Today, Tuesday 20th January 2026, was a truly special and joyful day for our St Sebastian’s family as we came together to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint. It was wonderful to see our church filled with children from Year 1 to Year 6, alongside staff, Governors, families and parishioners, all united in prayer, reflection and celebration.

Our Feast Day Mass was led by Fr Liam and beautifully supported by the Year 3 children. Through confident and thoughtful drama, Year 3 shared the story of St Sebastian and showed us how he remained faithful to God with great determination and courage. His life reflects the Gospel values we encourage every day at St Sebastian’s, especially being faithful, standing firm in what is right and trusting in God even when it is difficult.

These values link closely to our school motto: Only my best will do, be kind to one another. St Sebastian reminds us that giving our best means living our faith with integrity and determination and that kindness and love for others are at the heart of the Gospel.

Each class brought forward a gift to the altar, symbolising our learning, our faith and how we continue to grow together as one community.

• Our EYFS children created a colourful handprints banner focused on growing strong together. The handprints reminded us that we are all created by God and that even the smallest hands are valued and loved within his family.
• Year 1 shared a values shield representing the gifts God gives us, including kindness, friendship and love.
• Year 2 offered a courageous heart inspired by St Sebastian’s bravery, reminding us to be determined and faithful when making the right choices.
• Year 3 presented a fact scroll, showing what they had learnt about the life of St Sebastian and the importance of knowing our faith.
• Year 4 shared beautiful artwork illustrating key moments from his life, telling his story of faith, strength and loyalty to God through creativity.
• Year 5 reflected on the thoughts and feelings of those who witnessed St Sebastian’s life, reminding us that living out our faith can inspire others, even in challenging times.
• Year 6 presented Faith in Action, focusing on the promises made at baptism and how we live the Gospel through our words and actions each day.

Throughout the day, our children also enjoyed learning about St Sebastian as the patron saint of sport, especially our EYFS children who took part in a range of sporting activities, celebrating strength, perseverance and teamwork.

We ended our Feast Day with a shared chocolate treat for all our children and staff, a simple but joyful way to celebrate together.

Days like today remind me how proud I am of our St Sebastian’s community, striving to give our best, showing kindness to one another and living our faith with determination and love.

What a wonderful day of celebration, inspired by our patron saint, Sebastian!