PUPILS at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School took part in a global moment of reflection as they joined Catholics around the world in marking the close of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.

The occasion was marked by Pope Leo XIV officially closing the ‘Door of Hope’, prompting pupils to reflect on what hope means and how it can be shared within their school, homes and wider community.

Ellen Croker, headteacher at St Benedict's Catholic Primary School, said: “Reflecting on hope gives our pupils the chance to think about themselves, their communities, and the wider world. Through prayer and action, they learn how to make a positive difference and live out the values at the heart of our school.”

In the afternoon, lessons focused on Catholic Social Teaching, with pupils exploring practical ways to live out hope both locally and globally. Activities included creating awareness-raising posters, writing prayers, examining global issues through CAFOD statistics, and discussing topics such as climate change and caring for the planet.

As a UN Rights Respecting School, pupils also reflected on children’s rights, considering how sharing hope links to the right to be heard, the right to a safe and healthy environment, and the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of others.

Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, said: “It’s wonderful to see our pupils exploring hope and thinking about what it means in their lives. Experiences like this help them understand how they can care for others and make a positive difference in their community.”

St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School welcomes children of all faiths and beliefs who are willing to engage with the school’s mission statement and values. The school maintains close links with the local community through its parents and a long-standing relationship with the parish.