TRAVELLING NATIVITY
The liturgical season of Advent starts this weekend when we begin a period of JOYFUL WAITING for the second coming of Christ and for the celebration of Christmas.
Today, we will begin sending home the Travelling Cribs. The bags will be sent home to each family in our school. The youngest sibling will receive the bag and should return it to class after one night at home. In the bag there is a set of Nativity pieces for you to place, a candle for you to light and a suggestion of some prayers you might wish to say. There is also a book in the bag for you to record what you have done with your family. This could be writing, a photo or drawing or a prayer. If you have any photos you would like to share from the travelling Nativity being at your home please send them to khealy@st-maries.sheffield.sch.uk for us to share in the next newsletter and on our website.
Dear Jesus,
You entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of- ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.
‘Be on your guard. Keep awake.’ Mark 13:33-37
#WeWalkWithJesus
LEADING IN FAITH AND JOY
Last Sunday, children from St. Marie’s School took part in the Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. They helped in the entrance procession by carrying candles, and some of the children read the First Reading, Psalm, and Second Reading. Others read the bidding prayers beautifully.
After Communion, the children sang “Come on everybody and clap your hands” with great joy and energy. It was lovely to see children from every class joining in so enthusiastically.
The parishioners were very impressed and said how well the children represented our school.
Thank you to all the children who came, their families, the HSA for running the cake stall afterwards, Fr. Keven, and all the kind helpers from St. Francis’ Parish.
#WeWalkWithJesus
THE TUB OF TOGETHERNESS CHALLENGE!
Today, our School Council met with Mr Fernandes, and everyone agreed that our school would support St Wilfrid’s Centre this Advent.
As we discussed our plans, some of our Catholic Social Teaching friends helped guide our thinking:
- Poppy the pōpokotea, who reminds us of the Preferential Option for the Poor, encouraged us to think first about those who need help the most — especially the people supported by St Wilfrid’s Centre.
- Luc the deer, our symbol of Human Dignity, helped us remember that every person is special, loved by God, and deserves to feel safe, valued, and cared for.
- Chikondi the giraffe, who represents The Common Good, lifted our eyes to see how our whole school community can work together for the good of others.
St Wilfrid’s Centre is a special place in Sheffield that helps homeless, vulnerable, and lonely adults. It offers food, care, friendship, and a place to feel safe and welcome. The centre helps people feel valued and supports them in building a better life.
Why are we helping?
As a Catholic school, we believe in loving our neighbour and helping those in need. This is part of Catholic Social Teaching, which reminds us to:
- care for the poor and vulnerable,
- treat everyone with dignity,
- and show kindness and solidarity as one human family.
Helping others is one of the best ways we can live like Jesus.
The Tub of Togetherness Challenge
Each class will have a collection tub, and our challenge is to fill them with useful items for St Wilfrid’s Centre. Please bring in donations during December. Here are some ideas:
- Tins of rice pudding
- Shampoo
- Tins of custard
- Packets of biscuits
- Tins of soup
- Hot chocolate
- Tins of stew or casserole
- Tins of mixed vegetables
- Tins of potatoes
- Pot noodles
- Cup-a-soups
- Chocolate bars
- Washing-up liquid
- Men’s roll-on deodorant
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.”
Matthew 25:35–36
Let’s make this Advent a season of giving, kindness, and love.
Together — with the help of Poppy, Luc, and Chikondi — we can make a real difference.
#WeWalkWithJesus
ADVENT WREATH BLESSING
On Tuesday, we welcomed Fr. Cooke to school for a very special Advent Liturgy. It was a beautiful and meaningful occasion as we gathered together to reflect on the season of Advent.
Fr. Cooke led us in prayer and blessed our Advent wreaths, reminding us of the hope and light that Christmas brings.
#WeWalkWithJesus
HOMEMADE CRIBS LIGHT THE WAY!
On Monday, we held our much-loved Nativity Light Trail. The hall was beautifully transformed into an illuminated pathway for the children to explore.
At the start of the trail, we were delighted to welcome Joe from the Bethlehem Care Trust, who showcased an impressive collection of crib sets from around the world. The trail then featured a stunning display of homemade cribs crafted by our children, leading to our outdoor crib scene at the school entrance. Here, each class gathered in prayer and lit the Advent Wreath, marking this special moment of our Advent preparations.
This year, we saw 27 homemade cribs, created with extraordinary creativity and a wide variety of materials. Many children, with help from home (thank you!), created their own Nativity sets using cardboard, clay, fabric, or recycled materials. There was a prize for the most eco-friendly design, and every child who entered received a chocolate treat.
This year, we saw 27 homemade cribs, created with extraordinary creativity and a wide variety of materials. Many children, with help from home (thank you!), created their own Nativity sets using cardboard, clay, fabric, or recycled materials. There was a prize for the most eco-friendly design, and every child who entered received a chocolate treat.
Fr. Cooke joined the celebration and awarded special prizes to some of the standout entries. Thanks to the generosity of those who took part, the school raised £84 for the Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust.
A huge well done to all the children who participated—you impressed us all with your incredible efforts!
Thank you to all the families who took part.
#WeWalkWithJesus
GIVING WITH LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS
As we come to the end of our school term and the season of Advent, we would like to say a huge thank you to all our families for your wonderful support with our donations for St Wilfrid’s Centre.
Your generosity has been truly inspiring.
Today, Mr Fernandes, along with two of our School Council members, Nathania and Rory, delivered all of our donations to St Wilfrid’s. They were warmly welcomed and told just how much these gifts will help people in need this winter. They were even given a special tour of the St Wilfrid’s workshop by Keith, learning more about the amazing work done to support others.
Thank you for helping us live out our Catholic faith in such a real and practical way.
This act of kindness is a beautiful example of Catholic Social Teaching, especially the call to love our neighbour, to support the poor and vulnerable, and to promote the dignity of every person. Together, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus in our city.
As it says in scripture:
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Let us carry this message into Christmas — a season of hope and light — knowing that we have made a difference to others.
#WeWalkWithJesus
A JOYFUL EVENING OF CAROLS
Well done to all the children who took part in the Notre Dame Carol Service at St Vincent’s Church on Tuesday evening. Their singing was both beautiful and prayerful, filling the church with the light and hope of Christmas.
The children represented St Marie’s with pride and sang with such care and joy. Many people commented on how moving the service was — and how special it was to hear young voices praising God together in such a peaceful and holy setting.
Thank you to everyone who came along to support the children, and a special thank you to Mrs Twomey for all her hard work in preparing them for the event.
It was a lovely reminder of the power of music to bring us together as one community in faith.
#WeWorkTogether
