Matthew 18:21–35

"Forgive, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

In Sunday's Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive someone who has wronged us. Jesus' answer reminds us that forgiveness is not something we count or limit. Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, He teaches that we are called to show the same mercy and compassion to others that God so generously shows to us.

In school and at home, we all make mistakes from time to time. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing has happened, but it does mean choosing kindness over resentment and giving people the opportunity to make a fresh start. As a school family, may we always seek to build relationships marked by patience, understanding and mercy, helping one another to grow in love as followers of Christ.

Snacks in school

Please remember that we are a nut free school due to allergies.

Children in EYFS and KS1 receive a free healthy snack each day in school. 

KS2 children are welcome to bring a healthy snack in for morning break time if they find that they are getting hungry before lunch. Healthy snacks should not include nuts due to the number of children with serious nut allergies in school. Fruit, raisins, chopped vegetables or healthy cereal bars are best. Please remind your child to put their own litter in the bin. Crisps (including Pringles), chocolate and biscuits are not allowed.

Please also remember to send your child with a full water bottle to school each day. Thank you. 

Birthday Celebrations

Non-uniform for birthday boys and girls but no cakes or sweets please. 

As a healthy school, we encourage healthy eating throughout the school day. For this reason, our tradition at Sacred Heart is for children to come to school in non-uniform on their birthdays. This way, all staff and pupils can wish the child happy birthday all day long! We also sing Happy Birthday in every Friday Faiths and Talents assembly. 

Whilst we appreciate the kind thought behind sending cakes/sweets into school on birthdays, we ask that you do not do this as it not only compromises our healthy eating practice but also puts additional pressure on families whose finances may be stretched. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. 

Jubilee Year of St Francis

Sunday 4th October 2026- Community Celebration at Gorton Monastery 

This is a very special year for us as we celebrate the Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi, as declared by Pope Leo XIV. This year marks 800 years since St Francis passed away on 3rd October 1226. Saint Francis of Assisi is remembered for his great love of God, kindness to the poor, and care for all of God's creation. He had a special love for animals and taught that all living things reflect God's goodness. His example inspires us to live with faith, peace, humility, and respect for the world around us. 

On Sunday 4th October, Feast Day of St Francis, we have been invited to join the local community celebrations taking place at the Monastery.  We are warmly inviting all families to join us. 

To celebrate St Francis' well-known love of animals, we would like each child to bring a cuddly toy animal from home. These will be included in the offertory procession during the service and will be returned to the children afterwards. The service will begin at 2:00pm and is expected to last for just over an hour. This is open to all our families in our school community; we would love to see lots of our families there. 

Upon arrival at the Monastery, we will gather in the Great Nave for a community celebration. This promises to be a wonderful occasion for our children, parish and local community as we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of St Francis. 

For safeguarding, health and safety, and event planning purposes, please complete the form below by Wednesday 23rd September.   

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQKZ6tF76rXkNkLT-yn-VltLOVoJ-s-X_F9LThFXYoflnPdQ/viewform?usp=dialog

School News

Celebrations

As you may be aware, Bishop John Arnold (Bishop of Salford) has set out a clear vision for Catholic education across Greater Manchester. As part of this vision, all maintained Catholic schools within the Diocese of Salford are expected to join one of three strong Catholic Academy Trusts (CATs) by 2030, ensuring a secure and sustainable future for Catholic education.

Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is the Trust identified for Catholic schools in our area. It is one of three CATs established to deliver Bishop John’s vision, with the aim of protecting, preserving and promoting Catholic education across the Diocese. The academisation model is designed to ensure that each school retains its unique identity, ethos and central role within its parish and community, while benefiting from greater collaboration, shared expertise and collective support in an increasingly complex educational landscape.

Joining Emmaus CAT is an exciting opportunity for our school, enabling closer collaboration with other Catholic schools, the sharing of best practice, and a collective contribution to the future direction of Catholic education, while safeguarding the Catholic character of our school for generations to come. Further information is available on the Emmaus CAT website. If you have any questions regarding Bishop John’s vision, please speak to Mrs Botham (Headteacher) or Mrs McCarthy (Deputy Headteacher) in person at the school gates, or by arranging an appointment via the school office: admin@sacredheart-jun.manchester.sch.uk.

Keep our children safe! 

PLEASE NO PARKING OR EVEN STOPPING ON KNUTSFORD ROAD!

Unless you have a blue disabled badge, please do not park or even stop on Knutsford Road opposite the school or outside the school between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm as clearly marked on the yellow signs on both sides of the road. 

In accordance with the Highway Code, please do not park within 10 metres of the junctions on Knutsford Road. I need to be clear that my staff are here to teach and care for your children; they are not traffic wardens or police officers. Please be respectful of other road users and our neighbours in order to reinforce the message we share daily with our children: Every Heart is Sacred. 

If you are experiencing difficulties navigating the roads near our school due to dangerous or illegal parking, you can report your concerns here.

Class Assemblies

During the autumn term, classes will be leading their peers in Faith Assemblies, then parents and carers will be invited to Class Faith Assemblies in the spring and summer terms. Here are the Class Faith Assembly dates for your diaries.

Class Masses

Families are very welcome to join us in Church. 

Parish of Sacred Heart & St Francis, Gorton

Click here for Mass times and other events in the Parish of Sacred Heart and St Francis, Gorton:

https://www.sacredheartstfrancisgorton.co.uk/mass-schedule