Dear Parents & Carers,

It is hard to believe that we are already approaching Easter. In school and early years we have had a very busy term. Children have been working hard and should be collectively proud of all they have achieved this term – demonstrating their abilities with crafts, taking part in the sleepover in Year 1, attending a concert at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, journeying on pilgrimage to the Holy Door, performing in the Spring Ensemble, writing a book of reflection for the Stations of the Cross, leading liturgical prayer during Lent, preparing and serving a Lenten lunch for school and parish, not to mention their school work.

Triduum and Easter Services

  • Holy Thursday, 17th April at St. Joseph’s Church, the Mass of the Last Supper: 6.30pm (watching after Mass)
  • Good Friday: Walk of witness, leaving St. Joseph’s Church at approximately 10.15 am to walk to Victory Square for a short service at approximately 10.30 am, returning to the parish centre for hot-crossed buns and hot drinks.
  • Good Friday, 18th April at St. Joseph’s Church, the Solemn Service: 3.00 pm
  • Holy Saturday, 19th April at St. Joseph’s Church, Easter Vigil: 6.30 pm
  • Easter Sunday, 20th April at Easter Masses at St. Patrick’s Church at 8.30 am, at St. Joseph’s 10.00 am, and at St. John Vianney Church, 11.30 am

Our Stations of The Cross

It has been really lovely to see parents, friends and parishioners joining us each morning this week to share the children’s new interpretations of the Stations of the Cross. The children in their families at school have worked hard together during Lent to create these new stations. If you didn’t get a chance to join us, they are published on Tapestry as single post (all 15 Stations of the Cross).

Lenten Giving

During Lent we have been raising money for St. Cuthbert's Care, a local charity supporting vulnerable families. Fund-raising has included: our Easter Egg Raffle, for which we were very grateful for the many chocolate eggs donated – more than ever before!; naming the Bunny and our Lenten lunch donations. The grand total came to £668.88, a magnificent amount for which I’m sure the charity will be very grateful especially in these difficult times.

It feels very strange to not be marking the days of Holy Week in school this year. Your children have watched as each week one of the six candles of Lent has been extinguished. Today, one remains burning, and all the children promised to spend some time next week contemplating the darkness that comes as we remember the death of Jesus. Then celebrate the New Life of Resurrection. Please offer some prayers for our school and I will remember all of our children and families during the Triduum Services and especially at Mass on Easter Sunday.

Yours sincerely,
John Hardy
Head Teacher