by Lucy Horne, Headteacher
St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, Arundel
VE day activities
The children and staff of St. Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Arundel, whole-heartedly participated in the eightieth anniversary VE Day celebrations. Children came to school dressed as evacuees along with staff, who came in 1940s attire. The day began with a special assembly explaining the significance of VE Day, examining historical artefacts and listening to stories supplied by great-grandparents. Throughout the day, the children participated in VE Day activities in their classrooms, which included: Enigma style code-breaking, life as an evacuee, songs and dancing from the era, the reality of rationing and paintings inspired by the Sussex artist Eric
The Choir on VE Day
Ravilious. The whole school joined in a two minutes of silence to remember those who lost their lives. The celebrations culminated in a cake competition and sale to raise money for a veterans’ charity. We had cakes in abundance. Lots of families made cakes from wartime ingredients. The cakes were then sold at the end of the day and almost £300 was raised. The choir went to Elevenses at Arundel Lido to sing songs as part of their VE Day celebrations. It was an uplifting time with lots of audience participation.
VE Day
Good Shepherd Mass pledges
Every year, all schools in the diocese join together in June to celebrate the Good Shepherd Mass. This year, the Mass is being held in Arundel Cathedral. Our school has been asked to present the post Gospel reflection. Each school is also asked to bring their school’s pledge. This is
something that each school has decided to commit to during the Jubilee Year. It links with loving our neighbour and our planet. The children in St Philip’s have agreed to raise funds for charities, say prayers every day for those who need it and plant seeds to attract insects.
VE Day
500 word short story
We are currently running a short story competition in Key Stage 2. Every child is asked to choose a topic and write no more than 500 words. The best 8 from each class will then be given to a panel of judges (local authors) to decide on the best ones. The winner will receive a voucher and all the top story winners will be invited to read their story aloud to an audience of parents. The excitement is high and we are looking forward to celebrating the written word and the imagination of our children.
Mass of Risen Lord
After Easter, the whole school gathered in Arundel Cathedral to celebrate the Mass of the Risen Lord. The children brought in flowers from home to decorate the cross which was carried to the Cathedral. We sang uplifting hymns and placed the cross outside school at the end of the Mass. We received a lovely card from a visitor:
Arundel Cathedral: Credit - Wikimedia Commons - Dmitry Djouce
Dear Mrs Horne, We were lucky enough to join your school in the wonderful celebration of such a special mass. My sister and I were visiting Arundel for the first time. We happened to be in the Cathedral when your children arrived. What a treat we had in store! The cross of flowers carried and placed on the altar with such great care. The children showing so much respect for God’s house. The readers speaking out with confidence. The music and singing filling the Cathedral to the rafters. The joy – I could feel God smiling. Please say a huge thank you to the children and staff for an experience that will stay with us forever.
Dancehouse
Our dancers took part in a special evening event at The Pavilion Theatre in Worthing. They joined lots of other schools on stage to perform their own dance. The dance was a medley of Spice Girls songs. The youngest performer in the group was just six years old. Parents were able to watch the wonderful evening of dances. Thanks to Charlotte Reader, our dance teacher.
Trip to the Planetarium
Year 5 visited Chichester Planetarium as part of their topic on ‘Planets’. They travelled by train
Dancehouse Event
and spent the day looking at the solar system and hearing about Tim Peake and his expeditions. It is a great experience to see firsthand, the things they have been learning about in class.
Planeterium Trip