St Mary’s College Preparatory School

Year 2 Bring Advent Learning to Life Through Las Posadas

As part of their Religious Education lessons this term, Year 2 have been discovering how Advent is celebrated across the globe. With Mr Stewart, the children delved into the vibrant Mexican tradition of Las Posadas — a nine-day celebration that re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. In many Mexican communities, families travel from house to house, knocking on doors and singing, until they are finally welcomed in.

To help the children truly understand this tradition, Year 2 brought Las Posadas to life within school. They visited classrooms, gently knocked on doors, and were met with a mixture of welcome and polite refusal, just as Mary and Joseph would have experienced. Eventually, they reached a classroom acting as the ‘inn,’ marked by a shining star piñata. There, the children enjoyed a small celebration to complete the experience.

It was a joyful and meaningful way to deepen their understanding of Advent, allowing pupils to connect their learning with the lived faith traditions of people around the world.

Bright Socks, Bright Smiles: Prep Raises £160 for CAFOD

In October, the Prep embraced colour, kindness, and a great cause as pupils took part in CAFOD’s annual Brighten Upcampaign. Children arrived at school proudly wearing their brightest, boldest, and most imaginative socks — from dazzling patterns to a memorable pair complete with waggling Stitch ears!

Thanks to everyone who contributed £1, the Prep raised an impressive £160. Donations like these have real impact: just £150 can provide a family with a cow, offering a reliable source of milk to drink, sell, and build a more secure livelihood.

We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm and compassion. Their efforts not only supported a wonderful charity but also helped make our school a brighter, kinder place for all.