Children at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Midsomer Norton have taken part in a thoughtful celebration to mark the closing of the Door of Hope, a major moment in the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.
The whole school, which is part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, joined others worldwide in reflecting on what hope means and how it can be shared at school, at home and within the wider community.
Walking, reflecting and gathering symbols
Pupils made a pilgrimage on school grounds, pausing for prayer and collecting symbols to help them think about how they can bring hope into their daily lives. The activities encouraged children to consider their role in spreading kindness, support and positive action.
In the afternoon, learning across year groups focused on Catholic Social Teaching. Pupils explored how hope connects to issues both locally and globally, from looking after their school community to caring for the planet.
Linking faith to real-world action
Children took part in a wide range of activities, including creating posters, writing prayers and examining global issues using statistics from CAFOD. Discussions also covered climate change and the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
As a UN Rights Respecting School, pupils also linked their reflections to children’s rights, thinking about the right to be heard, the responsibility to respect others and the importance of a safe and healthy environment.
Headteacher Ellen Croker said, “Reflecting on hope gives our pupils the chance to think about themselves, their communities, and the wider world. Through prayer and action, they learn how to make a positive difference and live out the values at the heart of our school.”
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, added, “It’s wonderful to see our pupils exploring hope and thinking about what it means in their lives. Experiences like this help them understand how they can care for others and make a positive difference in their community.”
