The Week Ahead Weekly Updates and Communication for Parents

This week we also celebrated the life of Nikki Harding, our beautiful cleaner who was diagnosed with MND early last year. Her main care came from her church, who loved her, visited her, cared for her, listened to her stories and shared theirs. Her funeral was a testimony to her life here in the UK, so many people knew and loved Nikki, who was a big personality. Her pastor shared how difficult he found it to quote to her from the Romans 8, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. However, he followed this by sharing his confidence that she now knows this first hand. Nikki’s faith, selflessness and love for people shone through, and many people were wearing clothes she had gifted them.

Our vision is to be a Christian community in which everyone grows in character, faith, knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Those of you who know me will not be surprised at my community reflection this week. I believe that as Christians, we are called to serve on another. In fact in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, serving is listed as a spiritual gift. In Hebrews we learn that God will not forget the work and love people show when they help others.

For me, community service is paired with gratitude. Thus, I would like to share some of this with you.

Earlier this week our year 7 and 8 students were in London, with Mrs March, Mrs Taylor and two parent/ ex parent volunteers, Stephen White and Michelle Spence. They took a five hour public bus each way, then packed as much as possible into their days, giving them a special experience with their friends. I don’t know many schools where both parents and ex parents return to help out on trips, especially with limited sleep!

Next week year 5 and 6 will go to York, led by Mrs Hoskins, Mrs Pickles, Mrs Stockill and one of our governors, Neil Iceton. Again, thank you to this team.

Mr Walker is currently preparing for Berlin in December, when years 9 and 10 get to go away on one of their international residentials. Travelling anywhere with children takes planning and time.

It thrills me to see our school community working together in this way, making memories for our students by sacrificing time and sleep, and hours upon hours of preparation, risk assessments, plans, menus, negotiations, liaising with parents about individual needs. For the past month a number of staff have spent many waking hours making sure they are ready for their trips.

I am sure you are aware that our school works hard to keep costs low; we have heard reports of other schools charging at least twice the price for similar experiences. Staff volunteer to stay away from their families, giving up days off, time, energy, love, and returning late in the evening with a bus load of tired pre teen and teenagers. Thanks all of you who have done this.

I know many people serve to make residentials happen - those who pray, those who go, but also those who plan, give financially, and help out in numerous unseen ways. Thanks all of you.

And a lovely little anecdote - we prayed that the bus driver and passengers would welcome our children on the Flixbus - and they did! Not just put up with them but really welcome them. Thanks God!