Dear Families and Friends,

You may have heard the summer half-term holiday referred to as "Whit Week" or "Whitsuntide". This old name comes from Whit Sunday, another term for Pentecost - a key celebration in the Christian calendar. This year, Pentecost falls on Sunday. Pentecost marks the moment when Christians remember the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. Fifty days after Easter, as the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, God sent the Holy Spirit to empower them - just as Jesus had promised. The book of Acts records this event: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
(Acts 2:4) Traditionally, many people were baptised on Pentecost and wore white clothing, symbolising new life and purity - hence the term “White Sunday” or “Whitsun”. In school, we've been talking to the children about the time and effort it takes to achieve something worthwhile. But we’ve also been honest: sometimes, even our best efforts aren’t enough on their own. We all need help. Jesus understood this. Before His death and resurrection, He told His followers: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16–17) The Holy Spirit is described in the Bible as a Helper, Comforter, Counsellor, and Advocate - someone who strengthens us from within, guides our choices, and reminds us of God’s truth. Pentecost reminds us that we were never meant to do life alone. Whether you are a pupil trying hard in school, a teacher aiming to meet the needs of all the children in your class, or a parent juggling the demands of family life and work, the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to all who ask (Luke 11:13). Why not ask, and you might be surprised by the peace, strength, and guidance He brings.

Our parent feedback form is open until Wednesday. If you are yet to complete this short form, please do so in the coming days.

At our PTA meeting on Thursday, we finalised our plans for the Summer Fayre. We need your help to make this another successful and fun event. Further publicity will be shared in the coming days. Raffle tickets are being printed and will be available in advance of the day - and there are some amazing prizes available!

Upcoming events:

• Summer Sing: Tuesday 10th June (Whitely Bay Playhouse)
• New Parents' Meeting: Thursday 26th June (Teaching Hall)
• Annual Reports Home: Friday 4th July
• Peter Pan Production: Thursday 10th and Friday 11th July (PE Hall)
• Move-Up Morning: Tuesday 15th July
• KS1 Sports' Day: Wednesday 16th July (afternoon)
• Leavers' Service: Wednesday 16th July @ 2pm (Church)
• Early Years Sports' Day: Thursday 17th July (morning)
• KS2 Sports' Day: Thursday 17th July (afternoon)

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Restall & The St Bart's Team