There was a warm welcome from staff and children at a Walbottle school, when they played host to a very special guest. The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Stephen Wright, spent a morning at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary, where he met all 173 pupils, as well as members of staff, governors, and representatives of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, of which the school is a member.
He also blessed construction work that had recently taken place within the school building, along with changes that had been made to the playground.
“Bishop Stephen met the children and talked about his role as Bishop with the whole school present,” said Headteacher Colette Barrett, who was there to greet the visitor, alongside Deputy Headteacher Sarah Walsh. “He also blessed the new kitchen and the new school entrance, which were funded by BBCET, and the Early Years First Stage (EYFS) outdoors, which was funded by the school. He met staff, governors, representatives of the Trust, and those involved in the building works.”
It was the first time that the Bishop had visited St Cuthbert’s.
“The visit of Bishop Stephen to school is important, as it links us to the wider Church community,” continued Mrs Barrett. “It encourages our pupils to see their learning as part of a larger mission, strengthening their sense of belonging to the Church, and inspires pupils and staff to grow in faith, service, and community.”
