As part of our learning about the Sikh faith during World Faiths Week, Year 3 visited the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) Gurdwara in Leeds on Tuesday 20th October. We had a wonderful morning learning more about Sikh beliefs, traditions and ways of worship.

When we entered the prayer hall, we removed our shoes and covered our heads as a sign of respect. We learnt about the Sikh symbol, the Khanda, as well as the 5 Ks: Kesh, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan and Kanga. Some of our children were invited to read a poem about the 10 human Gurus and the 11th Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the Sikh holy scripture. Another group even had the opportunity to play the harmonium! After visiting the prayer hall, we went downstairs to experience langar, where we were warmly welcomed and served a delicious meal of curry, rice and chapatis. We had a fantastic visit and really enjoyed the opportunity to experience Sikh traditions first-hand. A huge thank you to everyone at GNNSJ Leeds for welcoming us and helping us to learn more about our focus faith during World Faiths Week.

We very much enjoyed learning about Islam during our special themed week. We learnt about the five Pillars of Islam and identified symbols associated with Islam. We read stories associated with the Prophet Muhammad understand the importance of Salah (prayer). We identified the features of a mosque and can explain why the Qur’an is important to Muslims. We learnt about Ramadan and Eid and can discuss how Islam is expressed in family life.

We learnt about the life of Abraham and his covenant with God. We discussed how he lived out the virtues of faith, hope and love. We found out about the life of Oscar Romero and reflected on how the virtues of faith, hope and love influenced him. We thought about how we can live out these virtues in our own lives.

We found out about the life of Saint Oscar Romero. Inspired by his life, we designed our own Romero crosses.

We thoroughly enjoyed sharing our ‘Celebration of the Word’ with Greg from the Mark 10 Mission.

He read a passage from Luke’s Gospel (9: 28-36) and invited us to reflect upon the words we heard.

Here are examples of our words, thoughts and reflections during our Year Four Celebration of The Word:

‘I felt loved by God. I enjoyed singing the songs to God and participating in the actions. I feel blessed I got to see Greg.’

‘I felt welcomed because it’s the first time that we saw Greg in person. I enjoyed asking him questions.’

‘I felt calm being with God and talking to Jesus. I enjoyed his reading of the gospel.’

‘I felt happy because Greg taught us to think deeply about the gospel reading.’

‘I felt amazed because we watch him on the tv and he came to our school. I enjoyed asked my questions and he helped me to understand.’

This was a wonderful experience that we will cherish forever.

God promised that Abram would have a son and as many descendants as the stars; in return, Abram believed in God and trusted him. We created artwork inspired by this.

The children in the Oasis Room (SEND provision) learnt about Lent through music and drama.  We listened to Hosanna and the children waved their palms with enthusiasm and joy.  The children watched a short animation of the Last Supper and then then adults showed an act of service by washing the children's feet just as Jesus did.  We then shared bread just as Jesus did at the last meal he shared with his disciples.  It was a very spiritual week in the Oasis - Specific highlights were - Divina asked to watch Jesus and was talking to Jesus with a microphone made from Number Blocks.  Kerry Ann and Nana Kwabena really enjoying Hosanna and wanting it on repeat constantly.  

Congratulations to our Year 6 children who were Confirmed last week.  May the Gifts of the Holy Spirit be upon you all as you continue in your faith journey.  

Miss Leonard and Miss Taylor had the privilege of accompanying our Jubilee Delegates as they journeyed to Bolton Abbey as part of our Jubilee 2025 Year of Hope celebrations. We joined Father Whitwell, and members of St Francis of Assisi Primary School and were blessed with beautiful weather, stunning scenery along with an incredible day together to mark this holy year. What a memorable and prayerful experience on our journey of faith. God bless all our twelve KS2 children who accompanied us on the day, along with Father Whitwell and Shady who guided us so well.

The children had a wonderful time visiting St Anthony's Church. Father Whitwell eagerly awaited us and showed us all the special parts of our Church. We found out all about the different statues, why the altar is so important and we even got to look closely at the font and the Paschal candle - spotting the date and the alpha and omega signs on it!  What an amazing time we had. Thank you Father Whitwell, we are already looking forward to our next visit. 

Congratulations to our amazing Chamber Choir who performed the story of Jonah for the rest of the school in whole school worship. We are all incredibly proud of the work that the children do each week with the wonderful guidance of Mr Leech. We look forward to hearing you again at our Carol Service in December.   

A huge thank you to everyone for supporting our Macmillan Coffee morning. We raised £423.97 which is a phenomenal amount! Well done to our Mini Vinnies for successfully leading our first event!

Our Year 6 Mini Vinnies are turning their concerns into action by appealing to our community for support in providing food to those less fortunate than ourselves. All donations will be delivered to local foodbanks and the St Vincent de Paul centre in Leeds. The Mini Vinnies have also organised a Brighten Up for Cafod Day as they seek to raise funds for overseas development.

As part of our 'Faith Week', Year 4 were very lucky to have the opportunity to visit the local Sikh Gurdwara. This is the place where Sikhs come together for congregational worship.  Mr Deagon welcomed us and led a guided tour.  He explained what makes the Gurdwara a special place and helped us to understand the main beliefs of Sikhism.  He showed us the five symbols, called the five Ks that all Sikhs wear to show their devotion to their faith.  This was a wonderful experience that helped us to further our understanding of the Sikh religion.

Inspired by our RE topic, 'The Early Christians' we thought about how the disciples might have felt after the events of Easter.  We reflected on the gifts and symbolism of the Holy Spirit and discussed how this gave the disciples the courage and ability to spread the 'Good News' throughout the world.  
 

Year 2 Visit Church

On Monday 28th March, Year 2 deepened their knowledge and understanding of 'The Mass' by visiting St Anthony's Church and Father Whitwell. We explored around the Church and looked for signs and symbols which remind us of the Last Supper. We talked through different parts of the Mass with Father Whitwell and explored the deep meanings within each symbol. Afterwards, we were extremely lucky to go into the blessed Sacristy, where Father Whitwell discussed his sacred vestments with us. Tomorrow on Tuesday 29th March, we will visit Church together to celebrate our first class mass with members of the parish.

A special visit from Father Whitwell

Year 2 had a wonderful afternoon listening to and learning from Father Whitwell. We shared our special learning from our current RE topic, 'The Mass' and discussed the link between the Last Supper and the Consecration. We explored different parts of the Mass together and asked Father Whitwell lots of questions. We felt truly blessed to share our learning with Father Whitwell and we look forward to visiting St Anthony's Church on Monday to learn more about the Mass, ahead of our Year 2 Class Mass on Tuesday.

Our Lenten Journey continued today as Key Stage 2 went to Ash Wednesday Mass.  Father Whitwell spoke to us all about fasting and giving to charity this time to help us to prepare spiritually for Easter.  As the Pope requested, the Mass was offered for the people of the Ukraine and parish school. The  children were absolutely amazing and behaved impeccably throughout and we were very proud of them all.  A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who came to celebrate Holy Mass with us too - it was lovely to see so many parishioners back in church with us.  

Congratulations to those members of Year 6 who were recently Confirmed at St. Anthony's Church.  It was a lovely celebration. May you continue to grow and show the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 
God Bless you all. 

This morning (5th January 2022) our wonder Year 6 Mini Vinnies led Collective Worship for Key Stage 1 and then for Lower Key Stage 2. They used the CAFOD Epiphany worship as a guide and spoke to the children about how they all can all use their special gifts to make others happy and feel welcome.  We are so proud of all three girls who were so confident and led Worship perfectly! Well done!! 

A huge THANK YOU to our Mini Vinnies and all our wonderful families who donated items for mums and babies who need our support. As always, you put the needs of others first and all your donations were gratefully received. God bless you all. 

A huge thank you to all our families who supported our Good Shepherd fundraising this year.  Two of our Mini Vinnies were honoured to present the cheque to Bishop Marcus at a special Mass at the Cathedral. It was such a special service and as always a huge privilege to be able to show how amazing our St. Anthony's Community is! God bless you all. 

Our Harvest Festival:

A huge well done to our wonderful Year 2 class for their beautiful Harvest Assembly.  They gave thanks for the food we eat and thanked God for all our gifts and talents. It was a momentous occasion where our Year 2 parents were able to return to school once again to watch their beautiful play. Hopefully this is a glimpse of our return to the wonderful inclusion of our parents inside the school walls. I thank all our parents for your wonderful Harvest donations this week, these will be shared with our local food banks and SVP.

Our Chamber Choir visited The Leeds Cathedral on 24th June 2021 to sing a repertoire of songs for The Annual Headteacher's Mass with The Bishop of Leeds. The children sung a large repertoire of secular songs including:

• On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's cry (C Coffin 1676-1749)
• Gloria
• As I went down to the river to pray (Trad Arr; Alex Kyle)
• The Sanctus (Missa Mundi, John Duggan)
• The Agnes Dei (Missa Mundi, John Duggan)
• Brother James' Air (James Bain, Arr, Gordon Jacob)
• Alleluia, Sing to Jesus (W. Chatterton Dix 1837-1898)

The standard was extraordinary, praised by The Bishop of Leeds and many Head Teachers in our Diocese, with one noted below:

"It was noticeable that not only did the children sing some quite complex repertoire in parts, in tune and with confidence, but they were also clearly paying close attention to their MD, which shows a very professional attitude! Outstanding St Anthony's!"

I am so proud of you all Chamber Choir!

We wish to share some wonderful news - Congratulations Harry (Year 2) and all his family who were baptised at St Anthony’s last Friday. Following a period of catechesis and commitment, inspired by both Mrs Corah and our school and parish family, they have each been welcomed into God’s family. We congratulate Harry and his brother, as well as his mum and grandma. God bless you all. True evangelisation guided by St Anthony. We will keep you all in our prayers.