Dear Parents,

As I’ve wandered round the school this week, I’ve seen classes working quietly and purposefully, a group of children engaged in drawing with looks of concentration and enjoyment, children listening intently to their teacher, children busy talking to their partner about their work, a class having a secret assembly practice (so I was careful not to listen), and lots of smiles.

St Margaret Clitherow’s is a lovely place to be!

God bless,

Mrs Johnson

To download the first newsletter in October, please click here to download the newsletter as a PDF  file.

To view our school newsletter, you'll need a PDF reader. If you don't have one installed you can download a free version of FOXIT reader.

On Friday, 2nd October a group of a dozen or so children, Miss Lombard, Mrs Kelly, myself and members of our chaplaincy team boarded the bus for the journey to the Cathedral. We joined parties from St Mary's and St Gabriel's.

We had planned to arrive by 1.30pm as large crowds were expected to welcome the arrival of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux. Thankfully, when we arrived, we were shown to a reserved bench, which was close to the altar. The Cathedral was getting very full, and several times we were asked to 'shuffle along a bit further' to try and seat more people.

There was a real air of anticipation. There were many familiar faces amongst the clergy and the congregation. At last, it was two clock and we were told the relics had arrived. The bells began to ring, and they got louder as the doors opened.

An organ 'fanfare' sounded out. An impressive procession came down the centre aisle, including the Bishop and several clergy. The Canons, including our own Canon Gubbins wore purple stoles trimmed with white fur.

The very grand, impressive reliquary was carried by Brancardia and Knights of St Columbus, one of whom was our own Chair of Governors, Mr John Buckton. It was placed in front of the altar, and surrounded by 'little flowers'.

A service followed. Our own Hannah Miller read a bidding prayer beautifully. Children from the school dedicated to St Therese of Lisieux sang.

At the end of the sevice, the Bishop and clergy venerated St Therese, and then we were invited to do so.

It was a great privilege to attend, and our children took part reverently. I felt proud to be there, and proud of them.
Mrs C Johnson

Note: For more information about the relics of St Therese, go to
www.catholicrelics.org.uk

Dear Parents,

Please read notices carefully – there is an important change to the School Photographer information! Whilst visiting classrooms, I’ve noticed how well the children are settling into their topic work. It is lovely to see their enthusiasm and concentration! We will be inviting you to a Parents Evening soon. Although the date has not been finalised, it is likely to be in the week after the half term break. We will let you know the exact date soon.

Assembly dates appear on this newsletter.
God bless,
Mrs Johnson

Click here to download this newsletter.

To view our school newsletter, you'll need a PDF reader. If you don't have one installed you can download a free version of FOXIT reader.

Our school year has got off to a busy start with the first of our whole school topics, Food, Glorious Food!

Year Six had a wonderful spiritual experience on their retreat day at St Mary's church in Wycliffe, beyond Darlington, to set them up for this very important year of their school life.

Representatives are attending the Cathedral for the reception of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux, and the education mass.

Children have settled into their new classes and there is an air of industry as they all apply themselves to their work!

Mrs C Johnson