From the Chaplain - Edition 11 - 2019

Readers of this newsletter who are Westminster Old Scholars or who attended other church-run schools may hold their own memories and therefore perceptions of what ‘Chapel’ is. Likely you may think of students sitting attentively, being talked to and instructed in the Gospel and feigning interest! Like most aspects of school life, Chapel has moved on.

Chapel in today’s experience belongs, not to the Chaplain, but to the students. It is their time and opportunity! In Terms 2 and 3 we are completing a roster of Year 11s leading Chapel in their House groups. What they arrange in groups is diverse and eclectic – an expression of themselves. We have covered topics from perseverance to inner beauty, appreciation and wonder. These often mark strengths of character that we would hope to foster and develop at Westminster, each of them as virtues of Christian values and faith. Students focus on these using their own personal stories, on-screen clips, music, related bible readings and prayers to summarise. As Chaplain, I am guide and encourager.

It is widely recognised that participation is a key to engagement.

In Chapel, Westminster students are learning as they lead!

Rev Phil Hoffmann
Chaplain