Vocations Week

Our first week back in school has been a busy one as we explored the subject of Vocations.

It began on Monday with Mrs Jackson-Mayne reminding pupils that we are all set a unique mission to use our gifts to have an impact on the world. She was supported by Junior 4 pupils who helped to convey the message that if we trust in God, all things are possible.

It was fantastic to see everyone get so involved in Tuesday’s Super Hero Day. Together the school celebrated the Super Acts of Kindness shown by people who put others first. Volunteer, Richard McMahon, from the Warwickshire Air Ambulance, came to the school to talk about the work they do.

Pupils from all year groups shared their super hero power and more importantly what they would do to leave a legacy for the world. It was impressive to hear children demonstrate their knowledge of current affairs and see their empathy for the environment they live in.

Tuesday afternoon Nursery through to Junior 6 were entertained with a performance of I Need A Hero by our very own Crackley Players - Mrs Vaughan, Ms Holmes, Mrs Van Zyl, Mrs Wildey and Mrs Jackson-Mayne. Pupils hissed and booed at the 'baddies' and marvelled at how good triumphs over evil and how kindness wins the day. Thanks to our Junior 6 pupils who took on many different roles to help the play run smoothly.

On Wednesday morning our Vocations Mass was celebrated by Father Kevin and Deacon Owen. Junior 6 pupils read beautifully and the celebration ended with the children waving glow sticks to the final hymn, This Little Light of Mine, to symbolise how God calls them to shine. During the week pupils in different classes have had the opportunity to work with Shirley Bell from the Vocations Team and try on the vestments priests wear, as well as meet with Deacon Owen and Deacon Sean to find out about the roles and responsibilities in the Church.

In Collective Worship time on Thursday, pupils met in their House Groups - Saturn, Venus, Mars and Jupiter and took part in a 'Saints Alive' session. Visiting speakers: Mary Lomas (an ex Crackley Hall pupil, Alan Chalmers (parent to Thomas Zanyi), David Harris, RE Adviser, and Deacon Owen Gresty took on the roles of St Therese of Lisieux, St Joseph, St Francis of Assisi and St John Henry Newman. Our ‘Saints Alive’ speakers gave pupils the opportunity to learn more about their own school House saint, their life and vocation, their skills and service.

Then Junior 6 met together for a Vocations Afternoon led by Deacon Owen, in a time when they are focused on tests, we provided them time to clear their heads and consider their special talents and gifts and the ways they can make a difference.

RE Coordinator, Mrs Jackson-Mayne summed up the week “I wanted the children to see that there are so many different ways they can use their talents to make a difference to the world, and I have been delighted with how they have all responded. They have really engaged in the different sessions and I hope they have been inspired by all the people who have spoken this week.”