Mr Pearce

June 2, 2020

NET Retreat 2020

It seems difficult to remember the 14th of March-it seems like years since we were in school. One of my last memories of being together at Turnbull is our annual NET retreat which, over two days, offered our S3 pupils a valuable opportunity to consider their identity as a child of God.

The chosen theme ‘In His Image’ presented a message that is at odds with what many loud voices in the world encourage us to think. Where the world tells us that we are only the sum of our weaknesses, God tells us that his grace is sufficient. When we are told that we are not enough unless we act and dress a certain way, God says ‘you are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ When we base our worth on what others think, Jesus reminds us that he looks at the heart and sees who we really are. When we are told that our mistakes have ruined us and we have nothing left to give, we see the arms of Jesus outstretched on the cross, suffering to offer us a fresh start and longing for our embrace.

Through fun sketches, games and times of prayer and discussion, our young people were inspired by the joy of the NET team who embody our vision of of what it means to be a passionate and articulate Catholic.

As I think back, I hope that in these times of trial that we are facing, our young people have continued to reflect on their experience with the NET team and that they continue to open their hearts in simplicity as they seek what is true, good and beautiful.

Listen here to hear what the young people made of the experience!

Mr Pearce

June 2, 2020

Home Learning in RE

The past few months have been a very challenging time but we have been making the most of the opportunity to engage in learning at home with our families.

As we finished school at the end of March, the young people were studying the stations of the cross and applied this learning to prayer and creative responses.

During the month of May our BGE pupils have explored the role of Our Lady and the events of Pentecost.

As we enter into June, pupils are studying the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which the Church encourages us to renew this month. Pupils will be learning about the promises Jesus makes to those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart and the origins of the devotion.

All home learning continues to be posted on Show My Homework.

In addition to home learning, I am posting regularly on social media with resources for keeping our prayer lives going at home. While we may not have the ability to attend Mass, we must continue to invest time in prayer as individuals and as families. Follow @MrFPearce on Twitter or turnbullhs_re on Instagram for regular updates

Wishing you the blessings of the Sacred Heart this June,

Mr Pearce

January 20, 2020

Rorate Mass 2019

Our annual Rorate Mass was, once again, a great success! Drawing pupils, family members and staff, the Advent Mass of Our Lady provided an opportunity for prayer and reflection on the coming of Christ at Christmas, at the end of time and His coming to us in every Mass in the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was sung to the ancient chants of the church and was celebrated by candlelight.

Mass was followed by breakfast in the conference room where we all enjoyed some delicious treats and good company.

Many thanks to Fr Monaghan for his support of this annual liturgy.

January 20, 2020

Bearing Gifts- Advent Retreat

At Turnbull High School, we do our best to enable our young people to enter into the rhythm of the liturgical year through the planning of our curriculum and through our retreat programme. During December, BGE pupils enjoyed an Advent Retreat on the theme ‘Bearing Gifts.’ Through reflecting on the Annunciation, the Nativity Scene and the gift of the Magi, the young people considered the great gift of the incarnation, Our Lady’s gift of herself and the ways in which they can return their gifts to God. Pupils ended the retreat with praying the Angelus.

What can I give him, poor as I am,

If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb,

If I were a wise man I would do my part

yet what I have I give Him, give my heart.

November 22, 2019

Patronal Feast Day 2019

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.

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019

Standing room only- Annual Requiem Mass

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.

November 13, 2019

He who sings prays twice

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!

November 12, 2019

Caritas and the Relics of St Therese

May 22, 2019May 22, 2019

Ven. Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage 2019

On the 21st of May RE department ventured out of school on pilgrimage to the shrine of Venerable Margaret Sinclair. We were thrilled that pupils and staff from All Saints’ Secondary, John Paul Academy and Kilgraston School were able to join us for what was our second pilgrimage to Edinburgh.

Pupils were greeted with refreshments by the wonderful team at ST Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh before enjoying a fascinating presentation on the history of the area, the life of Margaret and the history of Hibs football club!

A prayer walk around the church and museum followed and pupils had the opportunity to learn about the building, pray, light candles and sing hymns. Our young people were on fine form an d entered into the experience with reverence and attentiveness. The life of Venerable Margaret is an example of how we can all be holy withing out state in life if we give our lives to God in daily prayer and receive His grace in the sacraments.

After a short break and some fresh air, the group gathered for Holy Mass offered by our school chaplain Fr Monaghan. The music was that which Ven. Margaret would have heard, the chant of the church and pupils knelt to receive Jesus at the same altar rail as she did daily. A May Procession to Our Lady’s altar followed and pupils prayed the rosary and laid flowers for the Blessed Mother as we sang ‘Bring flowers of the rarest.’

After enjoying lunch outside in the sun, Mr Hughes gave us a guided tour of Margaret’s street and the Royal Mile and pointed out the many historical, cultural and religious events which have taken place there.

We are incredibly grateful to the team of volunteers at ST Patrick’s who went to so much effort to make the day so meaningful and to keep the pupils fed and watered! Their generosity and personal witness evidenced their own faith and devotion to Our Lord and His saints. The atmosphere on the bus was a testament to how much everyone had enjoyed the day and conversations with pupils have confirmed that our pilgrimage gave them much needed time for prayer as well as the opportunity to be inspired by an ordinary young woman who gave her all to Jesus and, who we are sure, is interceding for us in the nearer presence of the the Most High.