Lent

Our Lenten Journey as a School Community

Lent is an important season in our school’s faith life, and we begin it together with a thoughtful and meaningful Ash Wednesday assembly. This special gathering marks the start of our Lenten journey and helps us prepare our hearts and minds for the weeks ahead.

Ash Wednesday in School

To begin the day, Father FitzGerald joins us in school to lead our assembly and teach us about the significance of Ash Wednesday. He explains how this day marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, reminding us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. Through stories, prayer, and reflection, pupils learn why Lent is a time for thinking deeply, making positive choices, and growing closer to God.

Reflecting on Our Lenten Promises

During the assembly, pupils are invited to pause and reflect on what their Lenten promise might be. This could be choosing to help others, giving up something meaningful, or finding small ways to show kindness each day. We encourage everyone to think respectfully and prayerfully about how they can make a difference during this season.

Receiving Ashes

As a school community, we receive ashes on our foreheads as a sign of humility, hope, and renewal. This simple but powerful symbol reminds us of the importance of Lent and encourages us to walk through the season with intention and compassion.

Walking Together Through Lent

Throughout the 40 days, we continue our journey with prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness. Lent becomes a shared experience across the school—one that helps us grow in faith, strengthen our community, and prepare joyfully for Easter.

Putting Faith into Action: Our Lenten Charity Work

Lent is a time of growth, kindness, and service, and our school community comes together each year to support those in need. As part of our commitment to living out our faith, we support CAFOD through their Walk for Lent initiative.

Supporting CAFOD’s Work

CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) works with communities around the world to end extreme poverty and global injustice. Our fundraising focuses on helping young families in Ethiopia who do not have easy access to clean water. Many families walk long distances each day to collect safe water. Through our donations, CAFOD can build water cisterns that bring clean water closer to home, transforming daily life for these communities.

We take part in this initiative as a way for our pupils to put their faith into action. By walking, raising money, and learning about global issues, our children support our brothers and sisters around the world and help bring hope to those most in need.

Weekly Lenten Walks

Each week during Lent, every class takes part in a dedicated walk as part of the Walk for Lent challenge. Families are warmly invited to join their child’s class and walk alongside them.

Weekly Walk Schedule

• Monday, 10am — Nursery & Reception

• Monday, 11am — Year 1

• Tuesday, 11am — Year 2

• Wednesday, 11am — Year 3

• Thursday, 11am — Year 4

• Friday, 11am — Year 5 & Year 6

To celebrate everyone’s efforts, we also hold a whole-school walk during Lent. Children may wear comfortable clothing and footwear, along with something green (CAFOD’s colour) or brightly coloured.

Families can support our fundraising through the ParentPay app. Every donation—large or small—helps us make a real difference to families living in extreme poverty.

Celebrating Creativity: Easter Competitions

As we approach the end of Lent, we celebrate the joy and hope of Easter with two creative competitions.

Easter Bonnet Competition (EYFS, Year 1 & Year 2)

Children are invited to design and create their own Easter bonnet or hat. 

Decorate-an-Egg Competition (Years 3–6)

KS2 pupils can take part in our decorate-an-egg competition

Entries for both competitions are brought into school during the final week of Lent. We then hold a parade in the school yard, where parents and carers are welcome to attend. A boy and a girl from each year group are chosen as winners and receive an Easter prize