“True human connection helps us to grow and brings hope.” Pope Francis

As part of our commitment to supporting wellbeing and continuing to strengthen relationships within our local community, we invited our school family to support Samaritans on Brew Monday, the third Monday in January. Brew Monday is a national reminder of the importance of reaching out, sharing a cuppa and taking time to talk and truly listen to one another.

We were delighted to welcome a small group of parents who came into school for a cuppa, biscuit and a relaxed catch up. Such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, providing a valuable opportunity to pause, connect and support one another. These simple moments reflect our belief that strong relationships and human connection are central to a happy and caring school community.

This event was a meaningful expression of our Catholic life in action and strongly reflected our school motto, Be kind to one another. By opening our doors and creating time to talk, listen and be together, we strengthened the sense of care and belonging at the heart of our school. Opportunities like this remind us of the importance of looking out for one another and continuing to build a supportive, compassionate and connected school community where everyone feels valued and heard.

SAMARITAN'S ADVICE

How to reach out to someone

Reaching out to someone could help them know that they are valued and someone cares. If you’ve noticed someone has gone quiet in the group chat or you haven’t heard from them in a while, reach out and check in. A simple message can mean a lot to someone who is going through a difficult time.

Just reaching out and asking someone how they are can give them the opportunity to open up about how they’re feeling. Don’t forget to put aside some time to catch up with them properly, maybe over a cuppa.

How to be a good listener

Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen. This could mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not trying to solve their problems.

For more suggestions about how to be a good listener, take a look at our SHUSH active listening tips and our little tips to help someone open up.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" Matthew 5:9

"A sprinkle of effort, a splash of fun and a lot of festive cheer!"

“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.” Luke 3:11

Broughton Hall Catholic High School are launching their Food Pantry initiative to support families within our local community.  

If you have anyone that you feel would benefit from Broughton Hall's Food Pantry, please contact the school directly. There is no cost for anyone who wishes to access this provision.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.”  Luke 4:16

Jubilee School Celebration – 21st November 2025
Today, it was a real privilege to gather as a whole school community to celebrate all we have achieved together in this special Jubilee Year. Guided by Pope Francis’ call to mark the Jubilee with “deep faith, lively hope and active charity,” we took time to reflect on how our children and staff have lived out these values each day.

As one of more than 1,000 schools to make a Jubilee Pledge, we reaffirmed our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and to standing alongside our global sisters and brothers. Throughout the year, our community has prayed together, deepened our understanding of global issues, supported local action and raised funds for CAFOD. I could not be more proud of the compassion and commitment our children have shown.

Throughout today, our children took part in a series of meaningful activities to explore what it means to be Pilgrims of Hope:

• Reception – God’s Wonderful World Pledge Garden: Our youngest children created a thoughtful garden of promises, thanking God for His creation and pledging to care for the world.
• Year 1 – Little Helpers, Big Hearts Pledge Chain: Year 1 worked together to make a chain of good deeds, showing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
• Year 2 – Caring for Creation Eco-Shield: Children designed shields symbolising how we can protect and care for God’s earth.
• Year 3 – Brighten Up Our World Pledge Sunbursts: Year 3 created vibrant sunbursts filled with pledges of hope and kindness.
• Year 4 – Guardians of God’s Creation Silhouette Art: Through dramatic silhouette artwork, children expressed what it means to be stewards of creation, using shape, symbolism and colour to share their message.
• Year 5 – Voices for Justice Posters: Year 5 produced powerful posters speaking up about inequalities linked to climate change, each including their own personal pledge for justice.
• Year 6 – Hope in Action Banners: Drawing on Catholic Social Teaching, our oldest children created banners showing how we can put our faith into action and bring hope to others.

We were also delighted to welcome our families and parish community into school at the end of the day for a special Celebration of the Word. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather in prayer, give thanks for all we have shared this year and look ahead with renewed hope for the year to come.

As we continue our journey as Pilgrims of Hope, let us keep sharing the light of hope and the message of God’s love. A better world needs all of us... our kindness, our courage and our willingness to act.

Together, we will keep walking forward in faith, working for a world where every person and the earth, can truly flourish.