Throughout November, the All Hallows Catholic High School community united in prayer, reflection and service, expressing its Catholic values of remembrance and action.

 

On Remembrance Day, students and staff gathered in the Arts Theatre - streamed live into every classroom - for a moving whole-school service. Many chose to wear their uniforms, representing the Army Cadets, RAF Cadets, Scouts and Girl Guides, showing the spirit of dedication and service that continues among our young people.

 

The service opened with student-led prayers and a reading from the book of Isaiah, calling us to be instruments of peace in the world. This was followed by a Gospel reading reflecting Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you,” a reminder of the compassion and unity at the heart of the Catholic faith.

 

Year 11 students then read In Flanders Fields, after which The Last Post signalled the beginning of two minutes of silence held respectfully across the school. A poppy wreath was laid by uniformed students and staff, and the reading of Rupert Brooke’s The Soldier provided a final moment of solemn reflection before the closing prayer.

 

Throughout the week, pupils also took time in daily prayer to remember loved ones who have passed away. Names were written on cut-out leaves and placed on the Remembrance Tree in the school foyer.

 

In a separate celebration of community and service, the Youth SVP hosted a wonderful fundraising concert at St Teresa’s. Students from all year groups performed alongside the adult community choir, offering exceptional performances and selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the Christmas dinner for local parishioners. Their dedication, talent and generosity were warmly rewarded with a standing ovation.

 

Together, these moments reflect the heart of All Hallows: faith in action, remembrance, and generous community spirit.