Autumn Term
Staff Mass – Beginning of Term
At the start of the school year we gathered as a staff for Mass celebrated by Fr Philip. We prayed for God’s guidance in all our work and asked His blessing on every child and family in our school community.
Pilgrims of Hope Retreat – KS1 and KS2
Each class in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 took part in a Pilgrims of Hope retreat, setting aside time for prayer, music and quiet reflection. Through scripture and song, the children thought about what hope means in their own lives and how God calls each of us to carry His light to others.
They shared their own prayers and reflections, recognising how small acts of love can bring Christ’s hope to our school, their families and the wider world. The combination of joyful singing and thoughtful prayer created a powerful reminder that we journey with Christ as pilgrims of hope, trusting in His promise for the year ahead.
Start of Year Mass
The whole school came together to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year in a joyful Mass enriched by the music of the liturgy band. We gave thanks for God’s constant presence and prayed for His blessing and guidance for every child, family and member of staff in the months ahead.
Year 6 Retreat Day at Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Year 6 spent a retreat day at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, reflecting on what it means to be a leader through the eyes of faith. Guided by the example of Jesus the servant leader, they explored the lives of four inspiring saints: St Teresa of Avila, whose courage and prayerful determination show the strength that comes from trust in God; St Thérèse of Lisieux, who teaches that small acts of love can change the world; St John Southworth, whose steadfast faith and quiet service reveal true dedication; and St Paul, whose bold witness and missionary zeal continue to inspire Christians everywhere.
The children thought deeply about the qualities of a good leader and how they can live these out as the oldest pupils in our school—serving others with kindness and humility. Their day of prayer and reflection ended with a joyful outdoor Mass on the parish patio, bathed in warm sunshine, a fitting close to a day filled with inspiration and hope for their journey as faith-filled servant leaders in our school and wider community.
Mission Together Jubilee Mass – St Theodore’s Church, Hampton
Members of our Pupil Leadership Teams represented Our Lady of the Rosary at the Mission Together Jubilee Mass at St Theodore’s Church, Hampton. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Jim Curry, brought together pupils and staff from six Catholic schools across the dioceses of Westminster, Arundel & Brighton and Southwark for a joyful celebration of the Church’s Jubilee Year.
In his homily Bishop Jim reflected on the life of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, who taught that every small act of love offered to God can make a difference in the world. He invited the children to follow her example by finding simple, everyday ways to share Christ’s love and bring hope to others.
It was a wonderful celebration filled with joyful singing and heartfelt prayer, leaving everyone inspired to live the Jubilee message of hope through the small, everyday acts of love that St Thérèse so beautifully described.
Macmillan Coffee Afternoon
We hosted a Macmillan Coffee Afternoon to raise funds for the work of Macmillan and those they support. Guests were welcomed with tea, coffee and a generous selection of cakes while the hall filled with relaxed conversation and the happy buzz of people spending time together.
The afternoon was more than a fundraiser; it was a simple but real expression of our mission of service. By giving their time, sharing refreshments and making donations, everyone present helped to show care for those in need and to live out the Gospel call to serve others with compassion.
Year 5 Retreat Day at St. Paul's Catholic College
Year 5 spent a reflective and inspiring day at St Paul’s Catholic College, taking part in a retreat focused on the theme “Discovering Our God-Given Talents.”
Throughout the day, the children had opportunities to think about the unique gifts that make each person special and how these can be used to help others. Guided by the St Paul’s chaplaincy team, pupils took part in a range of thoughtful and creative activities designed to help them recognise their strengths and deepen their understanding of how we are each called by God in different ways.
It was a wonderful chance for Year 5 to spend time together, reflect on their faith, and consider how they can use their talents to make a positive difference both in school and in the wider world.
Our Lady of the Rosary Feast Day Mass
We were delighted to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary with a beautiful Mass led by Father Philip. This special occasion honoured our patronal feast day and was a joyful opportunity to welcome all the new members of our school community, including our Reception children, pupils who have joined other year groups, their families and new staff.
During the Mass, each new member of our school family was presented with a set of rosary beads blessed by Father Philip. These will be a keepsake to treasure and a lasting reminder that they are part of our wonderful community of Our Lady of the Rosary School.
It was a special celebration of faith and belonging, bringing our whole school community together in prayer and gratitude.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees Walk
As part of our ongoing commitment to living out Catholic Social Teaching, our school community once again took part in our annual walk for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This special tradition has become an important moment in our school year, reminding us of the dignity of every person and our shared responsibility to stand in solidarity with those forced to leave their homes.
This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Leo, is "Migrants, missionaries of hope." He reminds us that migrants and refugees are "privileged witnesses of hope in our world."
For the first time, some parents joined pupils and staff on the walk, making this year’s event particularly meaningful. Together, as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we walked side by side as a visible sign of welcome, compassion and unity.
When we returned to school, we gathered in the hall for a Celebration of the Word led by members of our Pupil Chaplaincy team. Through scripture, song and reflection, we gave thanks for the gifts of hope and community and prayed for all those who are seeking safety, welcome and peace. It was a moment to pause, reflect and recognise how our walk had brought to life the message of solidarity and dignity that lies at the heart of this special day.
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary – 7th October
October 7th is a very special date in our school calendar as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, our school’s patron.
To mark this important occasion, our whole school community gathered for a beautiful Celebration of the Word. Together, we reflected on Mary’s example of love, courage and devotion, and prayed the Rosary together as a sign of our shared faith and community.
The day concluded with a shared celebration cake, a joyful moment that brought our pupils and staff together in thanksgiving for the special sense of belonging that defines Our Lady of the Rosary School.
