9 February 2009 - The Bishop visited our school

The Day Bishop Arthur came to our school

We were worried the heavy snow would keep the Bishop away so were very relieved when Bishop Arthur arrived safely at St Robert’s School in Harrogate. We greeted the Bishop at the door along with our Headteacher Mrs Maureen Benson, our priest Mgr. Donal Lucey and Mr Kerr who is the vice-chair of Governors. Together we took the Bishop on a tour of the school. He visited every classroom and before moving on said a prayer with the children.

The Reception children were especially delighted to meet Bishop Arthur and had made a beautiful card with a painting of him on the front. It had Welcome in Tagalog, Russian, Spanish, Polish and English - all languages spoken by children in the class. Bishop Arthur joined the children in their activities and was especially popular around the sand tray! Natasha aged 4 said’ I really liked the Bishop coming to my class, he is really nice.’

Other children were intrigued with his special clothing and wanted to know where he lives and what he does as a Bishop.

We showed Bishop Arthur ‘The Language of the Month’ board and explained that every month a different language spoken by children in our school is selected and all children learn about the country and some simple phrases such as please, thank you, hello and goodbye. In all 14 languages are spoken at our school.

After touring the school Bishop Arthur joined us all for an assembly on the theme of the Presentation at the Temple. KS1 children acted out the parts of Mary, Joseph, Anna and Simeon and KS2 children led the prayers and readings. The children sang two of our favourite hymns, Share the Light and I would Light a Candle. Bishop Arthur complimented the children on their beautiful singing. At the end of the assembly the Bishop blessed the candles which will be used in school during the year and Miranda presented him with a beautiful candle decorated with all our names. Everyone felt honoured when Bishop Arthur said he would use his gift as his Paschal Candle.

All the staff joined him for a cup of tea before the Bishop had to leave. We were sad to say goodbye, it had been such a lovely morning. As he was leaving we had our photograph taken with him, we were thrilled to see it on the Catholic Post website along with many more pictures taken during the visit.

Thank you, Bishop Arthur for coming to see us. You have left us with very special memories of a wonderful morning at our school.

By Danny McKeever and Ellie MacPherson Year 6