Our Links with St Nicholas Church, Loxley

At Loxley C of E Community Primary School, our relationship with St Nicholas Church, Loxley is one of the most treasured aspects of our school's life and identity. As a church school, we are not simply a school that happens to have 'Church of England' in its name — we are genuinely part of the life of our local parish, and St Nicholas Church is genuinely part of ours.

This partnership is led and nurtured by Reverend Linda MacDermott, who visits school every two weeks to lead Collective Worship with the whole school. Rev Linda is a familiar and beloved presence to our children and staff — a living link between our school family and the wider Christian community of our village.

Throughout the year, school and church come together to mark the great moments of the Christian calendar and the life of our community. These occasions are among the most memorable and meaningful in the school year for children, staff and families alike.

Harvest Festival

Each autumn, our whole school gathers to celebrate Harvest — giving thanks for the gifts of creation and reflecting on our responsibility to share with those in need. Children collect donations for the local food bank, and our harvest display celebrates a 'rainbow of food colours', bringing colour, creativity and generosity together in a uniquely Loxley way.

Easter Celebrations

At Easter, we gather to re-tell the story at the heart of the Christian faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus. Children retell the Easter story together through drama and song, exploring its meaning in ways that are accessible and moving for all. This joyful and reflective occasion brings the school community together to encounter the hope at the heart of the Gospel.

Christmas Carol Service and Nativity

One of the most joyful moments of our school year is our Christmas celebrations. Every child, from Reception to Year 6, takes part in retelling the Nativity story — a whole-school act of worship that has brought our community to tears of joy year after year. We have shared this at St Nicholas Church and, most recently, at Wellesbourne Community Centre, so that all families can be with us. The service includes carols, readings and — most importantly — every child in the school having a part to play in the greatest story ever told.

Year 6 Leavers' Assembly

When our Year 6 children prepare to leave Loxley, we mark the occasion with a Leavers' Assembly held at St Nicholas Church. This is a deeply special service — a moment to give thanks for the journey each child has made, to celebrate who they have become, and to send them out into the next chapter of their lives with the values and faith that Loxley has given them. Parents and carers are warmly invited to join us.

Remembrance at the Loxley War Memorial

Each November, our school takes part in the village Remembrance service at the Loxley War Memorial. Children join members of the community to remember those who gave their lives in service of others — a powerful and moving act of collective memory that connects our children to the history of the village they call home. In the weeks before Remembrance, children create poppies at Forest School, which are then laid with care and reverence at the memorial cross

Reverend Linda MacDermott

Rev Linda MacDermott is the incumbent at St Nicholas Church, Loxley, and a cherished member of our school community. Her fortnightly visits to lead Collective Worship are a highlight of the school calendar, and her warm, thoughtful and joyful presence helps to make faith feel real and accessible to every child.

Rev Linda's involvement in school life extends beyond worship — she is part of the fabric of our community, celebrating with us at special occasions, supporting children and families, and helping us to live out our Christian vision together.