Church Lockdown Resources

One of the documents of the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium (“Light of the Nations”), describes the family as the ‘domestic Church’ because it is the first place where young, baptized Christians learn about their faith. During this time when families will be spending more time in the home following the school closures it presents more opportunities for our domestic Churches to be nurtured.

Children’s Liturgy and colouring pages:

Mass live streams:

Isolated but not alone, resources, prayers and links for faith at home:

Admin, Church news and events, Whole School

Epiphany

This is a beautiful piece of writing linked to our RE lesson by one of our Year 6 Pupils
– Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord 

“Ninety-nine, one hundred, one hundred and one…”

Suddenly, I lost count! In the distance, I could see a bright light – like a star- moving towards me. It couldn’t be a star, could it? It was too large! As it came closer, I discovered it wasn’t a star at all… it was an angel! 

I ran to fetch the others, who were huddling round the fire, as the angel shouted, “Don’t be frightened,” as I covered my face with my hands. He continued, “I am here with good news for you, and for everyone in the world! “Tonight in Bethlehem, The Lord, The Messiah will be born! You will know it is him because he is lying in a manger, in a stable, fast asleep!”

Then other angels started to appear in the starry sky and began to sing,. “Glory to God in the highest , and on earth, goodwill and peace to men!” 

I dashed to tell the others all that had just happened and told them,

“We must go to Bethlehem straight away!,” We took a lamb to give to the newborn king and we set off down the hill. 

When we reached Bethlehem, it wasn’t hard to find the baby Jesus because the angel had told me he would be in a stable. As the angel had said, the baby lay in a manger in a stable surrounded by animals. His mother, Mary, welcomed us to stay in the stable for as long as we liked because he was not just their baby!

A few days after, the shepherds and I arrived. Three wise men also came to meet the new king!

They told us, “We have come from far away, from the east of Bethlehem.”

We have spent our lives studying stars and planets. We saw a great new star! Such a star could mean only one thing: a new king had been born, a great king.

We all agreed we must find him and worship him! The star shone, guiding us on our journey. When we arrived in Jerusalem, we thought we didn’t need the star anymore because the king would be in the palace!

We asked king Herod if we could see the newborn king and he looked horrified!” He spluttered, “A new king, here, in Jerusalem! How could this be? How do I not know about it? I AM KING HERE!” 

He sent for his guards and ordered, “Bring me this king, so I can worship him too.” However, in his head he was plotting Jesus’ murder!

“We, as wise men, decided we must not go back there for the safety of the baby king. Instead, we kept following the star till we found you in the stable!”

I asked how they knew to follow the star and the tallest of the wise men replied, “ It is not every day you see a bright new star!”

The men then continued to give their gifts to Mary and Joseph – one gave gold for a king; the second, frankincense for someone more than human, and myrrh for a man who would die. I was confused by these gifts but I didn’t ask anymore questions! 

By Scarlett

Church news and events, Year 6

NEW Books to read at home online

KS1

KS2

For more Home School and Homework resources, please see our dedicated page: https://stmaryssoutham.org.uk/school-life/homework/

Admin, Whole School, Year 2, Year 3, Year 6, Year R

SCHOOL CLOSURE 5th January

In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement at 8pm on 4th January, please be aware that the school will be closed to ALL PUPILS on Tuesday 5th January. Online learning will be available from Tuesday.  

Key workers and parents of vulnerable children who have emailed the school will be contacted shortly. Please bear with us while we adapt to this rapid change and establish new, secure key worker and vulnerable bubbles with appropriate child and staffing ratios.

Thank you 

Admin, B&A Club, Whole School, Year 2, Year 3, Year 6, Year R

FAMILY SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Please see below a range of health, wellbeing, financial and family support links:

Warwickshire School Health & Wellbeing Service
In a year of uncertainty and upheaval, it’s no surprise that many families are facing difficulties in their daily lives. Children and young people may be feeling anxious, frustrated, sad, stressed and many other difficult emotions, which may contribute to wider issues such as sleep disorders, substance misuse and challenging behaviour. 

While it’s not unusual to be dealing with these problems, that doesn’t mean they can be ignored if they are impacting on your or your child’s wellbeing, or that families have to go through this alone; help is here when you need it. https://www.compass-uk.org/news/parents/help-at-christmas/ 

The Family Support Line & Parenting Presentations 
Recorded parenting presentations from the Early Help and Targeted Support team: 

The Family Support Line – 01926 412412 offers advice, support and guidance for parents, carers and professionals.  

The team are planning a comprehensive range of free parenting programmes for delivery during 2021 which will be advertised on the Warwickshire website and can be booked through Eventbrite:  
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/children-families/parenting-courses

Facing Hardship 
For information about wider support from the council and other services, go to:  www.warwickshire.gov.uk/facinghardship    

The leaflet about help with food access and money management is available at:  www.warwickshire.gov.uk/winterhardship   

COVID SUPPORT
For the latest COVID support and advice please visit:    
https://schools.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-toolkit-schools-early-years-settings/1

Admin, Whole School, Year 2, Year 3, Year 6, Year R