If ever there was something to make you smile this Christmas, it’s the school children of Scalford CofE Primary shining brightly for all to see.
Pupils from Year Six led the whole school in worship this month during a merry and moving Christingle service at St Egelwin’s Church in the village near Melton Mowbray.
It was quite the day for the 10 and 11-year-olds, who helped their younger school friends make Christingles for the occasion, before moving over to the church for the big event. During the service, the children explained the origins of the Christingle, describing each element of the decorated orange, before leading the congregation in songs of praise.
When the Christingle candles were lit at the front of the church, they sang the hymn, ‘Hope of Heaven’, in what was described as “a beautiful and moving moment” with some children singing solo parts.
It’s quite fitting then that the school’s mission statement is: ‘Always trying to do our best so that we can shine.’ Inspired by Jesus - the light of the world - children at Scalford strive to do their best at all times and hope to reflect the nature of Christ so that His light shines through their attitudes, words, and deeds. It’s a special time for the Year Six children, who have journeyed through the school and now stand proud, shining their light alongside the light of the world.
This small group of pupils also make up the school council and are very involved with leading services and collective worship in school on a weekly basis.
Head Teacher, Melanie Wrightam, believes it is important to let the children lead the way. She says: “It helps them to feel like services are done by them not done to them, and they learn and gain so much more as a result. It cements that feeling of being part of the church community and helps them to live out the Christian values, rather than just parroting them.”
Revd Canon John Barr and other members of St Egelwin’s regularly visit the school and play a big part in steering its Christian vision, helping to strengthen the relationship between church, school, and families. He says: “We value the strong links we have with Scalford School and are looking to see how they might be developed to make new connections between the wider community, church and school.”
This term, the school have enjoyed several services in church, as well as Messy Fiesta – a church and school collaboration where they take a Christian value word and spend the day reflecting on what it means, before presenting it to the community. The children are also holding a fete in February to raise money for the church community room.
Melanie says: “It is wonderful to be part of a school community that is in turn part of the local church community, and we are proud that the children of Scalford School represent and embody that link.”