On Tuesday, 15th April, all of OLSA travelled around parts of Whitworth to view selected stations of the cross. At each station, there was a piece of artwork created by each class and a simple reflection to recognise the meaning behind the artwork. Beforehand, children had completed a collective worship in class to reflect upon sacrifices made and how we can break bread together as a family. The children were extremely respectful throughout the journey.

As part of their learning in RE through Lent, the children made their own Easter gardens to reflect the tomb that Jesus was placed into. Each design was created by a group, carefully assisted by parents and carers. The finished products were amazing and were displayed in the forest area as part of the Journey of Faith.

On Wednesday, 9th April, parents and carers were invited into school to complete a Lenten reflection session. Here the children created The Easter Story wheels to explain the key messages and actions within, designed and made Easter gardens before leading a child-led collective worship with all adults. The group leading the session chose their own symbols of significance, which Bible verse to read from, created their own poem to reflect and asked parents to join in the responses. All children were a credit and were very respectful throughout.

On 19th March, Succeed class celebrated Mass with Father Chris on the theme of the Feast Day of St Joseph. Here we explored the importance of his work to Jesus and how father's and workers are a vital part of our community. We made links to our English lessons of how people migrate, in fact, the Holy Family migrated from King Herod and were made to seek asylum from those who could offer support, much like to today's climate. As always, the children were very respectful and courteous.

The theme of the collective worship before half term was on Love due to the proximity of Valentine's Day. The girls chose to reflect upon the meaning of love and how it can be displayed not just in our families, but in the wider community. We offered reading and prayers within the session and the children thought carefully about what it means to them and who they most think of.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Biblical love is patient, kind, and does not envy or boast 
• 1 John 4:16-19: Love is made complete when we live in love with God and God lives in us 

At the start of February, the children planned their own collective worship based on the theme of respect and tolerance. The children thought very carefully about how we can demonstrate these qualities in our everyday lives. After quiet reflection, the children brought their ideas and images to the front to consider. It was a lovely activity organised by Louie and Charlie.

Romans 15:7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. That is a wonderful statement. Accept (or tolerate) one another because that is exactly what Christ did with us.

On Wednesday, 22nd January, succeed class took part in celebrating Pilgrims of Hope - The Year of the Jubilee 2025. The theme this year, as chosen by Pope Francis was hope, a hope that does not fade. The children spent time in each class completing an activity focusing around this very important message. All children were very respectful during each prayer and worship session.

On Wednesday, 15th January, Father Chris came into school to celebrate Mass with Year 6. The children selected the readings and were very reflective and thoughtful throughout the service.

Today in class, we focused our session on prayer and worship on the people suffering in America with the California Forest Fires. We spent time considering all of the people affected who were directly battling the blaze (emergency crews and volunteers) and also their families who will be in fear of their safety. We sent our thoughts and prayers to all affected through their loss of homes, sentimental objects and prayed for the safe return of animals that were set free in the blaze. The children then spent time quietly creating their own prayers of reflection for them.

Prayers offered:

Protect those who evacuate houses, and strengthen those who rebuild hope.

Protect those who battle the flames, sanctify their service and send them your Spirit.

Give us the resources and strength, we ask, to rebuild and replant.

Guide those who evacuate so that they may find care and comfort in a safe place.

Protect their homes and their pets, their neighbours and their friends.

Protect all those who are fighting the fires, and keep them safe in difficult circumstances.

Have mercy on the lands ravaged by fires. 

Heal the people, heal the nature, and heal the land.

Amen.

Today, the children held a collective worship session based upon Remembrance. For the month of November, the children will be reflecting upon this important event prior to the trip to the cenotaph. The children read a lovely prayer of remembrance and used poppies to create their own thoughts of war and peace.

Deuteronomy 20:1-4

1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.

2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army.

Each week in Succeed class, children volunteer to lead sessions of collective worship in class. The children take responsibility to select the readings, music, items for the table and the activity the class will perform. All sessions are very respectful and the children enjoy the opportunity to reflect upon scripture and see how it can be applied to their daily lives.