St. Benild School celebrates its Patron Saint - the traditional way
On Friday 27th January, St. Benild School celebrated the feast of its school patron saint: St. Benild Romançon.
The day kicked off with a whole school assembly prepared by one of our Grade one classes. This assembly commemorated the life of the saint.
Moreover, the pupils experienced features of a traditional Maltese village feast. The school was highly decorated in advance with several banners, appropriate tinsel and flags! The feast included the grand entrance of our children carrying a portrait of the school's patron saint. Members of a Band Club regaled all present with traditional march music, which considerably enhanced the already ecstatic atmosphere. Shredded used paper filled the air whilst the children joyfully jumped in the playground. The band and all the school also walked down the streets, sharing their cheer and joy with the local community.
Various hands-on activities, organised by the teaching teams, elicited all participants to relive the life and times of 18th Century France. An 'interview a Brother' activity, as well as a quiz about St. Benild were amongst the activities the pupils enjoyed most.
The boys were thrilled to receive a souvenir bookmark, specifically designed for this occasion. The bookmark presented key vocabulary in Maltese used to describe traditional feast features.
It was a memorable day which all Staff and children will treasure. A day in the course of which the saint who, in Pope Pius XII words, endured “the terrible daily grind” by “doing common things in an uncommon way” struck a familiar note. Doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, this is the legacy we, as a school, aspire to keep––the legacy of St. Benild Romançon.
It is worth recalling that St. Benild Romançon was the first Brother saint of the Institute to be canonised and the second saint after Jean Baptiste de La Salle, the patron saint of all teachers.
Please see above video created by Ms Veronique Scicluna, Assistant Head at St. Benild School.
Lent: A Time to Grow
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey! This was visually explained to our pupils on the board in the school hall - depicting the 40 days of Lent, week by week. An image of Jesus is moved on the board, day by day, so as to help the pupils understand better this journey's duration.
The meaning of the season of Lent was highlighted through a whole school morning assembly with parents and all members of staff. During Lent, our pupils are encouraged to perform good deeds both at school and at home. At school, pupils will write down their good deeds on petals which will eventually form bright sunflowers. At home, children will be earning pocket money for the varies good deeds performed daily. This money will then be donated to the International Lasallian Mission supporting earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Moreover, on a weekly basis, pupils, are encouraged to complete activities with their parents, related to the Gospel of the week, good deed of the week and lent related thought.
Carnival at its Best at St. Benild School, Malta
Carnival is synonymous with colour, dancing, music and traditional food! At St. Benild, our young pupils were in awe during a Bubble show! Moreover, they had the opportunity to enjoy themselves in a bouncy castle, whilst also playing with big toys during break. Our older pupils also enjoyed preparing the traditional 'Prinjolata'...a real delicacy! Show and Tell about their costumes, as well as various crafts also featured throughout the day.
Please see below for images from Carnival and Lent at St Benild School
