Catholic Life and Mission of the School

Success for all within a Christ-Centred Community

"St Monica's is an inclusive happy, safe and welcoming school. The whole school community lives and works by its mission. Children are ambassadors of their mission."

Archdiocese of Liverpool Monitoring Report 

At St. Monica's Catholic Primary School, we are committed to Catholic Social Teaching. We help our pupils understand the dignity of every human person and encourage them to work hard for the common good and the well-being of all. We teach that every individual deserves respect and care, regardless of background, and we ground this in the teachings of Jesus.

Following these important teachings, we strive to promote and support the Catholic Life of our school, constantly looking for ways to make our community and world a better place to be. We support our children with spiritual, cultural and moral guidance throughout their time in our school in order to help them develop their values, motivation, aspirations. 

In our blog, you will find all the ways in which our children and staff contribute to, and benefit from, the Catholic life at St. Monica's Catholic Primary School. 

Our Blog 2026

 

Year 6 Reflect the True Meaning of Scripture 

 

Year 6 have been exploring the Our Father, taking time to think about what each part of this special prayer really means. They reflected on how asking for God’s kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven” reminds us to live with love, fairness, and peace, just like God wants. They thought about how asking for “daily bread” helps us appreciate the food, support, and blessings we have every day. They also reflected on “forgive us our trespasses” and how it encourages us to say sorry, forgive others, and repair friendships when we make mistakes. Finally, they considered “lead us not into temptation” as a reminder to make good choices and stay strong when life gets tricky.

Using these reflections, the students then created their own versions of the prayer, thoroughly showing their understanding and insight. Their work demonstrates not only creativity but also a deep awareness of how the Our Father can guide us and connect us with Jesus and one another. Many of the children also made a personal promise to live by the teachings of this scripture in their daily lives.

 

Faith in Action 

Year 6 are putting their reflections into practice every day. They are showing kindness and forgiveness to classmates, sharing generously, helping others in need, and making choices that promote peace and understanding. By living out the values of the Our Father, they are turning prayer into action, promising to let the scripture guide the way they treat others and make their school community a more caring, joyful place.

 

St Monica's takes part in the CAFOD Big Lent Walk

St Monica’s had the pleasure of participating in the Big Lent Walk! Students from every year group joined in this meaningful event, raising funds to support our global family. Different year groups found creative ways to take part – from walking around the playground to Year 3, who completed a special walk to St Monica’s Church.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

(Matthew 25:40)

We were inspired by the words of Jesus. This reminder encouraged our students to walk with compassion, knowing that every step and every donation helps make a difference in the lives of those in need. Seeing the whole school community come together in this way was truly heartening.

Faith in Action 

Through the Big Lent Walk, our students have put their faith into practice. By walking and fundraising for others, they have shown that faith is not just something we believe, but something we live out. Their efforts demonstrate kindness, generosity, and solidarity – values that lie at the heart of the teachings of Jesus and our school community.

Link to Live Simply Award 

This initiative also supports our journey towards the CAFOD Live Simply Award, specifically Global Action 1, which focuses on taking meaningful action to support people living in poverty. By participating in the Big Lent Walk, our students are actively contributing to global solidarity and learning the importance of working together to make a positive difference in the world.

 

Year 3's understanding of Mass and Jesus as the Lamb of God

Year 3 have been exploring the story of the Epiphany as part of their Desert to Garden topic. During this unit, they have also learnt about the Order of the Mass, including the altar vessels used and their significance.

This week, the children focused on the scripture from the Mass: “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” This prayer is rooted in Gospel of John (John 1:29), where John the Baptist proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

They learnt that, after his private prayers of preparation, the priest genuflects, takes the host, and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or the chalice, proclaims:

“Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.”

(John 1:29)

The children also explored the meaning of the term “Lamb of God.” They discussed how Jesus is understood as the Lamb provided by God (Genesis 22:8), pre-existent with God (John 1:1–14), and destined to become flesh in order to take away the sins of the world.

To deepen their understanding, the children explored a range of artwork depicting Jesus as the Lamb of God, reflecting on how artists communicate this important belief. They then created their own artwork to celebrate Jesus as the Lamb of God. This demonstrated a strong understanding of prayers, religious signs, and the actions of the Mass, with a particular focus on the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Faith in Action 

The children demonstrated their growing knowledge and reverence when attending Mass this week, confidently recognising and engaging with the prayers, responses, and actions they have been learning about. They showed particular understanding of the significance of the Lamb of God in the Eucharist, reflecting on its meaning in their own words and behaviour. This experience encouraged respectful participation, thoughtful listening, and reflection on the role of Jesus’ sacrifice in their faith. Their learning has been further developed in preparation for retelling the Passion of Christ in the Easter Pageant, helping them to express both the story and its spiritual significance through words, actions, and creative interpretation.

Year 1's Exploration of the Easter Story

Year 1 spent their RE lesson exploring the Easter story. They created their own palm leaves and re-enacted Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem, waving them and signing “Hosanna,” reflecting the words of scripture:

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

(Mark 11:9)

 The children then learned about the Last Supper, discussing how Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and how these symbolised his body and blood:

“This is my body given for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood”

(Luke 22:19–20)

The class demonstrated a strong understanding of the story and engaged thoughtfully with the activities. It was lovely to see the children fully immersed in the Easter story.

Faith in Action

The children were encouraged to think about how they can follow Jesus’ example of love and kindness in their own lives, remembering the words:

"Love one another as I have loved you”

(John 13:34)

They know the simple ways to show care for others, linking the message of the Easter story to their everyday experiences.

St Monica's Celebration of the Word - A Reflection of St Patrick 

St Monica’s marked St Patrick’s Day this week by reflecting on who Saint Patrick was and why he remains such an inspirational figure. We attended a collective worship assembly led by Mr Gouldbourne, who shared the story of Saint Patrick’s life and legacy. During the assembly, we explored the courage and resilience he demonstrated throughout his life and considered how we can follow in his footsteps.

Go Forth

As part of this reflection, Mr Gouldbourne set the children a special task: to use each day of the week as an opportunity to show acts of courage and resilience. Examples included putting our hands up in lessons, even when we might feel unsure, and asking for help when we need it. Through these small but meaningful actions, we are encouraged to live out Saint Patrick’s example in our daily lives. It will be joyful and lovely to see how the children have embodied the qualities we can find in Saint Patrick.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Faith in Action

Throughout the week, children embraced this challenge by demonstrating courage and resilience in many thoughtful ways. Some showed bravery by trying new activities in lessons, while others supported classmates who were feeling nervous or unsure. Many children demonstrated resilience by persevering through challenging tasks and celebrating small successes along the way. Beyond the classroom, acts of kindness and cooperation in the playground reflected the same spirit of courage and resilience. These actions, both big and small, show how we can put our faith into practice, supporting one another and growing together as a community, just as Saint Patrick inspired throughout his life.

Year 6 Reflect on Humility, Love and Unity Through Scripture and Art

In Religious Education this week, our Year 6 pupils spent time exploring a powerful passage from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Together we read and discussed Romans 12:3–10, reflecting on what it means to live with humility, to value the gifts God has given each of us, and to use those gifts to serve others.

St Paul reminds us that each person has an important role to play within the community:

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
(Romans 12:4–5)

The children talked thoughtfully about how everyone is unique and how our different talents and strengths can help us support and care for one another. We also reflected on St Paul’s call to live with sincere love:

“Love must be sincere… Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”
(Romans 12:9–10)

To help bring these ideas to life, the pupils designed their own stained-glass unity pictures. Just like the pieces of coloured glass in a window come together to create something beautiful, the children explored how each person’s gifts contribute to the strength and beauty of our community.

Through this creative activity, Year 6 were reminded that God calls each of us to play our part—showing kindness, humility and love in our school, our homes and the wider community.

It was a joyful and thoughtful session that beautifully combined scripture, reflection and creativity.

Year 2 Retell the Story of Jesus Calming the Storm

Year 2 enjoyed a wonderful learning experience as they retold the Gospel story of Jesus Calming the Storm. Through creativity and teamwork, the children worked together to build a model boat carrying Jesus and the twelve disciples. As they created their boat, the class reflected on the events of the story and discussed how the disciples felt when the storm began.

The activity helped the children deepen their understanding of the message behind the story. When the storm grew strong and the disciples were afraid, Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves and brought peace to the sea. The children recognised that this moment shows us that we can trust Jesus, even when things feel difficult or uncertain.

Working together to create the boat demonstrated fantastic teamwork. Each child contributed ideas and helped bring the scene from the Gospel to life, showing both creativity and a thoughtful understanding of the story.

The class reflected on the important message that Jesus is always with us and brings calm to our worries. This reminds us of the words from the Gospel:

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm."
— Mark 4:39

Through this activity, Year 2 showed great enthusiasm for learning about the life and teachings of Jesus. It was wonderful to see them exploring the Gospel through hands-on learning, imagination, and collaboration.

We are very proud of the thoughtful way the children engaged with this story and the beautiful teamwork they demonstrated as they brought this important moment from Scripture to life.

A Wonderful Assembly Celebrating St Patrick

Class 5M led us in a wonderful and inspiring assembly as they shared the story of the life of St Patrick. The children spoke clearly and confidently, bringing to life the journey of this great saint who helped bring the message of Christianity to the people of Ireland. Their confidence, performing and singing truly shone throughout the assembly, and we are very proud of the effort and enthusiasm they showed.

As we look forward to celebrating the feast day of St Patrick this coming Tuesday, we remember him as the patron saint of Ireland and reflect on his courage and faith. St Patrick dedicated his life to sharing the Good News of Jesus and teaching people about God’s love.

The children reminded us that St Patrick used the shamrock to help explain the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit — three persons in one God. His mission encourages us to share our faith with others through our words and actions.

In the Bible, Jesus calls us to share the Good News with the world:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
— Matthew 28:19

Just like St Patrick, we are all called to live out our faith each day through kindness, courage and love.

Thank you to Class 5M for such a thoughtful and joyful assembly as we prepare to celebrate the feast of St Patrick.

Year 5 Reflect on the Eucharist

This morning, Class 5M spent time reflecting on the words spoken during the Eucharist during their RE lesson. The children thoughtfully discussed the importance of the Eucharist as we remember the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and asked them to do this in memory of him.

The class explored how, during Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. They reflected on how this is a very special moment for Catholics, as we believe that Jesus is truly present with us in the Eucharist.

As we continue our journey through the Season of Lent, the children considered how the Eucharist helps us grow closer to Jesus and reminds us of his great love and sacrifice for us. It was wonderful to hear the thoughtful ideas the children shared and the respectful way they engaged in this important discussion.

We reflected on the words from Scripture that remind us of the origin of the Eucharist:

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’"
— Luke 22:19

Through their reflection, the children deepened their understanding of this central part of our faith and the importance of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and love for us.

Year 5 Experience the Meaning of the Eucharist

This week in RE, Class 5GB have been learning about the Last Supper and exploring why the Eucharist is such an important part of the Catholic faith. The children discussed how, at the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and asked them to remember him whenever they gathered together in this way.

Today, the class had the special opportunity to attend Mass and witness the Eucharist being celebrated. This helped to deepen their understanding of what they had been learning in class, as they saw how the words and actions of the Mass remember the Last Supper and celebrate the presence of Jesus with us.

Experiencing the Eucharist during Mass made the learning even more meaningful for the children. It gave them time to reflect on the importance of faith, remembrance and community, and how gathering together in prayer helps us grow closer to God and one another.

We reflected on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper:

"Then he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’"
— Luke 22:19

Through this experience, the children were able to connect their classroom learning with the life of the Church, deepening their understanding of the Eucharist and its place at the heart of our faith.

Year 1 Reflect on Being Children of God

In Year 1, the children explored the special idea that we are all children of God. During their RE lesson, the class used mirrors to look carefully at themselves before drawing their own self-portraits. This helped the children think about how each of us is wonderfully made and loved by God.

After completing their portraits, the children took part in a thoughtful circle time discussion where they shared what makes them special and unique. It was wonderful to hear the children speak with such kindness and confidence about themselves and one another. The class celebrated the different gifts and qualities that make each person unique.

This activity helped the children reflect on how God created every one of us with care and love. It reminded us that we are all valued members of God’s family.

We reflected on the words from Scripture:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
— Psalm 139:14

It was a beautiful lesson filled with reflection, positivity and appreciation for the special gifts God has given each of us.

Year 5 Reflect on the Last Supper

This week in RE, Year 5 have been reflecting on the account of the Last Supper from Luke’s Gospel. During the lesson, the children explored this important moment in the life of Jesus and discussed the words he shared with his disciples.

Through thoughtful discussion, the class considered why the Last Supper is such a significant event for Christians. They learned how Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and asked them to remember him whenever they gathered in this way. This moment helps us to understand the importance of the Eucharist and why it remains at the heart of the Mass today.

The children shared some wonderful reflections about remembrance, faith and community, thinking about how the message of the Last Supper continues to guide us in our lives as followers of Christ.

We reflected on the words from Luke’s Gospel:

"Then he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’"
— Luke 22:19

It was a thoughtful lesson that helped the children deepen their understanding of this important part of our faith and reflect on the message Jesus shared with his disciples.

 

Year 1's Faith in Action - Living Sustainably 

Year 1 have had an exciting week planting trees! 🌳 As part of the activity, the pupils explored what trees need to grow and discovered the important role they play in supporting our planet. This hands-on experience gave them the chance to put their learning into action, showing their faith in a practical way.

A huge thank you to the Woodland Trust for generously providing the trees and helping us make our school grounds greener and more sustainable. 🌱

This project also reflects our pupils’ understanding of the Creation story from Genesis 1:1-4, 24-26, which invites us to see God’s world as an ancient, prayerful, and poetic reflection on His love and care for humanity. By planting and caring for trees, the pupils are living out this teaching: God wants us to love and care for the world because it is His gift to us. Caring for Creation is also a way of loving and caring for each other, showing that our actions can make a difference both for the environment and for our communities.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth… God saw that the light was good… Then God said, ‘Let the land produce living creatures…’ and God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’”

(Genesis 1:1-4, 24-26)

This passage reminds us that God created the world with order and beauty and entrusted humanity with the responsibility to care for it. By planting trees, our pupils are living out this teaching, showing love for God’s Creation and understanding that caring for the world is a way of loving and caring for each other. We are incredibly proud of our pupils and how they are putting their faith into action, striving to care for the environment and follow God’s example in all that they do.

Linking to our Live Simply Award 

This tree-planting project also demonstrates our school’s commitment to the Live Simply Award, particularly School Action 3: Living Sustainably. By actively engaging pupils in caring for the environment, we are helping them understand sustainable practices and encouraging them to make positive choices for the planet. Activities like this allow pupils to connect learning with real-life action, showing that even small steps—like planting trees—can make a big difference.

As the Bible reminds us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15), encouraging us all to care for the world around us. We are very proud of our pupils and how they strive to help the environment, following the words of Scripture in their everyday actions.

Year 3's exploration of the Last Supper 

To begin our Branch 4 topic: Desert to Garden, Year 3 learnt about the Last Supper by exploring the scripture from the Gospel of Luke 22:14–20. They discovered that Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them as symbols of his body and blood.

“This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me… This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

(Luke 22:19–20)

They made connections between this event and the miracle of the loaves and fishes, recognising that Jesus is like the bread because he nourishes them spiritually. This helped them understand that Jesus feeds their hearts and souls, not just their bodies. They then re-enacted the Last Supper to help strengthen their understanding of its meaning.

Lent - Week 2

Today we placed our daily Lenten Stone on our Lent worship table. This small but meaningful act reminds us that Lent is a special time to pause, reflect and grow closer to God. As we add our stone, we take a moment to think about the choices we make each day and how they shape the kind of people we become.

During Lent we are encouraged to reflect on our actions, ask for forgiveness when we make mistakes, and try to follow the example of Jesus in the way we treat others. Our choices can help us to show kindness, patience, honesty and love within our school community and beyond.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of choosing what is right:
“Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

We also remember Jesus’ invitation to live with love and compassion:
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

As our worship table slowly fills with stones throughout Lent, it becomes a visible reminder of our journey. Each stone represents a moment of reflection and a commitment to make good choices, grow in faith, and walk more closely with God.

Judaism - Year 6

Year 6 have continued their learning about Judaism this week by exploring Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year. We discussed why it is such a special and important time for Jewish people — a day dedicated to reflection, asking for forgiveness, and making a fresh start. The children thought carefully about why saying sorry, making things right, and trying to do better are important in all our lives.

As part of our discussion, we reflected on how these ideas are also important in our own faith. In the Bible we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and new beginnings:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

We also remembered that God always welcomes us when we try again:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9)

We’re so proud of the thoughtful discussions Year 6 shared and the respect they showed while learning about another faith. Their curiosity and openness help us to grow as a community that values understanding, respect and compassion for others. 

Year 5 attend weekly mass and reflect upon their Lenten Promises 

5M reflected on their Lenten promises today in RE before attending Mass. We took time to quietly consider the promises we have made during this special season and the small sacrifices we will offer, remembering the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us. 

Lent invites us to pause, pray and think about how we can grow closer to God through our actions, our words and the way we care for others. By giving something up or choosing to do something good for others, we are reminded of Jesus’ love and the example he set for us.

In the Gospel we are reminded of the meaning of sacrifice and love:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

We also reflected on how prayer and quiet time with God helps us to stay strong in our promises:
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6)

Moments like these help us to understand that Lent is not only about giving things up, but about growing in faith, kindness and love as we continue our journey towards Easter.

Year 5 - The work of CAFOD

 

As part of their PSHE lessons, the children have been exploring different cultures and countries around the world, developing their understanding of diversity, global communities and the importance of respect for others. 🌎 Through thoughtful discussion and collaborative activities, they have been learning about how people live in different parts of the world and the challenges some communities face.

As part of this learning, Year 5 explored the mission of CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development). They discovered how CAFOD works with communities around the world to fight poverty, provide emergency aid and support long-term development projects such as access to clean water, education and sustainable livelihoods.

The children engaged in meaningful conversations about fairness, inequality and how we, as a Catholic school community, are called to support others. They reflected on practical ways we can help those living in poverty — through prayer, fundraising, raising awareness and making thoughtful choices in our daily lives.

We are incredibly proud of the empathy, maturity and compassion Year 5 demonstrated during these discussions. Their reflections show a growing awareness of their role as global citizens and how even small actions can make a big difference.

Our Year 4 Pupils' Lenten Reflection

We are incredibly proud to share a beautiful piece of reflective writing from one of our 4W pupils at St Monica’s Catholic Primary School.

To mark the beginning of Lent, they wrote a thoughtful and heartfelt poem acknowledging this special season in the Church’s year and remembering the sacrifices of Jesus Christ during His time in the desert.

Through carefully chosen words and powerful imagery, the poem reflects on the forty days Jesus spent in prayer and fasting, showing a deep understanding of the challenges He faced and the strength He showed. Our pupil beautifully captured the themes of sacrifice, temptation, resilience and faith, reminding us all of the importance of reflection, self-discipline and drawing closer to God during Lent.

Lent is a sacred time in which we are invited to pray, fast and give to others, and it was wonderful to see such maturity and spiritual awareness expressed through poetry. This piece of writing not only demonstrates excellent literacy skills, but also a sincere and personal engagement with faith.

Well done to our 4W pupil for sharing such a meaningful reflection with our school community. May it inspire us all to journey through Lent with thoughtful hearts and renewed purpose. 

Year 6 – Rosh Hashanah – Judaism

As part of their Religious Education and wider curriculum studies, Year 6 have been working incredibly hard on their fact files all about Rosh Hashanah. They have explored what it is, how it is celebrated, and why it is such an important and sacred time for Jewish people around the world.

Through their research, pupils have learned that Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year and begins a significant period known as the High Holy Days. They discovered the meaning behind key traditions, including the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn), the sharing of symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey to represent a sweet new year, and the importance of reflection, prayer and new beginnings. The children were particularly thoughtful when learning about how this festival encourages forgiveness, gratitude and making positive changes.

We are incredibly proud of the maturity, respect and curiosity Year 6 have shown while learning about Judaism. Their fact files demonstrate careful research, creativity and a genuine desire to understand and celebrate the beliefs and traditions of others—an important value within our Catholic school community.

Well done, Year 6, for your thoughtful work and excellent effort! 

Year 3 - A reflection of the Kingdom of God 

As part of the Branch 3 topic Galilee to Jerusalem, Year 3 pupils encountered the Gospel of St Matthew. Through the study of scriptural texts, they explored several parables, including the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Yeast. From this, the children learnt that these parables reveal deeper truths about building the Kingdom of God and how they themselves can help to build it.

Love of God and neighbour reflects what the Kingdom of God looks like in action.

(Matthew 22:37–39)

After exploring scripture about the Kingdom of God, pupils reflected on the characteristics that describe it. They concluded that the Kingdom of God is full of love, faith, hope, and kindness. Using these ideas, they created their own reflections and illustrations of what they believed the Kingdom of God would look like.

 

Faith Lived Out Today 

Inspired by the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of St Matthew, the children reflected on how they could help to build the Kingdom of God in their own lives. They recognised that this could be done by showing love for God and for one another through their words and actions. Pupils discussed practical ways of living out these values, such as being kind to others, helping those in need, and treating everyone with respect. Through this, they came to understand that the Kingdom of God is not only something to learn about, but something they can actively help to build each day by choosing to act with love, kindness, and compassion. 

Class 4W Inspired by Jesus: Learning from Faithful Lives at St Monica’s Catholic Primary School

At St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, our faith journey is rooted in getting to know Jesus and learning how to live as his disciples each day. Recently, the children in 4W began an exciting piece of research, exploring how people inspired by Jesus have lived out their faith in real and meaningful ways. Through this work, they discovered that the mission Jesus began over 2,000 years ago is still alive today.

Jesus calls each of us to follow him, not just through prayer, but through the way we live our lives. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ says, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This call to love is at the heart of every Christian mission.

Learning from the Saints

The children explored the lives of saints who responded generously to Jesus’ call. One such example is St Francis of Assisi, who showed extraordinary love for the poor, for nature, and for all of God’s creation. Inspired by Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), St Francis chose a simple life so that he could serve God and others with joy and humility.

Another inspiring figure is St Bernadette, a young girl who trusted God even when life was difficult. Bernadette reminds us that God can work powerfully through anyone, no matter their age. Her life reflects Scripture: “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Faith Lived Out Today

The children also learnt that living a life inspired by Jesus is not only something that happened long ago. They studied the example of Brother Michael Strode, whose life shows how faith, service, and prayer continue in our world today. His commitment reminds us of Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Brother Michael’s life helps children understand that we can all live out Jesus’ mission in our own small but important ways—by being kind, forgiving others, helping those in need, and trying our best to make loving choices.

Our Mission at St Monica’s

At St Monica’s, we encourage our pupils to see themselves as part of this continuing mission. Whether through acts of kindness in the playground, caring for one another in the classroom, or praying together as a school community, our children are learning that faith is something we live every day.

As Jesus teaches in the Gospel of Matthew, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Through their research, 4W have discovered that the mission of Jesus did not end with the saints of the past. It lives on today—in our school, in our community, and in each child who chooses to follow Jesus with love, courage, and faith.

 

Year 4 Deepen Their Faith Through Hymn and Scripture

Year 4 pupils have had a wonderful afternoon learning the hymn “Yes Lord, I Believe”, using music as a way to deepen their understanding of faith. As they explored the words of the hymn, the children made thoughtful links to scripture they had heard during liturgy and class prayer, as well as to the Apostles’ Creed.

The hymn echoes the words of faith spoken in Scripture, particularly when Martha says to Jesus, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God” (John 11:27). Pupils reflected on how these words connect to the promises we make when we profess the Creed, declaring our belief in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We also discussed how Saint Peter showed his faith when he proclaimed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), and how, like the apostles, we are called to live out our beliefs through our words and actions each day.

It was a calm and meaningful session that encouraged the children to think about what it truly means to say, “Yes, Lord, I believe,” and how they can show this belief in their lives at school, at home, and in the wider community.

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Year 4 - Celebrating Mass at St Monica's Church

Year 4 had a wonderful opportunity to attend Mass at St Monica’s today, celebrated by Father Ged. The children learnt about St Agatha and were inspired by her dedication and loyalty to our Faith. It was a meaningful and reflective experience that encouraged our pupils to think about how they can live out these values in their own lives. We are very grateful to Father Ged for leading such a thoughtful and engaging celebration.

 

Year 6 Explore the Dead Sea Scrolls

Fantastic teamwork was on display in Religious Education this week as Year 6 worked collaboratively to research and present their understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The pupils showed great confidence, curiosity, and cooperation as they explored what the Dead Sea Scrolls are, how they were discovered, and why they are so important for our understanding of the Bible. Through group research and presentations, the children demonstrated excellent communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Year 6 learnt that the Dead Sea Scrolls are among the oldest known manuscripts of the Old Testament. They help us to understand how carefully Scripture has been preserved and passed down through generations. The pupils reflected on how God’s Word has been trusted, protected, and shared over thousands of years.

This learning links closely to Scripture, reminding us of the importance of God’s Word in guiding our lives:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
(Psalm 119:105)

The children also discussed how studying the Bible helps us grow in faith and understanding, just as St Paul reminds us:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)

It was wonderful to see pupils working so respectfully and enthusiastically together, supporting one another and taking pride in their learning. Year 6 should be very proud of the effort and insight they showed during this lesson.

Well done, Year 6 — brilliant learning on show!

Year 5 Explore Mission and Leadership in the Church

In Religious Education this week, our Year 5 pupils have been deepening their understanding of faith through our ‘Mission’ topic, with a special focus on the role of the Archbishop of Liverpool, John Sherrington.

The children learnt that an archbishop has a special responsibility to lead, guide, and care for the people of the diocese. Through discussion and reflection, pupils explored how Archbishop Sherrington lives out his mission by supporting parishes, schools, and communities as they grow closer to God.

Year 5 made thoughtful links between the role of the archbishop and the image of the shepherd, a powerful symbol found throughout Scripture. Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, one who knows, loves, and protects his people:

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me.”
(John 10:14)

The pupils discussed how, like a shepherd, Archbishop Sherrington is called to guide his people with care, patience, and faith, helping them to stay close to Jesus and grow in their relationship with God.

They also reflected on how Church leaders follow the example of Christ by serving others with humility and love:

“Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.”
(Mark 9:35)

Through this learning, Year 5 were encouraged to think about their own mission as members of the Church—how they too can show leadership by making good choices, helping others, and living out the values of the Gospel in their everyday lives.

It was wonderful to see the pupils engaging so thoughtfully with this topic and developing a deeper appreciation of how the Church continues Jesus’ mission in the world today.

Year 4 Learn About the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

This week, our Year 4 pupils have been exploring the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, deepening their understanding of how Jesus’ healing love continues to be present in the Church today.

Through discussion, reflection, and prayer, the children learnt that Jesus showed great compassion for those who were sick or suffering during his life on earth. In the Gospels, we hear many accounts of Jesus healing the sick, comforting the distressed, and restoring hope to those who felt forgotten. One such example is found in the Gospel of Matthew:

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
(Matthew 9:36)

The pupils reflected on how Jesus’ care and compassion did not end with the Gospels. Instead, Jesus entrusted this healing ministry to the Church. Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church continues to bring comfort, strength, and God’s healing presence to those who are ill or frail.

The children also explored the Scriptural foundation of this sacrament in the Letter of St James:

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
(James 5:14)

Year 4 learnt that the Anointing of the Sick is not only about physical healing, but also about spiritual strength, peace, and reassurance of God’s loving presence—especially during times of suffering.

Through their learning, pupils were encouraged to think about how they can show compassion in their own lives, following Jesus’ example by caring for others through kindness, prayer, and understanding.

We are proud of the thoughtful and respectful way Year 4 engaged with this important sacrament, growing in their understanding of faith and how God’s love is lived out in the life of the Church today.

Year 6 Exploring the Bible in RE

This week in Religious Education, our Year 6 children have been deeply engaged in exploring the Bible and discovering why it is such an important and treasured book for us as Catholics.

The children began by learning how the Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. They explored the different books contained within each section and discussed how these writings tell the story of God’s relationship with His people, from creation through to the life and teachings of Jesus.

We reflected together on why the Bible is so important in our daily lives. The children shared thoughtful ideas about how Scripture guides our beliefs, choices, and actions, helping us to live as followers of Christ both in school and beyond.

Working in teams, the children demonstrated fantastic collaboration as they searched for specific passages of Scripture. They read, discussed, and reflected on the meaning of these verses, making connections to their own lives and how they can live out God’s Word through kindness, respect, and service to others.

Some of the Scripture we reflected upon included:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24

The children showed excellent teamwork, curiosity, and reverence throughout the lessons, and their reflections were mature and insightful. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they navigate Scripture and deepen their understanding of their faith.

✨ Super work all around, Year 6 — we are very proud of you! ✨

 

Year 4 Brings Scripture Alive

 

Year 4 explored Matthew 8:14–17, learning how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and many others who were sick, showing His compassion and power. Through thoughtful role play, the children brought the Scripture to life, confidently and accurately retelling the story, remembering how Jesus healed with care and understanding. 

“Jesus touched their hands, and all who were sick were healed”

(Matthew 8:15–16)

“He touched her hand and the fever left her”

(Matthew 8:15)

 

Year 2 - Exploring the Life and Mission of John the Baptist

This afternoon, Year 2 learnt all about John the Baptist in their RE lesson. They discovered that he was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth and the cousin of Jesus. They explored how he was a prophet who called people to turn to God and prepare for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. They learnt that John is the link between the Old Testament prophets who foretold a coming Messiah and recognising that Jesus was the promised Messiah sent by God.

‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for him.”’ 

(Isaiah 40:3)

At the end of the lesson, they retold what they had learnt about John the Baptist, showing their understanding of his life and mission.

 

Year 1 - An exploration of Candlemas

 

Year 1 had a wonderful time celebrating Candlemas today 🕯️
As part of the Galilee to Jerusalem branch, the children reviewed the Creation story and explored what Candlemas is — a Christian celebration marking the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the blessing of candles to symbolize Him as the Light of the World. 

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:29–32)

The children learned how, when, and why Candlemas is celebrated and took part in their own Candlemas ceremony, sharing thoughtful and beautiful reflections together. They also came up with questions they would like to ask Anna and Simon about how they felt when they met Jesus. These questions will be useful for our next lesson, where we will explore Candlemas around the world and role-play as Anna and Simon.

Well done, Year 1! 🌟

Year 5 - Living Our Mission: Inspired by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel

At St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, our faith is lived out each day through learning, service and love for others. In Religious Education this term, Year 5 have been exploring the theme of Mission, taking inspiration from Jesus’ mission in the Gospel of Luke and reflecting on how that mission continues today.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus clearly states his purpose:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor… to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.”
(Luke 4:18)

Year 5 reflected deeply on these words, recognising that Jesus’ mission was one of love, justice, compassion and service. They discussed how this same mission is alive in our world today and how we are all called to take part in it.

Our School Mission in Action

The children made thoughtful links between Jesus’ mission and the mission of our school community. They identified how we strive to live out Gospel values by caring for one another, welcoming everyone and putting faith into action. From supporting one another in the classroom to reaching out to those in need, our school mission reflects Christ’s call to love our neighbour.

This learning also connected powerfully with our support of food banks and CAFOD. The children recognised that these organisations live out Jesus’ mission by standing alongside the poor and vulnerable, both locally and globally. Through fundraising, prayer and awareness, we are reminded that even small actions can make a big difference.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)

Linking to Our Live Simply Award

This work strongly supports our commitment to the Live Simply Award, which encourages us to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. Year 5 explored how living simply helps us focus on what truly matters, how caring for creation reflects respect for God’s world, and how solidarity calls us to stand with those who are struggling.

By learning about mission, the children are growing in their understanding that faith is not just something we learn about, but something we live out every day.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:16)

We are incredibly proud of Year 5 for the thoughtful way they engaged with this topic. Their reflections remind us all that, as a school family, we are called to continue Jesus’ mission through kindness, generosity and faith in action.

Together, inspired by Christ, we walk forward living simply, loving deeply and serving joyfully. ✨

 

Year 6 Explore the Bible and Its Importance in Our Catholic Faith

 

 

This week, our Year 6 pupils have been deepening their understanding of the Bible, exploring what it contains and how it guides us as Catholics in our daily lives. Through thoughtful discussion, reflection, and learning activities, the children have shown great maturity and curiosity as they engaged with Scripture.

The pupils began by learning about the structure of the Bible, discovering that it is not just one book, but a collection of many books written over hundreds of years. They explored the two main sections — the Old Testament and the New Testament — and learnt how each helps us to understand God’s relationship with His people. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s covenant and promises, while the New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As part of their learning, Year 6 discussed how Catholics use the Bible today. They reflected on how Scripture is central to our worship, especially during Mass, where readings from the Bible help us listen to God’s word and apply it to our lives. One pupil shared how the Bible “helps us know how God wants us to live and treat others.”

The children explored key messages within Scripture, particularly those about love, forgiveness, and service. They reflected on Jesus’ commandment:

“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

This led to meaningful discussions about how we can live out these teachings in school, at home, and in our wider community. Pupils made links between the Bible and our school values, recognising that kindness, respect, and compassion are rooted in our Catholic faith.

Year 6 also looked at how the Bible offers guidance and comfort in times of difficulty. They reflected on the reassurance found in the Psalms:

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Psalm 23:1)

This helped them understand that Scripture is not just something we read, but something we can turn to for strength and hope.

Throughout this work, our pupils demonstrated excellent engagement, asking thoughtful questions and sharing personal reflections. Their learning has helped them grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith and understanding.

We are very proud of the way Year 6 have approached this important topic and how they continue to live out the Gospel values in their everyday actions, truly reflecting our mission at St Monica’s to grow together in faith, learning, and love.

 

Year 3's Reflection on the Kingdom of God 

Year 3 have been reflecting on the Kingdom of God. They explored what the Kingdom might be like and discussed how people would treat one another within it. They also considered what the Kingdom of God would not be like. This learning was linked to scripture, “The Kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:21), helping the children understand that God’s Kingdom is shown through love, kindness, and the way we treat others.

Year 3's Exploration of the Centurion and the Servant Parable 

Year 3 spent the afternoon exploring the parable of the Centurion and the Servant from Luke’s Gospel. Through thoughtful discussion, they discovered that the centurion was a kind and humble person, shown in his words, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof” (Luke 7:6). The children reflected on the message of the parable: that a kind and humble heart goes a long way.

Preparing the Way of the Lord – Year 6 RE at St Monica’s

In RE this week, our Year 6 pupils at St Monica’s Catholic Primary School explored the powerful opening of Mark’s Gospel (Mark 1:1–5), focusing on the role of John the Baptist and his mission to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. Through thoughtful discussion, prayerful reflection and creative work, the children deepened their understanding of what it means to “prepare the way of the Lord.”

The pupils reflected on the words of Scripture:“A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” (Mark 1:3)

They learnt how John the Baptist called people to repentance, baptism and a change of heart, helping them to be ready to welcome Jesus into their lives. Inspired by this message, the children created symbolic paths for the Lord’s coming, representing how obstacles can be removed and hearts made ready for God. Their work showed a deep understanding that preparation is not just physical, but spiritual too.

Linking this message to the season of Advent, the children reflected on how Christians today prepare for Jesus’ coming through prayer, kindness, forgiveness and acts of service. As Scripture reminds us,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Mark 1:4)

This lesson encouraged pupils to think about how they can live out their faith each day, making space for Jesus in their hearts and lives. We are incredibly proud of Year 6 for their creativity, reverence and thoughtful engagement with God’s Word as they continue to grow in faith at St Monica’s

St Monica's Social Signature Project 

Our School Council proudly announced the focus areas for our Social Signature Project today 🌍💚 Guided by our call to care for God’s creation and one another, students will be nurturing our environment through planting vegetables and trees, as well as promoting wellbeing through a dedicated Health Week 🥗.

As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).

These initiatives will help us take meaningful steps towards achieving the Live Simply Award, as we work together to make a positive difference in our school community.

✨ Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany at St Monica’s Catholic Primary School ✨

We joyfully commemorate the visit of the Wise Men, marking the moment when Jesus was revealed to the world. As a school community, we reflect on this special feast and pray that we may continue to follow His light, guiding us in faith, hope, and love. 🌟🙏

 

 

Our Blog 2025

Year 6 Reflect on Mary’s Faith at the Annunciation

This term, our Year 6 pupils have been exploring the story of the Annunciation and responding to it through diary writing from Mary’s perspective. This powerful activity encouraged the children to think deeply about emotions, responsibility and faith, while developing empathy and reflective writing skills.

The Annunciation, found in Luke 1:26–38, tells of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary with unexpected and life-changing news: she had been chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. As the children quickly recognised, Mary was very young and her life would never be the same. Through their diary entries, pupils considered how Mary might have felt at that moment — confused, frightened, overwhelmed, yet also honoured.

Year 6 thoughtfully explored the expectations placed upon Mary. She was asked to trust God completely, even though the path ahead was uncertain and challenging. Pupils reflected on the social pressures Mary would have faced and the courage required to accept God’s plan. Many diary entries highlighted how Mary may have worried about what others would think, and the responsibility of raising a child who would play such an important role in God’s story.

Central to the children’s writing was Mary’s faith. Despite her fear and uncertainty, Mary chose trust and obedience. One key verse that inspired the pupils was Mary’s response to the angel:

“I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)

The children recognised that Mary’s belief in God gave her strength and peace, helping her to move forward with hope rather than fear. Some pupils also linked this to the later words of praise found in Mary’s song, the Magnificat:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46–47)

These diary entries demonstrated not only strong writing skills, but also a mature understanding of faith, trust and courage. Year 6 showed great sensitivity in imagining Mary’s inner thoughts and emotions, and many made thoughtful connections between Mary’s story and how belief can help people face challenges in their own lives.

We are incredibly proud of the depth of reflection and empathy shown by our Year 6 pupils during this meaningful piece of work.

 

Year 6 Christmas Carol Concert

Our traditional Year 6 Choir Concert was a truly beautiful and prayerful way to celebrate the coming of Jesus. With our church filled with families, friends and parishioners, the atmosphere was one of joy, reverence and gratitude.

The children sang with confidence, harmony and heartfelt expression, offering their voices as a gift to God. Through music, they helped lead our community into the true meaning of Advent and Christmas, reminding us that the birth of Christ is a celebration of love, hope and peace.

As Scripture tells us:

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.”
(Psalm 96:1)

Our Year 6 Children did exactly this, lifting their voices in praise and thanksgiving. Their dedication and maturity shone throughout the concert, reflecting not only their musical talents but also the values of faith, service and commitment nurtured during their time at our school.

We give thanks to all who supported this special tradition — our wonderful children, dedicated staff, supportive families and parish community. May the message shared through song remain in our hearts as we prepare to welcome Christ anew:

“The Word became flesh and lived among us.”

St Monica’s Nativity – Camelamadingdong! 🎄

What a joyful and faith-filled celebration we shared at St Monica’s with our Nativity production, Camelamadingdong! Across three sold-out performances, our children delighted audiences with laughter, energetic dancing, joyful music and truly beautiful singing.

Each performance was a wonderful reminder of the excitement and hope surrounding the birth of Jesus. With confidence and enthusiasm, our children brought the Nativity story to life, sharing the Good News in a way that was both entertaining and deeply meaningful. Their commitment, teamwork and courage shone through, and we are incredibly proud of every child involved.

As we watched the story unfold, we were reminded of the angel’s words to the shepherds:

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
(Luke 2:10–11)

The joy on stage reflected the joy of this message — a joy that filled our hearts and our school community. Through song, movement and storytelling, our children proclaimed the coming of Christ with openness and wonder, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank you to our talented children, dedicated staff and supportive families who helped make this celebration so special. May the joy, peace and love we experienced continue to guide us as we prepare our hearts for Christmas:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours.”
(Luke 2:14)

Year 5 - Exploring Scripture around the Nativity retelling

Our Year 5 pupils have been diving deeply into the Nativity story this week, exploring the two Gospel accounts found in the books of Matthew and Luke. Working carefully with the texts, they identified the similarities and differences in each telling and discussed why the Gospel writers might have chosen to highlight different details.

The classroom quickly filled with thoughtful comparisons and excellent questions:

• Why does Matthew focus on the visit of the Wise Men?
• Why does Luke describe the shepherds and the angels?
• What do these differences teach us about Jesus and the message each Gospel wants to share?

What followed was a wonderfully rich theological discussion, full of curiosity, deep thinking, and respectful debate. It was inspiring to see the children engaging so confidently with Scripture and exploring the Christmas story with such maturity.

To support their learning, Year 5 looked closely at passages from both Gospels:

From Matthew:
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea… Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” — Matthew 2:1

From Luke:
“There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” — Luke 2:8

Together, these accounts give us a fuller picture of the birth of Jesus and remind us of the joy, wonder, and hope of the Christmas season.

Well done, Year 5, for your brilliant insights and meaningful discussions! 🌟💭

Year 5 - Advent Tree

Our Advent Tree is growing brighter and fuller each day as our children carefully add their leaves of hope, kindness, and promise. 🌿✨

Each leaf represents a thoughtful action, a kind word, or a special commitment made during this season of preparation. It has been wonderful to see our pupils reflecting deeply on how they can bring light to others—both in school and at home.

As the tree grows, so does our sense of togetherness. Advent reminds us not only to look forward with joy, but also to share that joy through compassion and generosity. The children’s contributions are a beautiful reminder of the true spirit of this season: small acts of kindness that shine brightly.

We are inspired by the words of Scripture as we journey through Advent:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

and

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” — Galatians 5:22

May our Advent Tree continue to glow with hope as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. 🌟

 

✨ Lighting the Second Advent Candle: A Reflection on Peace

Mrs Evans joined Reception to light the second Advent candle, and together they discussed its meaning, focusing on its representation of peace.

Lighting the Way: Class 4W’s Advent Assembly

✨ We are incredibly proud of Class 4W for leading a heartfelt Advent Assembly, sharing the fruits of their learning about Advent. They reflected on each candle:

• Hope – “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

• Peace – “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:1-2)

• Joy – “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11)

• Love – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We ended the assembly by lighting the first candle of Advent, the Candle of Hope, reminding us of the light Christ brings into the world. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who joined us in prayer and celebration—it was truly a special moment for our community. 💫🌟

Year 3 – How to Be More Like Joseph: Trust and Obey God

 

Year 3 have been reflecting on Matthew’s Gospel. The Bible tells us that Joseph was a good and faithful man. When he was shocked by Mary’s news that she would have a child, he could have been afraid or angry, but he stayed by her side. Joseph showed resilience, trusted God, and obeyed His guidance.

How can we be more like Joseph in being brave, kind, and obedient?

Matthew 1:24–25: “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Reception’s Advent Wreath: A Symbol of Hope and Preparation

 

Reception have been exploring the meaning of Advent in their RE lessons. They especially enjoyed creating their own Advent wreath. Through this, the children discovered that Advent is a special season of hopeful waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus. 🌿❤️

To deepen their understanding, they also reflected on the words of Jesus: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12

Year 5 - Jesus is the Light of the World

 

In RE this week, our Year 5 pupils have been deepening their understanding of the theme of Hope, reflecting especially on what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World. 🌟

Together, we explored how Jesus brings light into moments of darkness and how His example inspires us to shine that same light through our words, choices, and actions. The children shared thoughtful ideas about showing kindness, including others, forgiving one another, and helping those in need — real ways they can follow Jesus’ example every day.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12

Mary’s Moment: 2M Explore the Annunciation

2M have been learning all about the Annunciation, when Mary was asked by the Angel Gabriel to prepare to become the mother of Jesus. We role-played Gabriel’s message and discussed how Mary might have felt upon receiving such surprising news.

Year 3 Reflect on the Birth of Jesus 

Year 3 have been exploring the story of the birth of Christ as told in the books of Luke and Matthew. Today, the children wrote their own prayers, thanking God for the gift of Jesus and expressing admiration for Mary and Joseph, who remained obedient to God even when they felt anxious. We also made promises to try to be more like them by listening to one another and following instructions.

BullyBusters - Respect for All, November 2025

Today we were very fortunate to welcome the Bullybusters team into our school for a special assembly all about kindness, respect, and the superpowers we all have inside us.

During the assembly, the children explored the different “superpowers” we can use to help stop bullying. We learnt that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s day. Smiling at others, inviting someone to play, speaking kindly, and standing up for what is right are all powerful ways we can help create a happier, safer school for everyone.

The Bullybusters team reminded us that each one of us has the power to make our school a place where everyone feels valued and included. By choosing kindness, we help to stop bullying before it even begins.

As a Catholic school, we know that showing kindness and respect is not only important—it’s something Jesus taught us to do. In the Bible, we are reminded:

• “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

• “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31

• “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

These verses help us remember that kindness is something we are called to live out every day, not just in big moments but in small choices too.

We are grateful to Bullybusters for visiting us and helping our pupils understand how powerful kindness can be. Together, we can use our superpowers to make our school a place where everyone feels loved, supported, and safe.

Year 5 - Hope (Advent)  November 2025

Year 5 began their new Advent topic today with a sense of excitement and reflection. ✨
Together, we explored the themes of hope, light, and preparation, thinking carefully about what Advent truly means for us as a school community. As we gathered around the glowing Advent wreath, the soft candlelight helped us pause and reflect; we sang ‘The Servant King’ with reverence, reminding us of the example of kindness and humility that Jesus sets for us.

The children spent time discussing how we can prepare our hearts during this special season, sharing thoughtful ideas about helping others, showing gratitude, and spreading joy. We then created our own Advent promises, each one a personal commitment to bring a little more light into the world as we journey towards Christmas.

With the first Sunday of Advent approaching, Year 5 are ready to step into this season with hope, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose. 🙏🕯️💜

Harvest Festival

St Monica’s: Harvest Festival Food Donation : November 2025

Today, our School Councillors delivered your generous donations to our Harvest Festival to St Monica’s Church Foodbank. 

These contributions will provide vital support to families within our local community, and we are grateful for the kindness shown by our school family.

Father Pat expressed his sincere thanks for the donations and praised our School Councillors for their conduct and initiative to drive Harvest Festival this year. Hopefully, our children will see they can make a positive difference to our community and the wider world.

Psalm 67:5–7

“May the people praise you, God. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.”

 

Nursery – The Annunciation

Today we listened to the story of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her that she would have a baby boy. After discussing what happened in the story, we dressed up in costumes and worked together to act it out. Everyone enjoyed taking part and bringing the story to life. 

Mary said, "Yes, I will have a baby and call him Jesus." Luke 1: 38

Year Two - Celebration of the Word

This week, the children completed a beautiful Celebration of the Word focused on the theme of courage. They reflected on the scripture from Deuteronomy 31:8, which reminds us that “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Through prayer and sharing, the children explored how God gives them the bravery to face new challenges. Their thoughtful responses and reverent participation showed a growing understanding that they are never alone—God walks with them wherever they go.

                                             

 

Remembrance Day

 

This morning, our school community gathered for our Remembrance Day assembly. As a Catholic school, this is a time to pause, pray and reflect on those who gave their lives in the service of others. We listened to the story of the poppy and reflected on Jesus’ teaching: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

We observed two minutes of silence with great respect, remembering those affected by war and praying for peace in our world today. We ended by asking God to help us become peacemakers in our own lives, showing kindness, courage and compassion each day.

Lest we forget.

 

 

Year 5 Life Choices: Living Our Mission – October 2025

In Year 5, as part of our Life Choices topic, we explored what it means to follow Jesus and live out our school mission. After reflecting on Scripture from the book of Ephesians, we discussed and identified practical ways we can demonstrate our values at school, at home, and in our community. 

 

The Power of Prayer – October 2025

In their RE lessons this month, our Year 5 pupils have been exploring The Power of Prayer. Together, they reflected on how prayer helps us to feel close to God, to give thanks, and to seek His guidance in our daily lives.

As part of their learning, the children read the beautiful reflection Footprints in the Sand. This well-loved poem reminds us that God is always by our side, even – and especially – in the most difficult times. Year 5 thought deeply about the message that when we feel most alone, God is carrying us.

Inspired by this, the children wrote their own prayers of thanksgiving, recognising the many ways in which God walks beside us each day. Their prayers expressed gratitude for family, friends, creation, and the gift of faith, as well as trust that the Lord will guide and strengthen them in times of challenge.

Through this work, Year 5 have shown how prayer is not just words we say, but a conversation with God that brings comfort, peace, and hope. It has been a wonderful opportunity to see the children living out our Catholic mission, growing in faith and recognising God’s loving presence in their lives.

 

Jeans for Genes Day at St Monica’s: Living Out Our Catholic Mission - September 30th 2025

 

 

At St Monica’s, our Catholic mission calls us to recognise the dignity of every person, created in the image of God. We are inspired by the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). This week, our school community lived out that mission in a simple but powerful way—by taking part in Jeans for Genes Day.

By wearing jeans and donating, our pupils and staff helped raise vital funds to support children living with genetic conditions. Behind every pair of jeans was an act of solidarity and compassion, reminding us that we are all part of one family, called to care for one another.

Jeans for Genes Day also gave us the chance to teach our children about inclusivity, kindness, and the importance of helping those who face daily challenges. Together, we reflected on how small acts—whether it’s wearing jeans, offering a smile, or showing support—can make a big difference.

Thank you to everyone who joined in and gave so generously. Your contributions will go towards transforming lives, offering hope, and supporting families across the UK.

At St Monica’s, we are proud that events like these allow us to live out our Catholic values of love, service, and community. Together, we are helping to build a brighter, more compassionate world.

 

Year 5 RE: Learning about St. Monica

Today in Year 5 RE, we explored the life of St. Monica — a powerful example of patience, faith, and a mother’s love. We learnt how her prayers and devotion guided her son, St. Augustine, on his journey of faith, inspiring us to reflect on the impact of love and perseverance in our own lives.

 

Our School Mission Day 

At the start of this year, we celebrated our annual mission day looking at our wonderful school mission of "Success for all in a Christ-Centred community". This year we looked at St. Monica and the influence that she has on our school mission. Each year group took a different part of the mission statement - Early years and Year 1 looked at 'Success', Year 2 and Year 3 looked at 'for all', Year 4 and Year 5 looked at 'Christ-Centred' and Year 6 looked at 'Community'. We all had so much fun participating in a wide range of activities including drama, dance, writing, artwork and song. The day ended with a fantastic celebration assembly where we all shared what we had been doing. 

Ukraine 

We are taught in the Bible to always strive in Peace.

"Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and Peace will be with you." Corinthians 13:11

Therefore as a School and Parish Community we are deeply saddened at the outbreak of war in the Ukraine. We always want to seek ways to help as the Catholic Social teachings tell us that God wants us to help people who don't have a safe place to live. We have reached out to our Parish and school communities for donations to send to the people of Ukraine. A local organisation has arranged for lorries with essential humanitarian supplies to be sent to the Polish-Ukrainian border. These supplies will be distributed to help mothers with children who had been forced to flee. Our community have been so wonderful and we cannot thank you enough, we have received so many boxes of donations that we had to hire our own van to deliver them to the Charity. You have been so wonderful. We will continue to keep the people of Ukraine in our hearts and prayers and we pray for a peaceful resolution.

Our Start of Year Mass - St. Monica's Church

On Monday 26th September we as a school all gathered in Church to begin our new school year together with God. We welcomed our Reception classes to their first ever school celebration in Church and they thoroughly enjoyed the mass as Father Ged explained the different parts of the mass to them. Our Year 6 children led the mass beautifully as we prayed for a successful and happy year ahead for all.

Class 3L's Family Assembly - Harvest

Class 3L started our Harvest celebration with a wonderful assembly all about Harvest Festival, the traditions behind it and how we are able to help others at this time of year. It was wonderful to have our families joining us and sharing this special celebration.

Our Harvest Festival 

As part of our Harvest Festival, we made up food and toiletry bags to help those in our local community. We also donated some bags to Liverpool Food bank. 

Meet our Religious Education Ambassadors

Please meet our wonderful RE ambassadors for this year. This wonderful group of representatives from Year 3 4, 5 and 6 will be promoting RE across the school. They will be helping across the different year groups in a range of different ways: promoting the Catholic life and mission of the school, helping children to plan and deliver prayer and liturgy and assisting with our charitable work. They all embody and embrace our Mission Statement of 'Success for all in a Christ-Centred Community. 

Class 5F's Family Assembly 

Class 5F presented a wonderful family assembly based on the theme of 'Forgiveness'. They used rhyming couplets to tell the story of The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32). They told us all about the importance of being able to forgive others and why it is so important to do so. We were so lucky that so many of our wonderful families were able to join us to watch this special message.

Children in Need 

We had a wonderful day raising money for Children in Need by completing a series of sporty circuits in our classes. Our wonderful families donated money and we raised money for vulnerable children in the United Kingdom. 

Poppy Appeal and Armistice Day 

For this year's poppy appeal our wonderful year 6's sold a variety of poppy day stationary to raise money for the British Legion Appeal. Our families and children were as generous as ever and we raised just over £150. On Armistice day a group of children from Years 3 - 6 had the opportunity to visit the World War 2 memorials at the King's Garden in Bootle. We laid wreaths from the school and reflected upon the sacrifices made by all of those who were killed. We finished with a prayer. At School we held a special assembly and marked the 11th hour with a two minute silence. For the fallen, we shall always remember.

Baptism visit from Father Ged

We were incredibly lucky to be joined by Father Ged today as part of our RE topic looking at the Sacrament of Baptism. He was able to tell us all about the Sacrament, the signs and symbols involved and how we are welcomed into God's family through Baptism. Father helped us to role play what happens so that we had a better understanding. Thank you Father Ged!

Beginning of Advent

Sunday 3rd December marked the beginning of Advent. In school we have been busy getting ready, our nativity scenes have been placed within our classrooms and our school foyer, our prayer table cloths have been changed to purple, we have made our Advent promises, begun to lit our advent wreaths and we have begun to open our Advent calendars. We are focused on learning all about the events leading up to Christmas and the Birth of Jesus. Our advent calendars are always special and focus on following Jesus' example by doing kind and caring things during this special time to show that we are getting prepared.

Class 4W's Family Assembly - Advent

Class 4W marked the beginning of Advent with a beautiful family assembly exploring the meaning of Advent and how it is celebrated around the world. They reflected upon Advent promises that they had made and how our school helps others during this special time as we wait in joyful hope. Our wonderful families were able to join us and share the lighting of the Advent Wreath.

Our Christmas Toy Drive 

At the end of November, as part of our commitment as a school to the Catholic Social Teachings of the 'Common Good', we collected donations from our Parish and School community of new or nearly toys. We know that God wants us to help others so that everyone can have a good life. We opened the school to any families who were in need of these toys for Christmas and we also donated some to the Venus Centre in Bootle who are a local charity that support women and children. 

Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Since 1990, more than 157 million children in over 160 countries have experienced God's love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. This year, St Monica's have donated to this wonderful cause, sending over 100 shoeboxes. Thank you to all of wonderfully generous children and families who created a memorable Christmas for less fortunate children around the world.

Our Infant Nativity

On Thursday 15th December and Friday 16th December our infants performed our annual Nativity, we were very excited as it was the first time in two years that we were able to invite all of our families and friends into school to watch our performances. Our Year Two children led the way telling the story of Jesus' birth while Year One sang beautiful hymns and carols. Our Nursery and Reception also added extra sparkle with their own songs about this wonderous event. Thank you to all our wonderful families who came to watch and we wish you all a happy and holy Christmas.

Christmas Carol Concert

On Monday 19th December Year 6 led our traditional Christmas Carol Concert at St Monica's Church. Our entire school was present to listen the Nativity of Our Lord told through scripture readings and song. Year 6 led the service with wonderful contributions from Year 3, 4 and 5 who sang a selection of traditional carols and hymns. We were also very lucky to be joined in Church by many of our families and Parish community as well as our wonderful Parish Priest Father Ged. It was a reflective morning which focused on the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Lord Jesus.

Our Christmas Community Foodbank

Just before we finished for Christmas we collected in food donations from a local company. We also purchased turkey crowns, potatoes, vegetables and mince pies to make up Christmas Dinner bags to help families over the festive period. Families were able to come and collect a bag. Bags were also donated to members of our local community and Liverpool Food Bank.

St. Monica's Catholic Church

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