G.I.F.T. TEAM

Growing in Faith Together

The role of the GIFT Team is…

• To help the school family to be a living community of faith

• To encourage the pupils to live their faith through Gospel Values daily in their work and play

• To make sure that displays reflect the Catholic Life of our school

• To support liturgy, prayer and the spiritual life of the school

• To plan and lead assemblies and prayer services

• To lead lunchtime liturgy in classes or worship and Bible stories in the Prayer Area

• To help the teachers evaluate Catholic Life and RE at SSMJ

• To plan and involve other pupils in fundraising for charity

• To continue to develop strong links with our Parish and community

• To support the school in its Mission

2023 - 2024

Three Parish Event 29th Feb 2024

On Thursday 29th February 2024, a group of pupils from each of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic parish primary schools came together to learn more about our Diocese and our parish community. We began the day at the largest of our parish schools, St Michael’s & St John’s, followed by St Mary’s Sabden and finishing at Thorneyholme Dunsop Bridge. At each school, we joined in a Celebration of the Word and tour of the school, both led by the pupils. Parishioners Mr Vincent Murray and Mrs Anne Precious led the tours of our parish churches. All the children and staff enjoyed their day and found out so much about their parish schools and churches.

Since our return in September 2023, we helped to write bidding prayers for our New School Year Mass and we read at Mass.  We led prayers for Saint Michael at our Celebration Assembly on 29th September.  We have launched Bible Band, which is a weekly Bible story club.

On the 3rd October 2023, some of our team were fortunate enough to meet Bishop John Arnold at the Hope in the Future Celebration at Wigan.