Gnosall Parish Council           

On Monday 15 May, Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgraves, Bishop of Lichfield, visited our school to perform a blessing of our new building and to officially open our new liturgical garden. (See front cover).

Gnosall St Lawrence Primary Academy was chosen from many applicants to be one of only three schools in Staffordshire to benefit from the EFA’s Priority School Building Programme. It took almost 4 years to come to fruition, but eventually we moved into a brand new school on 29 February 2016.

As a Church school, we have always enjoyed strong links with our local benefice. We use the Parish Church for a wide range of activities, we meditate daily and welcome our local ‘Open The Book’ team into our school assemblies. Just before Bishop Michael was invested, he came to Gnosall as part of his walk around the See and attended a service with our children. As a result, he was offered, and (much to our pleasure) accepted an invitation to visit us.

Whilst here, he meditated with our Year 6 children, had a very comprehensive tour of the premises (thank you Becca!) and attended an Assembly in which the children told him all about our learning – including a Bhangra dance that they had recently performed at Stafford Gatehouse theatre. As part of that Assembly he blessed the new school and offered prayers for our success, happiness and well-being. He then opened our new liturgical garden, situated outside the front entrance of the school, unveiling a stone to commemorate the event. The visit was concluded with a home-made cream tea provided by our exceptional kitchen staff.

We really appreciate Bishop Michael making the time to visit us for the afternoon. We are very aware of the pressures and demands he faces on a daily basis, and thank him for his care, love and interest in us and our work. We would love to welcome him back at any time!

Mrs Trish Edwards

Headteacher