Dear Parents and Carers,

How wonderful to end our week of learning with our celebrations of our patron saints day. St Patrick's day is celebrated on the 17th March, so two days early was just right for us. Here we are in all shades of green at the morning assembly.

Thank you to the Year 5/6 teachers, students and parents for your help planning for fun this afternoon. Thanks too, to the chair of our Community Council, Tam Prime and the fundraising team for planning the disco fun!

Did you know

• St. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland, he was actually born in Britain around the late 4th or early 5th century.

• At the age of 16, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and brought to Ireland as a slave. He spent six years working as a shepherd before escaping and returning to Britain. After his escape, Patrick had a vision in which he was called to return to Ireland as a missionary to spread Christianity among the pagan Irish.

• Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish people during his missionary work.

• St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, marks the anniversary of St. Patrick's death. It is now a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage.

• Despite popular folklore, there's no evidence that St. Patrick actually banished snakes from Ireland. It's more likely that the story is symbolic, representing his efforts to rid Ireland of pagan beliefs.

• Patrick's Name Wasn't Patrick, his birth name was Maewyn Succat. He adopted the name Patrick (or Patricius) after becoming a priest.

• St. Patrick is credited with founding numerous churches and monasteries across Ireland. These became centres of learning and played a crucial role in preserving Christianity in Ireland.

• St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, known for his role in spreading Christianity throughout the country.

• St. Patrick died on March 17th, around the year 461 AD.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Blessings

Jo