Please follow the link below to access the latest Weekly Worship from One Life Music.

https://youtu.be/H6nKkS4GwKs 

On the twentieth of March, twenty-twenty,

I was told that I had to shut school,

I really did not want to close us,

But had to follow the Government’s big rule.

I knew it was going to be difficult,

And it all felt so scary and unknown,

But we made the most of our last day together,

Before I sent you all off, safely home.

We’ve still been here for a few children,

Making sure that they have a great time,

Doing things that we don’t always get time for,

In the great outdoors, under beaming sunshine.

I’ve missed you so much since you left us,

And I think of you in all that I do,

Nothing seems quite right with no children,

And I can’t wait to be reunited with you.

I miss the daily ‘hello’ and ‘welcome’,

And the big rush to all get inside,

Seeing no bags and coats hanging down on the pegs,

The corridors just feel empty and wide.

Daily phonics has stopped with your teachers,

When you learn how to read, spell and write,

The pride on your faces as you learn new words,

And knowing that you’re getting it right!

Daily worship in the hall is missing,

When we gather, talk, listen and share,

Coming as one to give praise and thanks,

Sing songs, reflect and say our prayers.

Our playground is big, grey and empty,

And school is all lonely and bare,

Your games and your chatter are missing,

Spaces are just not right now you’re not there.

I can’t hear you counting and adding,

As you learn in your daily maths time,

There’s no sorting shapes or using measuring tapes,

Or singing and chanting number rhymes.

At lunch the big hall sits all silent,

With the tables and chairs packed away,

They’ve all been cleaned, ‘til they sparkle,

For you to sit at on your return one day.

Science is not being studied,

And PE lessons are now on hold,

History and geography are waiting their turn,

And no children’s stories are being told.

Arts and crafts remain it the cupboard,

Musical instruments can’t play by themselves,

Library books sit there unopened,

Gathering dust on the wooden book shelves.

What’s still here are your wonderful workbooks,

Great displays with your work on the walls,

The photos of reading and writing,

And playing with big bats and balls.

And all the love that I have for you all going nowhere,

It’s safely locked deep down inside,

So when all the germs have been sent far away,

You’ll be here, safely back by my side.

Dan and Emily from One Life Music have recorded a liturgy for use in schools and at home which will be a weekly event from now on. It is such a wonderful way to bring us together as a community of prayer in these times.

Please follow the link below to access:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL-kS4ZP6hs&feature=youtu.be

At 5pm this evening the Holy Father will preside at a time of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration  from St. Peter’s Square without a congregation. As part of this liturgy Pope Francis will impart the Urbi et Orbi, blessing and will concede a Plenary Indulgence to all who participate via whatever means of communication they use. Vatican News will be live streaming the liturgy.

At 5pm this evening the Holy Father will preside at a time of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration  from St. Peter’s Square without a congregation. As part of this liturgy Pope Francis will impart the Urbi et Orbi, blessing and will concede a Plenary Indulgence to all who participate via whatever means of communication they use. Vatican News will be live streaming the liturgy.

Do you as a parent or carer at home with your children during the school shut down, feel that you need someone to talk to about how you can cope with this challenging time for families?

Birmingham Educational Psychology Service is providing a telephone helpline for any parent or carers of children, who feel they would benefit from a consultation with a psychologist to support them with any concerns arising at this time, for them or their families.

Areas of concern you may wish to discuss could include:

· Anxiety around the current situation and its impact on your children and family.

· Supporting you to support your children’s emotional needs.

· Concerns about family relationships.

· Concerns about friendships, learning, daily structure and activities.

· How to best look after yourself so you can support your children.

The concerns can be related to school or family life.

You will be offered an initial telephone consultation of 30 minutes with a psychologist and a potential follow up session of another 30-minute consultation at a later date. These will be Monday-Friday, within standard working hours.

If you would like to access this service please email: Stephanie.Bowen@birmingham.gov.uk with the following information:

· Your name

· The telephone number you would like to be contacted on.

· The name of your child’s school.

· Times and dates you are not available for a consultation.

· Whether an interpreter is required for you to access this service.

We will aim to get back to you within 2 working days to confirm a time and date for your consultation.

This service will, as far as possible, be confidential.

Please access the link below for guidance about keeping your children safe whilst online.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/