Reaching the end of November, as we do today, I’m reflecting on the rich tapestry of events and traditions that has filled this month. It’s certainly true to say that for our school community, November has been a time of remembrance, service and preparation, all leading us into the hopeful season of Advent.
November began with the solemnity of All Saints and All Souls, reminding us of those famous names who inspire us through their witness and their example, and of our loved ones whom we continue to hold in our prayers. Midway through the month, we observed Remembrance Day, an important moment for us as a school community to honour those who gave their lives in service for others. As always, whether in our tutorial-based acts of worship or our Main Hall assemblies, our students demonstrated gratitude and deep respect for the sacrifices made by so many.
November has also been a month of action, with our pupils enthusiastically participating in numerous charitable initiatives, including the ever-popular Swish event, where pupils donate unwanted items of clothing for vintage sales and swaps, thereby raising funds for Children in Need as well as showing a commitment to re-using and recycling! The successful venture, now in its third year, even had a special mention from Chris Evans on Virgin Radio … although I certainly felt somewhat old when some of our Sixth Formers asked me “What? The Chris Evans?” to which I replied, “Yes, the Chris Evans,” only for us to later establish that I was speaking of the breakfast show radio DJ while they were awe-struck at the thought of Chris Evans of Marvel Cinematic Universe fame knowing of their fundraising work!
The Charity Team and Eco Team also led the way in organising the Christmas Fair held on Thursday this week. The Main Hall was filled with stalls and visitors – a most festive event – and it was lovely to welcome pupils from St. Illtyd’s who ran a beautiful stall of their art and craft work (they were also excellent salespeople! I think that I left with one of every item!). The Junior Legion stall, now an established fixture, was also an impressive testament to the Legion pupils’ handiwork, with wax melts, candles, hand-sewn items and much more, and the tombola was also a popular location for all! Charity, as we know, is about more than giving material goods; it is about spiritual works of mercy and encountering Christ in others. Through their efforts, the time invested in preparing for this event and also through their commitment to the prayer life of our community, our pupils are certainly embodying the Gospel message in countless tangible ways, living out their faith with compassion and energy.
Amid these acts of remembrance and service, November has also been a time of academic focus. As we approach the Christmas exams (indeed, they are underway for some year groups already), pupils and staff alike have been working diligently to prepare for these. We’d ask all parents and carers to support their children in striking the right balance during this time, for example by encouraging them to organise their revision schedules, but also to take care of their wellbeing—adequate sleep, a healthy diet and moments of relaxation are vital components of success. To our students, remember: exams are important, but they are also opportunities to grow in resilience, discipline and perseverance, and these Christmas exams offer the opportunity to develop good habits and routines that will stand you in good stead for the summer exam series.
Last weekend, we celebrated the Feast of Christ the King, the final Sunday in the liturgical calendar. This is one of my favourite feast days (in as much as any can be a ‘favourite’!) as it is such a significant and momentous marker point in the year, closing the liturgical year with inspiring reflections and looking ahead to the beauty of Advent. Those reflections remind us that despite Christ’s ultimate authority and kingship, his is a kingship of service and love, not power and dominance. On this feast day we reflect on the Gospel message of Christ’s humility, and this challenges us to evaluate our own priorities, asking whether our lives reflect Christ’s example of servant leadership. At Bishop Vaughan, we strive to live out the example provided to us by Christ in our daily lives, particularly through acts of kindness and service to others.
The Feast of Christ the King is also the date of another tradition that has found its way into the calendar, that of Stir Up Sunday. The day gets its name from the opening words of the Collect in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people,” and it became traditional for families to make their Christmas cakes or puddings on this date, to be stored ready for Christmas. It’s a tradition which I’ve kept for many years and I can recommend it: the smell of Christmas cakes baking, with their spices and fruits, is more lovely than any scented candle, and homemade Christmas cakes often make a welcome gift. In addition, you will have had the enjoyment of baking, which naturally encourages us to stop and enjoy quiet moments, rather than rushing around the crowded shops! It is, by the way, traditional too for all members of the family to stir the mixture and to do so from East to West in honour of the three wise men, or kings, who visited the newborn Jesus. Many make a wish for the year ahead as they stir the mixture!
Now, as we stand on the threshold of Advent, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent tomorrow, our focus shifts to hope and expectation, to true renewal. Advent calls us to make room for Christ in our lives—both spiritually and practically. In our busy school environment, this is a timely reminder to pause and to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Our Advent assemblies, prepared by our Faith Council, will help us reflect on the season's true meaning. As mentioned in last month’s blog too, the Service of Benediction and Carols and the Sacred Heart – held a week Monday on 9th December – is always a most beautiful, prayerful evening of readings, music and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Following that, we have two further events, the concert with the Phoenix Choir of Wales and the Annual Cathedral Carol Service to look forward to. See last month’s blog for details.
As we light the first candle on our Advent wreaths tomorrow, let us remember that Advent is a journey of hope. This has a special relevance for us this year, as I’ll explore further next month and in our Christmas newsletter to you, as we are about to embark on the Jubilee Year in the church, the theme of which is ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Whether we are preparing for exams, organising festive activities or simply finding time for stillness amidst the busyness, by keeping Christ at the centre of all that we do, we are in so many senses already being ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ I hope that this Advent is a season of grace for you and your families and I wish you a blessed Advent season.
Mrs Pole
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