Harvest Festival Assembly 2026 – Giving Thanks and Sharing God’s Gifts

In October 2026, our school community came together for a special Harvest Festival Assembly, celebrating God’s wonderful gifts and reflecting on our responsibility to care for others and our common home. Through prayer, Scripture, reflection and song, the children explored Jesus’ message in Matthew 25:35-40, reminding us that when we feed the hungry, welcome others and show kindness, we are living out our Christian faith.

We gave thanks for the food we enjoy, the people who grow and prepare it, and the beauty of God’s creation. A particular highlight was our generous Harvest collection for New Zion Food Bank in Welwyn Garden City, which will support local individuals and families experiencing difficult times.

The assembly encouraged everyone to recognise that even the smallest acts of generosity can make an extraordinary difference when we work together. Inspired by our Harvest challenge to “THANK - SHARE - CARE,” we were reminded of our school mission: “We learn to love and love to learn with Jesus.” Through our collective generosity, we celebrated the true spirit of Harvest: gratitude, compassion, stewardship and a commitment to sharing God’s gifts with those in need.

                  

                 

Our chaplaincy team brought prayer, faith and reflection into the heart of the Our Lady of the Rosary assembly. We took time to pray together, grow closer to God and support one another in faith.

Our wonderful Chaplaincy Team led the Rosary at lunchtime, bringing our school community together in reflection and prayer.

 

A wonderful Gospel Assembly this morning led by Mr Curry. This week we listened to the Gospel of Matthew 22:1-10 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast. 

Our Wednesday Word was INVITATION

Mr Curry reminded us that this is exactly what God does for us. God invites every single one of us to be close to him. His invitation is filled with love, mercy and joy, and it is never withdrawn.  He doesn't just invite the perfect - He invites everyone.

Today, in our Gospel Assembly led by Mr Curry, we were reminded that God has entrusted us with His vineyard and called us to bear good fruit for the Lord. Through the Fruits of the Holy Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – we were encouraged to live lives that reflect Christ and bring glory to God.  May we faithfully use what God has entrusted to us and bear Good Fruit for His Kingdom.

              

Thank you to Canon Norbert for blessing our Year 3 children's new Bibles.

A beautiful milestone in their faith journey as they begin to explore the Word of God more deeply. May these Bibles guide, inspire and comfort them in the years ahead.

 

Thank you to Canon Norbert for commissioning and blessing our Chaplaincy Team.

Our wonderful children have said ‘yes’ to serving our school community with faith, kindness and joy. We are so proud of them and pray that God guides them as they lead us in prayer and live out our Gospel values.

   

Thank you Mrs Avery for leading our Gospel Assembly today on the theme of Change, reflecting on Matthew 21:28-32 -The Parable of the Two Sons.

In the Gospel, one son says ‘no’ but then changes his mind and does what his father asked. The other says ‘yes’ but does not follow through. Mrs Avery reminded us that God loves a changed heart. It’s never too late to change our mind, make a better choice, and do what is right.

Today we thought about:

Am I showing love through my actions, not just my words?

Where can I have a change of heart this week?

         

 

Beginning of Term Mass

What a beautiful way to begin the new term, celebrating Mass on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.

A heartfelt thank you to Canon Norbert for celebrating with us and for sharing such a meaningful reflection.

We are so proud of our children, who read, reflected and sang beautifully, contributing so wonderfully to our celebration.

May the new term be filled with faith, joy, learning and growth for us.

                                                      

We were delighted to begin the new school year with a special assembly led by Mr Curry, who introduced our new Catholic Social Teaching theme: Care for Creation.
Drawing on Pope Francis’ call for us to be responsible stewards of our common home, the assembly encouraged us to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation and our responsibility to protect and nurture it. As a school community, we look forward to exploring practical ways in which we can care for our environment, value the world around us, and make choices that show respect for creation and for one another.
Together, we can make a difference – caring for our common home, one small action at a time.    

                 

 

Mr Curry led our Gospel Assembly, reflecting on Matthew's Gospel and reminding us that God wants us to keep growing—in faith, kindness, and love. Through listening to God's Word, we were encouraged to think about how we can become more like Jesus each day.

              

    This week our Year 6 pupils gathered for their Leavers’ Mass, celebrated by Canon Norbert. It was a beautiful and reflective occasion as the children gave thanks for their time at Our Lady Catholic Primary School, sharing memories, prayers, and reflections on their journey through school life. As we prepare to say goodbye to this special group of pupils, we celebrate all that they have achieved and wish them every blessing and success as they begin the next chapter of their education.

             

             

This week's Gospel Assembly, led by Mr Curry, was based on Matthew 11:  25-30 and focused on the word "Companion." The children reflected on Jesus' invitation to come to Him and how He walks alongside us as our companion, offering comfort, guidance, and strength.
The children listened attentively and shared thoughtful reflections on how they can be good companions to others by showing kindness, compassion, friendship, and support in their everyday lives.

This afternoon we gathered together with Canon Norbert for a beautiful celebration at our Special Mass for our Year 3 children who recently received their First Holy Communion. We are so proud of each of them as they continue their faith journey. A special congratulations to our readers, who proclaimed God's Word with confidence and reverence, and to our talented actors, who gave wonderful performances and helped bring the Gospel message to life.
 

 

Our Gospel Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect upon the immeasurable love of God — a love that reaches every heart and unites us in faith and purpose. May we continue to embody His message of compassion, understanding, and grace.           

Crowning of Mary Service
We gathered to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in this special Crowning of Mary service. Through scripture, prayer, and reflection, we remembered Mary’s faith, humility, and loving “yes” to God’s call. As the crown was placed upon her, we gave thanks for her example of devotion and asked for her prayers for our community, our families, and the wider world. May this celebration inspire us to follow Christ with the same trust, compassion, and hope that Mary showed throughout her life.