Our Church Community
Core Value Newsletters
Heathlands Primary School and St Mary's Church have a wonderful link very much treasured by pupils, staff and parents alike. With regular visits to the Church throughout the year and Reverend Mandy regularly attending and conducting Acts of Worship in school. As well as services throughout the year, St Mary's also host many activities based around our community. Our Community also stretches across the world to our twin school in Kenya, Ack Kathari. We have enjoyed visits from the Head Teacher of Ack Kathari and likewise some of our teachers have made the journey to Kenya to meet the children and teachers at their wonderful school.
Reverend Dr Amanda Elmes
West Bergholt History Day - July 2019
As part of West Bergholt History Day, all children in Reception walked across the fields to Saint Mary’s Old Church.
Here, they were greeted by Nicole Long, a member of the church community. Nicole talked about the age of the church (1000 years!) and pointed out some of the differences between the old church and the new church in our village, such as the fact that there are no electrical lights in the old church; pews provide the seating; there is no running water there and that the walls were built with stone, not bricks. The children listened carefully and asked some very valid questions.
Next they set off in groups to find the wooden church mice which have been hidden around the church. This provided a chance to explore the alter, the balcony and even behind the organ.
The children loved it and we were very impressed with their behaviour both on the hot walk there and back but also inside the church.
The EYFS Team
Here, they were greeted by Nicole Long, a member of the church community. Nicole talked about the age of the church (1000 years!) and pointed out some of the differences between the old church and the new church in our village, such as the fact that there are no electrical lights in the old church; pews provide the seating; there is no running water there and that the walls were built with stone, not bricks. The children listened carefully and asked some very valid questions.
Next they set off in groups to find the wooden church mice which have been hidden around the church. This provided a chance to explore the alter, the balcony and even behind the organ.
The children loved it and we were very impressed with their behaviour both on the hot walk there and back but also inside the church.
The EYFS Team
Easter Service at St Mary's Church 1st April 2019
Christingle Service at St Mary's Church 17th December 2018
The Worship Team led a fantastic service at St Mary's church with the support of Mrs Jeffery. Children once again came to the church in pairs of House groups with all 417 children in attendance across the three services.
Musician's from the school played festive tunes as the parents, carers and parents came into the service, during which the children learnt about the Christingles that they had made in the morning, the Children's society and the story of Jesus' birth through story, song and puppetry.
Many thanks to all who attended and supported us today and to Reverend Mandy for inviting us!
Harvest Festival at St Mary's Church
8th October 2018
The Harvest Festival service was incredibly well supported at St Mary's Church. Across the three services all 417 of the children took part in the service and were keenly watched by around 150 adults and younger visitors from Bluebells Nursery. Along with hymns, personal reflection and prayer, members of the Worship Team and School Council, with the support of Mrs Jeffery and Mrs White, taught us about how we can care for God's planet through our 'Zero Waste' and 'Fair Trade' projects this year.