It was with sadness that we learnt the news that Malcolm Hudson, who served as Head Teacher at St Paul’s from 1994 to 2005 passed away over the Christmas period.
Malcolm's dedication to St Paul’s was unwavering. One of his most significant contributions was his role in the expansion and development of our school buildings. The spaces and classrooms where the children learn, play, and grow are a testament to his foresight and commitment to providing the best possible environment for education.
We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family at this time.
Back gate
There has been an increase in the number of parents who are driving up to the back gate to drop their children off at school. A reminder that children should be dropped at the end of the road and walk to the gate. There should not be any school traffic using George Parr Road. Thank you for your help in this matter.
Reminder
There is a whole school church service on Wednesday 22nd January. Please ensure children are in church ready for the service at 8.55am.
Children in Reception are expected to attend whole school church services.
Collective Worship
The Collective Worship table with beads used in collective worship on Monday 13th. The beads represent sparkling drops of water to remind us of Jesus’ baptism. Children throughout the week have been taking a bead from the bowl and saying a short prayer then placing their bead on the table.
This half term, the themes for collective worship are taken from the London Diocesan Board of Schools cycle of Collective worship based around the Bible readings in Church each week. Here are some suggested questions and prayers which you may wish to also use with your children at home.
This week
Themes drawn from Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-17,21-22
At the baptism of Jesus his identity and role were made clear.
God’s love for all
Identity
Faith – this term’s value
Questions: What do you know about baptism?
If you could choose three words to describe yourself, what would they be? Why did you choose those three words?
Challenge:
Encourage someone this week by telling them what you appreciate about their character.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank you that you have made me, that I am one of a kind and that you love me. Amen
Next Week
Themes drawn from Psalm 36:5-10 and John 2:1-11
To explore the way God transforms lives.
The goodness of God.
Questions: What are you thankful for? Why are these things important to you?
Who could you go out of your way to say thank you to this week?
Do you ever thank God for anything? Tell me more!
Have you ever known God’s provision in a tricky situation? What happened?
Challenge:
Thank three people this week, someone at home, someone at school and a friend.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for… Help me to appreciate all that I have. Amen.
Some upcoming religious festivals and holy days
January 27 – Isra and Miraj, also called Shab-e-Miraj - commemorates Prophet Muhammed's legendary journey to Jerusalem and his ascension into heaven. Muslims in the UK mark the day with prayers and discussions.
January 29th – Lunar New Year - Chinese communities across the United Kingdom (UK) celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.
Medication
A reminder not to send any medication into school with your child. All medicines, including creams, need to be handed to a member of the office staff or the welfare assistant with signed written instructions on how they should be administered.
Year 5 – The Savoy Hotel
To introduce our new English book, Kaspar Prince of Cats by Michael Morpurgo, we changed our cloakroom into The Savoy Hotel Lobby as this is where the story begins. Children checked in to The Savoy Hotel, used their key card to enter and filled out their guest registration form. This was followed by having Afternoon Tea at The Savoy on Friday afternoon. We are really enjoying the book and looking forward to seeing what Kaspar and Johnny Trott get up to when they leave The Savoy and board The Titanic……
