Newcastle primary hosts community Remembrance Day event

There was a warm welcome for everyone, when a school in Newcastle asked members of the community to join staff and children in marking Remembrance Day.

St Alban’s Catholic Primary, which has been hosting Mass in the School Hall while the parish church building has heating problems, invited Father Jonathan Bowes and his parishioners from Christ the King Partnership to a special, commemorative service.

“The St Alban’s school community came together to mark Remembrance Sunday with a moving, whole-school liturgy, led by Mrs Joanne Gosling, our Religious Education Lead,” said Ciara Yeoman, Headteacher at the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“The service was a time of reflection, prayer, and unity, as pupils, staff, and parishioners gathered to honour all those who have given their lives in service to others.

“The event reflects the close relationship between St Alban’s School and our parish, as we regularly host bi-weekly Masses within the school, strengthening the bond between parish and school family.”

Pupils from all Year Groups were involved in the event, using their creative talents to produce colourful, commemorative displays.

“In preparation for the liturgy, every child across the school decorated a poppy, symbolising the poppy fields of remembrance, and representing peace, hope, and gratitude,” continued Mrs Yeoman.

“These individual poppies were then brought together to create beautiful wreaths, which were placed reverently on the altar during the service, as a sign of respect for all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The school entrance was similarly decorated with poppies, while another poignant touch was the inclusion of a Book of Remembrance.

“A Book of Remembrance has also been placed in the school hall, where pupils, staff, and visitors can write the names of loved ones, or messages of peace, ensuring that those who lost their lives to war or in service are never forgotten,” added Mrs Yeoman.

“The liturgy provided a meaningful opportunity for the entire St Alban’s community to pause, reflect, and pray together – reminding everyone of the importance of peace, gratitude, and remembrance in our daily lives.”

Other BBCET members commemorating Remembrance Day included St Robert’s Catholic First School, St Oswald’s Catholic Primary, St Lawrence’s Catholic Primary, St John Vianney Catholic Primary, St Mary’s Catholic School, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, and St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School.