GIFT Team
Welcome to our official 'Growing In Faith Together' team page!
Our GIFT Team members are children in Year 5 & Year 6, who promote the Catholic Ethos of our school. They are a very dedicated team who have a vital role in enhancing the Religious and Spiritual Life of our school. Their roles include delivering class Prayer and Worship, leading prayers and reflections in assemblies and Liturgical events and supporting charities and fundraising events.
Our GIFT Team members are also good role models for the younger pupils in our school, and we are very proud of them. Our GIFT Team were commissioned by Father Derek in October 2023.
GIFT Team Newsletters
CLICK HERE to access our latest newsletters.
Epiphany Liturgy 2024
The GIFT Team led an Epiphany Liturgy in January 2024, sharing important facts about the arrival of the Kings to Bethlehem. They demonstrated how to create an epiphany blessing by chalking the doors of each classroom.
Stations of the Cross 2023
In the lead up to Holy Week, each class visited our Prayer Garden and prayed the Stations of the Cross, led by our GIFT Team. The children designed and created the icons in 2022 and a team of parent volunteers kindly installed them outside.
Lenten Fundraising 2023
During Lent, we have supported the Catholic Children’s Society. The CCS visited the school for an assembly where they shared an overview of their work and explained to the children the practical ways that they can help. They clearly explained Pope Francis’ call to build bridges: “Build bridges, not walls... talk to one another, listen to each other, walk together.” Each child received a collection box on Ash Wednesday and in addition we observed the CCS’ Day of Action and held a fundraising day on 24th March. Each year group took part in a different activity including: crazy hair day, a sponsored no-tech day, a disco and a bake sale.
Fundraising 2023
In response to the earthquakes in Turkey and Northern Syria we held an own clothes day in February where we raised funds for CAFOD. Many of our Turkish and Syrian families were grateful to see us put fundraising in place so quickly, as they suffered great personal loss.
GIFT Team Assembly 2023
In January 2023, our GIFT Team led a whole school assembly about the Beatitudes. They also set the whole school a challenge of being peacekeepers on the playground. Do you think our children rose to their Mission?
Catholic Children's Society Advent Service
Our GIFT Team were invited to Nativity Service in Westminster Cathedral to support the Catholic Children's Society (CCS). It was such a joy to celebrate with Bishop Sherrington and all the children from across the Diocese.
If you would like to donate to the CCS, please visit:
https://www.cathchild.org.uk/donate
Advent Fundraising 2023
The collection of donations in the last few weeks has provided £264.34 for CAFOD from collections after the Nativities, and £273.74 for St Luke’s Hospice, from the combined collections at the Choir VA Carol Service and also the Carol Singing at Waitrose.
Month of the Holy Rosary
During October, the GIFT Team led the Rosary every Friday with each class. The intention of our prayers was for peace in Ukraine.
Harvest Collection 2023
Our GIFT Team have helped to coordinate our Harvest Collection this year. Our donations were taken to a local food bank, who were very pleased. We recorded the heaviest weight of donations for the whole month!
