The Spring term has started with a degree of uncertainty; some children and staff are beginning 2021 working from home, whilst others are in school. Regardless of where we find ourselves in terms of our day to day environment, we are united in being part of the St Catherine’s community.

This term, our Christian values focus on Service for the first half of the term and Forgiveness in the second as we move towards Easter.

There are many aspects of the word ‘service’ that spring to mind – including the work of those who are part of the emergency services and whose daily tasks involve ‘serving’ those in need. At this time, we also consider those working within the NHS whose service we have been especially indebted to over the past year. Within this theme, we can learn from examples of those in the Bible such as Jonah and some of the first disciples, for whom service was far from easy and who were at times, understandably reluctant servers! As we contemplate this value, we may also think about people who serve our local community, including our school, and perhaps think about our own role within our community and how we may be of service to others.

In the weeks leading to Easter, we will once again be reminded of the Easter story; from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection – along the way learning of the role of his disciples and others who were involved in these events. There are many lessons to be learned about forgiveness from this period, which we may also be able to apply to our lives today

In addition, we will be considering the story from the Bible that we believe illustrates our vision really well – that of Jesus calling the first disciples as told in Luke’s gospel – chapter 5 verses 1 – 11. The disciples left their familiar surroundings and livelihood for something completely new and unknown – but were bold enough to take that step to follow Jesus. Our vision, urging us to ‘Aim high’ sometimes also requires stepping into the unknown in order to explore what is new.

Within our consideration of this term’s British value, we will be thinking about how we demonstrate our understanding of individual liberty whilst showing mutual respect and tolerance towards one another. This includes an acceptance and inclusion of all, including raising awareness of different cultures, beliefs and religions. This term, sees the start of the Chinese new year on 12th February which this year is the year of the Ox. In the second half of the term, the festival of Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.

Although we are still not able to welcome families into school due to Coronavirus restrictions, we continue to encourage you to contact us via the admin@stcaths.herts.sch.uk email address, by phone or text if you have any queries or comments that you would like to share.

We look forward to being able to come together physically as a school community once it is safe to do so.

Mrs Wallis

Headteacher