2022-23

St Gregory's Feast Day  

We celebrated the feast day of our patron saint, Pope Saint Gregory the Great on Monday 13th March. We gathered as a school community in our school hall for a special mass and reflected on God's calling for St Gregory and for all Christians to live the message of the gospel. Pupils learned about the history and significance of our special saint and we finished the day by gathering in our Houses for a quiz. Here is some of the work that pupils have produced, inspired by the life and work of our patron saint. 

Solidarity with Ukraine - One year since the war began 24th February 

We marked one year since the invasion of Ukraine by holding a special mass in solidarity of our Ukrainian bothers and sisters. Children wore blue and yellow and we raised £349.51 for the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. Each child brought in a rock from home to include in our Peace Garden - a dedicated space to reflect on the important of peace and Justice in our world. The PTA held a coffee morning for parents to celebrate our Ukrainian families. 

Ash Wednesday 

We welcomed Fr Ambrose to the school for our Ash Wednesday liturgy. Children considered their Lenten promise and were encouraged to think about Jesus' teaching on prayer, fasting and almsgiving (Matthew 6:1-18). We received ashes an encouragement from Fr Ambrose to 'turn away from sin and believe in the Good News'. 

Shrove Tuesday 

Pupils enjoyed making and eating pancakes in keeping with the tradition of Shrove Tuesday, when Christians historically would use up luxury ingredients in preparation for Lent when they would fast from tasty treats. On this day, palms from last year's palm Sunday service are burnt in preparation for Ash Wednesday. 

Racial Justice Sunday February 5

On Racial Justice Sunday, the church calls all Christians to join in the righteous struggle for racial justice. Pupils reflected on Pope Francis' encyclical, Fratelli Tutti which calls for fraternity and social friendship to build a better, more just and peaceful world, with the commitment of all: people and institutions.

“All are included in the mission of Christ and His Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together”

Holocaust Memorial Day January 27 

Today we commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day. During Collective Worship Assembly, we listened to a poem written by Elie Weisel, holocaust survivor. We reflected on the importance of tolerance and mutual respect, and observed a minute's silence in honour of those who lost their lives at the hands of the Nazis. 

Never Shall I Forget

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed.
Never shall I forget that smoke.
Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.
Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith for ever.
Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live.
Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.
Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live
as long as God Himself.
Never.

World Religion Day January 15 

Today we celebrated World religion day and reflected on the diversity of where we live. Pupils recalled their learning from other faiths week, including visits to Ealing Gurdwara and the West London Islamic Centre, and visitors to the school including Rabbi Solomon and Kelly from Bhaktivedanta Manor Hindu temple. You can find out more about other faiths at the BBC website: World religion day. Here's what some of our pupils had to say about why learning about other faiths is so important. 

Epiphany 

Our Head Teacher and RE Ambassadors joined a number of families of children from schools in Ealing for the procession of the The Kings. 

“The nations will come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness”

Children reflected on the Isaiah's prophecy and Incarnation of Jesus as the fulfilment of God's promise to His people. Listen to the St Gregory's Podcast episode, where Mr Sawaf and the children discuss the feast of the Epiphany. 

Advent 

Nursery held a carol celebration in their classroom for parents to attend. The children dressed up to retell the story of the Nativity through songs for parents and families to enjoy. 

Reception + KS1 classes put together an amazing Nativity production: Little Angel Gets her Wings. The Children and teachers worked so hard to create a fantastic performance which shared a wonderful message; that love really is the best gift of all! 

KS2 pupils prepared a beautiful Christmas Carol Service at Ealing Abbey for parents and families. AS the nativity story was told, each class sang a traditional carol alongside the nativity tableau. 

Year 2 pupils entered the Westminster Diocese Christmas Card competition. Here are some of our winners! 

                                     Maya 2MC                   Miki R 2MC         Isabel N 2MC        

Our RE Ambassadors attended the Catholic Children’s Society Advent Carol Service at Westminster Cathedral. Lots of children were there from many other Catholic Schools in the diocese.  Bishop Nicholas Hudson shared a wonderful message about how we are all welcome in the Cathedral; we can think of it as our home. When Joseph and Mary were unable to find a place to stay in Bethlehem, they found a stable to shelter inside. This Christmas, we must remember those who need others to provide shelter for them, and we thank the Catholic Children’s Society for the wonderful work they do in supporting families in need through their Crisis Fund.

Remembrance Day 

Pupils gathered for assembly and observed 2 minutes of silence at 11am, to commemorate the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany during WWI. We honoured the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty and we gave thanks for all those people who work in service of others. 

All Saints day 

Our Y5 classes led mass for our Junior pupils to mark All Saints day. In his homily, Deacon Alex shared a wonderful message, reminding us that we too are all called to be saints and to share our talents for the glory of God. During our Collective Worship assembly, we reflected on the words of Pope Francis who said that he '" hope[s] that among you... are future saints of the 21st Century"

Harvest 
With the help of our RE ambassadors, we collected donations to support local charity Emmaus House, Acton Homeless Concern. Donations of canned foods and non-perishables were gratefully received by volunteers Ian and Terry. 

October - the month of the Rosary 

During October, pupils explored the Catholic tradition of the Rosary. Our Y2 pupils created their own rosary beads. 

Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II 

Our pupils paid tribute to the Queen for the dedicated service, leadership and humility that she demonstrated throughout her reign.

'Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen' 

 The new school year - Commissioning Mass 

Year 6 classes led the Commissioning Mass for Junior pupils, during which our new year 6 leaders received a special blessing from Fr Ambrose. Many parents joined us for our special school mass and the school choir led the singing. 

Staff retreat - Wintershall 

On Friday 2nd September, our staff visited the Wintershall Estate for a staff retreat. We were greeted by the same individuals who led the Stations of the Cross for our Junior pupils and staff at school during Holy Week. Staff reflected on their role as educators in Catholic schools and considered how to nurture the spiritual development of our pupils in the coming academic year.