Student Chaplains celebrated their efforts at the Harvest Festival service

CREATIVE student chaplains have been recognized for their efforts during a Harvest Festival service at a local school.

Following on from the success of previous years, St John’s Church of England Primary School in Wellington celebrated its student chaplains during its Harvest Service on Thursday 17 October.

Before new chaplains were appointed, the school honored those who had just completed their chaplaincy year.

They were thanked for all their efforts and presented with a certificate.

A total of 12 children from St John’s Year 5 were then appointed as the new student chaplains for 2024-25 at a special ceremony.

Student chaplains have a special responsibility to care for the school and live the school values ​​by demonstrating respect, service, compassion, endurance and friendship while serving the local community and presenting Bible stories in assemblies.

The children who volunteered for the role and were carefully selected by staff and peers made their pledges to the whole school, as well as to their families and friends.

Each student made their own “promises” while studying with school chaplain Helena Power.

The new apprentice chaplains were then presented with small wooden crosses, badges and certificates, followed by a ceremonial presentation of tabards by previous volunteers.

The Rev Colin, vicar of St John’s, led the celebration with blessings, praying for the new chaplains and thanking those retiring for their dedication.

A spokesman for St John’s Church of England Primary School said: “Pupil chaplains have been supporting our school for a number of years and this is a special and important role for our school. They are committed to helping all students and staff and sharing joy and hope in our community.

“It is through the school’s commitment to Christian values ​​that all staff and pupils, especially the chaplains, ensured that the school achieved such success in the recent SIAMS inspection and their comment was that the school lives up to its foundation as a church school that enables pupils and adults to flourish. while providing a joyful and family atmosphere.”