Poppies and prayers as Gosforth pupils remember

Poppies and prayers marked the occasion when children from a Gosforth school joined a Remembrance Sunday service at Sacred Heart Church.

The Key Stage 2 pupils from St Oswald’s Catholic Primary impressed fellow attendees with their involvement in the event, which included the youngsters leading prayers at the graves of fallen soldiers in the adjoining cemetery.

“Parishioners were deeply moved by the children’s involvement, with one writing to the school to say that the pupils ‘each played a significant part in making Remembrance Sunday a memorable occasion’,” said Katie Morris, Deputy Headteacher at St Oswald’s, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“The message went on to praise the children, noting how they ‘led prayers at the graves of the soldiers with quiet dignity, poise, and confidence’, and that many adults found it to be ‘a truly moving experience’.”

Back in school, there was also a special assembly, where children across all age groups came together for a Remembrance Day Reflection led by St Oswald’s Year 2 Teacher and RE Co-ordinator, Sonya Mooney.

“The whole school gathered to remember and honour those who gave their lives in service,” added Mrs Morris.

“The children showed great reverence and respect, as they observed the minute’s silence, wearing their poppies with pride.”

Among other BBCET members commemorating Remembrance Day were St Robert’s Catholic First School, St Lawrence’s Catholic Primary, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, and St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School.