St Philip’s School, Arundel

by Lucy Horne, Headteacher

St Philip’s School, Arundel

We started the academic year by gathering together in the Cathedral for our ‘Beginning of year mass’. It was the first time Reception Class had been into church with the school and it was a wonderful way to start the year – as a community. The Autumn Term is also the time for the annual Mayor’s Service. Each year, our school are delighted to be welcomed to celebrate the start of the Mayor of Arundel’s year ahead. We join the rest of the town in prayer and thanks together. This year it was celebrated in St Nicholas’ church and many of our children represented their Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scout packs by welcoming the Mayor and his councillors from the Town Hall into the church. They also carried their troop’s flag. Our school choir joined with Arundel C of E school choir to sing together as part of the service. Children from both schools also wrote and read their own poem for the service. It is a wonderful experience for the children to be involved in this tradition and be fully involved with the community. Pastor Hugo from Yapton Free Church is a regular visitor to our school and we always welcome his interesting updates from the charity work he has been carrying out in other parts of the world. His most recent venture was to Mongolia. The children enjoy hearing about life and the support given in places such as Nepal and Mongolia. The Church also support the Charity ’Soup From Heaven’ which is based in South Africa.

The Catholic charity Cafod visited our school to talk to the children about the work they carry out in countries around the world. They also talked to the children about Climate Change and how the children can do their bit to support environmental issues. In school, during the Autumn Term, we give thanks for all that God has given us. We especially give thanks for the food we have, the Autumnal colours in nature and for the farmers who work hard to provide us with the food. This year, we collected Harvest food for UK Harvest: https://www. ukharvest.org.uk/ The charity visited us for a special assembly to show the children where the Harvest food they collect is used. They were able to see how the food travels from their kitchen cupboard at home to the families who need it most in the local area. Families supported the collection well and the food sent off will, I’m sure, be gratefully received. Year 6 children attended their 3 day residential during October. They travelled by coach to PGL in Hindhead. This overnight stay gives children the

opportunity to build their independence and confidence. They have a great time experiencing activities they have never tried before and testing their resilience and comfort zones. Year 1 went on a trip to Arundel Museum. They were met by the education leader in the Museum and had the opportunity to learn about Medieval realms. It is a wonderful resource so close to the school. We are now preparing for Advent. It will begin with the Deanery Advent Service in the Cathedral. The Deanery schools come together for this Service. Each of the four schools (St

Mary’s, St Richard’s, St Philip Howard and St Philip’s) each contribute an aspect to the service – dance, singing, Gospel reflection or the Our Father. The hymns are led by the orchestra of St Philip Howard. It is a wonderful, community event. The children will soon start to prepare for their Christmas events. Reception, Class 1 and 2, all perform their version of The Nativity. KS2 children retell the story of Christmas with costumes, singing and readings. Added into the Christian aspect, we also have trips to see Santa, the pantomime and Christmas lunch and parties. What a busy term!