"For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them." - Matthew 18:20

St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's C of E Primary School is very proud of its links with the local community and church. Dalston is a thriving village with a profound sense of community. The church and school are central to this, but there are many other organisations with which we keep strong links.

We regularly visit church for special services and as part of our curriculum. We are looking forward to the appointment of our new vicar so they can visit us in school and share in Collective Worship. 

We celebrate Harvest, Christmas and Easter in the church with services for pupils as well as families. 

Children across the school visit the church to help support their Religion and Worldviews curriculum. 

    

Our Village 

At Christmas time our Year 6 pupils make their annual visit around the village spreading Christmas Cheer - singing carols and handing out mince pies. They visit lots of shops, services and businesses in the village as well as individual residents. 

Dalston Show 

A big event in our community is the annual Dalston Show, which takes place during the summer. Many families from our school attend the show and it is a big event for our farming and agricultural community. 

This year, the community was invited to design the 2026 Schedule Cover for the event and one of our pupil's designs was chosen as the winner! Elyssa received her prize from Dalston Show Secretary Julia during Celebration Worship. More information about the show can be found on their website -  Dalston Show

    

The Cumberland Building Society 

We are very lucky to have excellent links with the Cumberland Building Society (who have a branch in our village). They have visited school on a number of occasions to help improve our school environment. Their team of volunteers have painted our fences, our library and even a classroom or two. The Cumberland have a day each year to help the local community and we are very grateful that our school benefits from this community gesture. 

     

The Co-op

Another special relationship is that between school and the local Co-op. In recent years we have received funding as part of the Co-op's scheme whereby they sponsor local good causes. Our HSA (Home School Association) were instrumental in having school nominated and chosen to receive this generous donation which was put to good use to fund a 'forest school' in the grounds. Here members of the HSA, pupils and teachers receive the cheque from Co-op staff. Many thanks to all involved.

The Co-op have also gratefully received our donations to the Carlisle Foodbank which Year 3 and 4 collected as part of our 'Acts of Kindness' during advent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlisle Cathedral 

Our school takes part in an annual Christian Aid service held at Carlisle Cathedral, which children and families are invited to attend. Our children are part of the choir for this service and always give their best. 

We often take part in projects and activities at the Cathedral alongside other schools. 

                                           

NISCU (Northern Inter-Schools Christian Union)

We love a visit from NISCU, their Collective Worships are always a favourite with everyone across school. The children love hearing the stories from the puppets and we all enjoy the 'wiggles' song! 

                                              

 

Other community links

Wyeknot Donkeys

Wyeknot Donkeys have been regular visitors to school over the last few years, bringing in their trusty steads to meet our pupils and help us learn about these lovely creatures and their importance through history and especially in Christianity. 

Here you can see the wonderful donkeys Pepper and Parsley visiting us at Easter time, complete with Easter bonnets!  

 

 

Dalston Tractor Run 

The children at After School Club enjoyed designing and making a tractor to display in the village for the first community Tractor Run and are looking forward to supporting the event again this year.