Author: Mr Pearce

Catholic Education Week 2019 got off to a great start with our Caritas Pupils and new Chaplaincy Ambassadors assisting with Sunday Mass in their parishes. Sharing our vision for a community rooted in Gospel Values, the young people expanded on that theme and reflected on how we strive to become a school that is centered on Christ.  

On Monday morning, every lesson began with a lesson starter which highlighted ways in which each discipline promotes Gospel Values. Using our school values as a summary of how we live our faith, departments discussed the importance of honesty, compassion, growing closer to God and respecting the dignity of each person.  

On Wednesday lunchtime, Caritas pupils led a short prayer service based on the Beatitudes and the lives of the saints during which our new Chaplaincy Ambassadors were commissioned and received their badges from Mrs Kennedy. Their role will be to promote the faith life of the school, especially attendance at our Thursday Morning Mass and other events liturgical and retreat program. They will also form a significant part of our whole school engagement with pupil voice in relation to our chaplaincy provision.  

The climax of Catholic Education Week was our Patronal Feast Day. In 2017, Turnbull’s 40th Anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions at Fatima, we took the Immaculate Heart of Mary as Our Patron. On the 21st of November that year, Archbishop Tartaglia consecrated the school and all who are connected to the Turnbull family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This year we were pleased to welcome Fr McGrath (St Aloyisius, Springburn) as he offered the Mass and helped us to renew our consecration. In his homily, Fr McGrath encouraged us to reflect on our identity as brothers and sisters of Jesus as per the Gospel reading, and the impact that this should have on our lives and the lives of those around us. Mass began with a rousing rendition of ‘Immaculate Mary’ which is becoming something of a School Anthem, and ended with a nod to this Sunday’s Feast for Christ the King with ‘Hail Redeemer, King Divine’ accompanied by the school band. Two house groups attended Mass, and our S1 prayer competition winners read their winning intercessions.  

The remaining two house groups prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary in different locations around the school, in union with the Mass. In the afternoon, the whole school enjoyed two periods of activities that were organised by the PE department- a great opportunity to work off the calories from the community breakfast which began the day.  We thank Our Lady for Her intercession and protection and ask that with each passing year, we may become more and more devoted to Her and Her Divine Son.  

On the 11th of November Turnbull High School offered our annual Requiem Mass to pray for all those friends, colleagues, pupils and loved ones who have passed away. The oratory was full to capacity as Father Monaghan offered the Holy Mass for the repose of their souls. Pupils from the Caritas class and other year groups assisted with serving, presenting the readings and offering the intercessions.

In RE, throughout November, the young people are reflecting on the four last things and God’s mercy. As part of this learning, pupils write November lists bearing the names of those who the wish to pray for and place them before the altar in the oratory. The Masses in the month of November are offered for these intentions.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Turnbull High School’s Music department play a key role in the life and Catholic ethos of the school.  Pupils who receive instrumental tuition enjoy the opportunity to play in the School Band and the Senior Jazz Band but in addition to the excitement of our annual band tour and other gigs throughout the year, our pupils are committed to using their talents to reach out in compassion to all, especially those in need. Our annual Christmas concert raises  money for charity, most recently Mary’s Meals, and engagements at Dobbies and Tesco St Rollox have raised funds for  the Glasgow Childrens’ Hospital and the Teenage Cancer Trust over the last few years.

Our School Vocal Group are also committed to using their talents to encourage hope in others through their visits to Marie Curie and their involvement with our outreach to senior citizens.

Turnbull music department doesn’t only do these things to be altruistic, these endeavours are an embodiment of our Gospel Values. In addition to corporal acts of charity, the ensembles make a sustained effort to support the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy in the school; from the S1 welcome Mass to our exam and lavers’ Mass. All of the groups united in a special way for our consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and our subsequent Patronal Feast Days are a highlight of the school year. Saint Cecelia, Pray for us!

Turnbull High was delighted to welcome back the NET team on the 18th and 20th of January to deliver  retreat days for S3 pupils.  The RE department chose the theme ‘In His Image.’ There is so much pressure on young people to conform to the behaviour that is displayed in media and film and many base their self-worth on what others say and thin, particularly on social media.

Through fun activities, dramas, prayer and discussion, pupils build on prior learning in class and deepened their reflection on what it means to be made in the image of God. Pupils gained a clear sense that our identity should be based on the love that God has for us and that our happiness will be found in discerning His plan for us rather than trying to please others or match the latest celebrity fashion.

Pupil feedback from the retreat was extremely positive with many commenting that they understood what it means to have a relationship with Jesus more deeply. The RE department thank the SMT and the PTA for their support in funding the NET team’s visit and we hope to continue our partnership with NET as part of our retreat programme.