg had broken!
The moral of this is that you do not need the most to be successful; you just need good ideas.
Miss Fullana
When I ventured into year six, I was absolutely terrified; even thinking about the new class would make me burst into tears. But when I arrived, all the fear and anxiety vanished. I looked at my teacher. What had I been worrying about? Everything was going to be fine!
I sat down in my seat and learned; I learned what semi colons were, I learnt how to times decimals and even learnt about diameter and radius! I learnt so much that if I was to say it all we would be here forever!
Miss Fullana was always when I needed her. If I did not understand something she would be there, helping me through it. I remember when I got the questions wrong in area. I thought she would get upset but instead, in the next maths lesson, she went through it with me and helped me to understand it.
If it weren’t for Miss Fullana I would not be where I am now. I have made so much progress throughout Year Six and, this year, more than ever in my whole Cathedral School experience, I felt proud of myself.
Thank you Miss Fullana.
Nancy’s Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for letting us come to a school where we can strive and achieve the goals that we set for ourselves whatever they are.
Thank you for our rights being heard,
Thank you for the one to one attention when we are sad, unhappy or worried, and having people to call out to for support.
In times of need we have been aided, physically and mentally,
We feel safe and are put first
Thank you God for letting us have a proper education.
Please help the children in other countries who do not have their rights heard; who do not give themselves goals or cannot strive,
Please help the children who are scared, hurt, unhappy or worried and give them support.
In times of need, help them, for they need it the most.
In your name,
Amen
Memory
When I was told which group I was in, which was Mr Scott’s group, I was filled with elation and joy; I knew I was going to have the fun of a lifetime. When I arrived, I was excited to find out what was the first task. The first task was to find the flag we needed to find and answer the question on it; I really enjoyed working with my team. As the day had ended, I knew the next four days were going to be the days I would never forget.
As I heard that I and my team was doing rafting, I was ready. But when we finished building and got into the water, I was literally freezing cold; the water was as cold as a freezer and my feet were as cold as ice. But, I still had a lot of fun. When it was my group’s turn to go on the zip-wire, I was jumping for joy (because I had heard many great things). I really wanted to go to the end of the wire, but I didn’t. Our instructor was really fun because if we didn’t get off quickly, we would end up in a wet, muddy puddle (it was raining the day before this). Also, I really enjoyed the task when we went on the trapeez; I was really nervous and afraid, but then I saw my team mates cheering me on and giving me the courage to go on. And, I reached the top and leaped for the pole and… I did it. It was one of my favourite tasks.
After the task, we went to the shop to buy things for ourselves and parents. But when we got there, Mr Scott picked one person from each group to stay and one of them was me as well as Leon and Tullia; my task to get back in was to answer questions without saying yes or no. At first I thought it was easy, but I struggled. Finally after 100 questions, I was allowed to go to the shop. This was something I couldn’t forget since it was really unexpected.
As well as the trapeze and the zip-wire being one of my favourites, I also really enjoyed the giant swing. I was paired up with Nancy on the first go and I went to the top; I was really frightened and as the string pulled, I was screaming at the top of my lungs. Apart from all the screaming, I still really enjoyed it and I was glad that I went right to the top. I remember doing the muddy course and the instructor and Mr Scott poured cold, dirty water over me as well as the team; I was so cold I would do anything for a nice, warm relaxing bath. I was so muddy! Even though it was messy, it was a task to cherish and remember.
PGL was definitely a trip I will never forget; I loved every single moment and I absolutely enjoyed it. I will never forget the precious memories I made with my friends at PGL.
On an average day in December, people in my class were sending out Christmas cards and everybody was excited. I thought that everybody knew how to spell my name so I was calm because my class has been with me for 5 years, so they SHOULD know how to spell my name. Everyday, my name was correctly spelled, so I was impressed. But… at the end of the day, I saw it. I saw my name. But was it correct… let me tell you the answer. NO. It was spelt ISHAR while my name is actually spelt AYISAT. I could not believe my eyes. I thought everybody knew my name, but I guess I thought wrong!
Dear God,
Thank you for Cathedral School.
Thank you for everything that they do for us.
Thank you that they give us all of the opportunities that we have.
Thank you for the food they cook for us.
Thank you for the lessons they teach us.
Thank you for Cathedral School.
Please make every new teacher and pupil feel welcome just like I did at the beginning of Cathedral School.
Please make the next Year 6 as happy as I was when I joined Year 6.
Thank you for all of the chances that we have to get better.
Thank you for Cathedral School.
Amen
I remember my first chapter at Cathedral School. I opened the door in a world a magical world I have never seen before; the very first person I saw was Miss Watts; she welcomed me opened heartedly in to a wonderful school filled with wonderful people. I really felt welcomed.
Picture this. When we went to The Lion King, I too busy fascinated by the stage, at the front, when Teddy tapped my shoulder and pointed there was a ‘elephant’ behind me. I looked and I jumped out my seat.
Dear God
May this school carry on seeing potential in children, even if they were not here since the beginning, like myself, I was really welcomed. I know sometimes we don’t listen, but we are lucky that we have people that listen to us. Give us respect for them. God protect people who are who are not as fortunate, to go to a good school like us.
Amen
I remember in PGL with my room mates – in Wacky races, we all played games to try and get materials to keep eggs we were given safe from high drops, my group made parachutes to let it float down in a cup, by the end there were only two eggs remaining. My group was formed of Leon, Oisin, Nancy and Eleanor and we were one of those groups, the other group was Nii and Gabriel’s – they were in the same room as me and Leon. After a few days of ‘egg’ sitting, it happened… Nii put his egg on the edge of the bed and – yes – Gabriel sat on it! I repeat, Gabriel sat on the egg! My group became victorious – at least that is what we thought until the next day, when Nancy was looking after our egg, we found out that she left it in the canteen and we had it for breakfast the next morning!
Mrs Scott
Mrs Scott has always been one of my favourite teachers and has lead me through the first steps of education and friendship from my 1 + 2 to ‘if angle k is 75o and angle b is 8o what is angle n?’
I remember once when my hair ribbon came undone and Mrs Scott kindly requesting to redo it. I obviously said yes and I wouldn’t let my mum take it out even when it was time for bed.
Miss Fullana
I remember the first time I talked to Miss Fullana. It was last year when I was still in Class 5. We were all in the hall for hymn practise and I had been standing up for such a long time singing I began to feel quite sick. Miss Fullana was the closest teacher so I went to ask her if I could go the toilet because I wasn’t feeling so well. She agreed that I did look a bit pale and said I could go.
It was a strange first impression to make on your next class teacher but it was better than being sick on the hall floor.
Memories
‘Night guys!’ I called out and received a chorus of ‘good nights’ in return. I snuggled down into my duvet, unaware of the horrors to come. Suddenly Aisa said,
‘Did you hear that?’ she had gone pale. We looked at her blankly.
‘I just…I just h-heard howling like a…a…w-w-wolf!’ she shivered. I clambered down and hugged her.
‘Don’t be silly. It’s totally safe here. Maybe you were just hearing things!’ she nodded and laid down, but as soon as I got up to the top bunk, I heard a grotesque howling noise, closer than I’d expected.
‘THERE IT IS AGAIN!’ Aisa yelled and we all jumped up having heard the noise ourselves. Something rushed across our window. The eerie light of the huge, orange autumn moon made a thin crack of light shine on the floor. The curtains billowed; an owl hooted nearby. No one said a word. Then the noise came again. I started to hyperventilate. We all jumped out of bed simultaneously and ran to Mr Scott, Mrs Rees and Miss Fullana who were enjoying a cup of tea.
‘Wolves…we heard screaming…howling…horrible…Aisa heard it first…I’m scared…we can’t go back!’ we all spluttered, terrified. Our teachers looked at each other. After a pause, Mr Scott said,
‘Sarah did say there were some wolves about.’
‘Would they eat us if we came near?’ we asked in a wild panic.
‘Maybe…they do like human flesh. But they can only get in if your window is open and I know that no one’s window is open, right?’ We all exchanged glances. ‘So why don’t you girls go back to bed. Tell us if you hear anything else.’ They all smiled as we walked, nervously back to our room. The second we were in, everyone was at the window but it was jammed open! After about five minutes of frantic worrying we heard it again. We all ran back to our beds and muffled our faces with the pillows. I could hear sobbing.
‘Are you ok?’ I asked
‘Yeah, I’m just scared,’ the person (not naming names) croaked back.
‘AAAAWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!’ went a wolf. In my rush to escape from my bed, I fell in a tangled heap. We rushed to the teachers who, after a quick discussion, sent us back. There were several more similar occasions that night but eventually we went to sleep. The next morning, everyone was talking about it. We were still petrified.
Dear Lord, Thank-you so much for the life you have given me, all the opportunities I have had and all the people that I have met. Thank-you for all my talents and abilities and for my school where I have been able to use them to my full potential. I pray for every single person who has not had all the chances in life as they deserve. Please help them to discover the joys of life in another way so that they can move on towards a better and fuller life. Please help me to move on as well from my homely, friendly childhood home towards the adventures and challenges of secondary school. Please help me to enjoy the new chapter in this life long book just as much, if not more than the last one.
Amen
It was the first day, I had to say goodbye to my parents and the warmth that I had known all my life, suddenly felt like it was leaving. I walked into Nursery, my knees wobbling, my hands trembling, but I decided to be brave and leave the world I knew and loved. But, once I ventured into unknown terrain, I realised why my parents had made the decision they had. Suddenly, I felt that same warmth re-entering my body; my eyes shimmered and my mouth broadened to form a smile…Debbie was there, and made me feel welcomed. And before I knew it, the end of the day had come and I was rushing to my parents excited to share with them all of the details of the day. I told them all about how Debbie had welcomed me lovingly into the school community and all about how we made pasta necklaces to take with us on a teddy bear picnic to Little Dorrit park.
Throughout my time (and everyone elses’), Debbie has guided us and countless others; made us feel welcome. She brings a loving warmth with her wherever she goes and I know that she will continue to guide every new-comer to this school. She has really helped me build my confidence and strive to achieve my goals. Debbie is special to me because she accepts you for who you are.
Even though we are excited to start a new chapter at secondary school, but it will be sad to leave Cathedral Primary School, but with a full heart of memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. Daily, Sue has helped us improve in our reading. Sue makes the books more interesting to read. She has guided us through the reading maze; we are proud to call Sue our guide to reading. Sue helped us finish our final chapter in primary and has given us a head start for a new chapter in secondary school.
Kim
Kim not only helped her plants to grow; she helped us to grow as well. She was our superstar TA in Year 3 and since then, she has kept us calm and confident on our journey thorugh the school. She always knows what’s best for us and is like a second mother to many of us. Kim is a great gardener and inspired many of us to grow our own plants at home. If Kim had not been here, many wonderful events may not have happened.
Timi
Timi has helped us for many years, with reading, with maths, literacy and much, much more. For that, we would like to say a sincere thank you. For her jokes, and for making us smile when we are down. For helping us improve in many ways and for helping us understand things when we are confused. We will miss you.
Brenda
She made us smile and encouraged us to go on the rides that we were afraid of at Chessington. Not to mention helping us to organise The Lion King and guiding us through rough times. Brenda always made sure we were in a happy and secure environment. As well as being our TA in Class 5 she has also guided us through our whole school life, from the very beginning.
Thank you Brenda. What would we do without you?
Sara:
I remember when we went to PGL and were going on the Giant Swing; Sara went on with with Oisin. The rest of the group made them go to the very top (about twenty meters in the air), as she swung down, Sara was screaming, “I’m going to faint!” Everyone else found it VERY funny! Seeing Sara overcome her fears helped us to overcome ours;she was a role model to us at PGL. We had a great time with her and it was really fun – it is a memory that we will always take with us. ara has never been our TA but she has always helped us in any ways she could, making us laugh, giving us hugs and helping us through everyday life. We can talk to her when we are upset – she can always make us feel better.
I can not wait until Year 6’s leaving service. They have worked so hard and I think they deserve a nice break for all that they have done. Thank you year 6 for your kindness and helpfulness. You are a class of pure talent. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much Dinah!