From the Chaplain - Edition 13 - 2020

Throughout Term 3, our Year 11 students lead Chapel in House Groups. This continues to be held in the Michael Murray Centre to allow social distancing. As Chaplain, I take the cross and candle from the Chapel across the roadway to create Chapel familiarity and atmosphere. So, yes, I am ‘carrying my cross …’. Having Year 11s run Chapel is a good opportunity for them to exercise leadership and develop skills in presentation. And the results have been wonderful to see!

The features I would note of these student-led Chapels would be, first, their willingness to take this task on. Some House groups have even repeated their Chapel for the Year 7 and 8 students who have Chapel on a Tuesday. Second, it has been greatly encouraging to see the sensitivity and thoughtfulness with which Year 11s have approached this role. Students treat their preparation seriously and find excellent resources to celebrate their themes, which have included resilience, hope and kindness. One group led a lovely time and space for reflection, which is a good practice we have allowed in Chapel. And third, I have been heartened by the involvement of students; the task of Chapel leadership hasn’t been left to the ‘few’, but all students in their Year 11 groups have participated, each in their own way, whether through a reading, a prayer, or a musical item.

Rev Phil Hoffmann
Chaplain