THE SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Parish
We enjoy excellent relationships within the school and as part of the local community. The school, as an integral part of St Patrick’s Parish, is very much involved with the life of the parish. The school is supported well by the Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Church, who is also the school’s chaplain, Monsignor Gerry Gallagher, as well as the SVDP Society and the parish community, as a whole. On the first Sunday of every month, the children from the school lead the liturgy during Mass in Church for the Parish. A number of children within the school actively trained as Altar Servers and support the celebration of every weekend Mass, as well as school Masses. We visit St Patrick’s Church throughout the year and join with the parish community for various Sacraments and celebrations throughout the year.
Children also participate in fund raising, promoted by the Pupil Voice Charities Group for a number of charities, which this year has included; Missio Scotland, SCIAF, the Live With Hope Centre in Kenya, Mary’s Meals, Macmillan Cancer Support and locally supported Inverclyde Foodbank and Ardgowan Hospice.
Local Community
At Christmas time P5-P7 in St Patrick’s join the senior classes in Whinhill Primary for a joint carol service. The chaplains from both schools are involved in this venture. We also work with the school chaplains during Christian Unity Week.
We are lucky to enjoy good relationships and partnerships with a number of local community groups who help us to enhance the experiences we provide in St Patrick’s throughout the year. This year we have worked with the 32nd Scout Group, Broomhill Hub, Inverclyde Foodbank and some local Care Homes for the Elderly.
