Kathleen Spiteri

Author: Kathleen Spiteri

Lenten Spiritual Activities in State Schools during 2023

Enthusiastic and varied programme activities were organized in all State schools during the Lenten season across the primary, middle and secondary years. During this blog, we would like to share information from the schools who either sent their information to us or we found them on a social media platform.

Students at St Clare Middle and Secondary School Pembroke participated in an assembly in which they reflected on the life of Nick Nujicic, an Australian-American speaker author, coach, and entrepreneur with no limbs…

Our aim as the Spiritual Development in Schools team is to support particularly students and educators in fostering pastoral care and spiritual development in schools. Although our planning and work are done in our office, our mission which we do our best to perform with determination and enthusiasm, is done in schools, in the footsteps and words of Jesus Christ: “The Son of Man does not have where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20)…

As part of the Christmas activities SDS carry out in schools, this year it was a blessing for my colleague Silvana and me to be part of the Prayer Spaces session at the Boys Learning Centre in Ħamrun.

It was the 20th of December 2022, so the Christmas spirit was in full blast. In fact, Christmas decorations could be noticed from the main door, and as soon as we entered the school, students together with an educator were sharing a Christmas log…

Presentation Welcome

The Head, SLT, or educator who is administering the assembly welcomes the students by saying good morning. One can start the assembly with the sign of the cross or a minute in silence.

Dance Game

Peace Dove

The Head of School or educator prepares a dove template beforehand. She/he shows the template and explains that the dove is a sign of peace…

Presentation Introduction

Dear children, today we will learn about Mary, Jesus’ mother.

Song Activity

Planting a Mary Garden – What is it? Why are going to plant a garden?

Resources needed (the RC can prepare them beforehand)

A large pot, soil, any kinds of seeds or plants, and an image of the Virgin Mary

Together with the children stick the image of the Holy Virgin Mary on the pot, and then plant the seeds or plants together…

Presentation Welcome

The Head, SLT, or educator who is administering the assembly welcomes the students by saying good morning. One can start the assembly with the sign of the cross or a minute in silence.

Reflection

Lavender is a nice purple flower. It is part of God’s creation, as He created nature all around us. When we take care of nature and of the environment we feel at peace…

Presentation Welcome

The Head, SLT, or educator who is administering the assembly welcomes the students by saying good morning. One can start the assembly with the sign of the cross or a minute in silence.

Reflection

It is Easter time! Easter means Jesus has risen, and He is with us! Let us share Jesus’ peace by singing My Happy Song

Song Activity

Turn on a favourite piece of music
Some of the students will play instruments (toy ones), and dance and sing to create a joyful noise unto the Lord! …

Presentation Welcome

The Head, SLT, or educator who is administering the assembly welcomes the students by saying good morning. One can start the assembly with the sign of the cross or a minute in silence.

Reflection

We say sorry when we do something bad. So, when we say sorry, it means that we are friends again. Let’s listen to the story: I’m Sorry – by Sam McBratney…

Presentation Introduction

Animator

Dear children, we are during the joyful time of Easter, a time of happiness and peace because Jesus has risen! He is with us again! He is alive and will never leave us!

Song – Praise Ye The Lord Story and Discussion

The Empty Tomb

One day Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a tomb…

Presentation Welcome

The Head, SLT, or educator who is administering the assembly welcomes the students by saying good morning. One can start the assembly with the sign of the cross or a minute in silence.

Reflection

Show a big heart template to the students.

A heart is the representation of love. Love and peace are best friends, we cannot separate them…

Presentation Introduction

Sign of the Cross

Dear children, in our Maltese Islands, an important celebration takes place on the 10th of February. It is the remembrance of the visit of St Paul to our Islands to teach us about Jesus. St Paul was one of the best friends of Jesus.

Video – Paul’s Shipwreck Role-Play

Children make a role-play of the story while you read it, using resources from the classroom…

Presentation Welcome

The Head, SLT, or educator who is administering the assembly welcomes the students by saying good morning. One can start the assembly with the sign of the cross or a minute in silence.

Reflection

On the 1st of January, the Catholic Church celebrates the ‘Day of Peace’. Let us unite together and sing the Hymn of the Maltese children…