unity

Chaplaincy
Inclusion Department
Taizé Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage has always been a central part of religious
life and opportunities to go on a pilgrimage are few and
far between. Essentially its purpose is about journeying
with others and together strengthening our individual
relationship with God and each other in community.
For the past few years I have taken a group of students to the
religious community in Taizé, a town situated between Dijon and
Lyon in the Burgundy region of France. This year’s group joined the
community for a week in July and the experience was once again
fulfilling and spiritually rewarding. Although this is primarily a Catholic
community the brothers facilitate gatherings over the summer for
young people from all religious backgrounds and these events,
together with the music, are well known in many churches.
Young people from around the world gather for a week of prayer,
singing, silence and reflection, dialogue and discussion, living a
simple life together in community.
Although primarily Christian in nature the pilgrimage is open to
students of all faiths who are expected to attend all the services and
group activities, but whose beliefs are respected.
Primary to Secondary
Transitional Programme
The transition programme is specifically designed to support pupils in
their transition from Year 6 to Year 7. The programme offers the tools and
resources to support all children to achieve a successful transition into
secondary school, and is a fun and enjoyable experience too.
Year 6 children attend sessions on topics such as: ordering lunch in the
dining hall; using the playground; movement around the school buildings;
dealing with bullying and conflict. They also have the opportunity to
participate in a science experiment and drama sessions and are introduced
to the school’s Family Liaison Officer, Learning Mentors and Inclusion
Manager. Parents are invited into school to share any concerns or offer
advice and support to other parents. Their visit includes a tour of the school
with school ambassadors offering a question and answer service.
The programme was a great success this year and truly beneficial to
many of the parents who were able to ask questions in a comfortable
environment. All the sessions were supported by the learning mentors and
pupils who have previously benefitted from the transition programme.
Rev Garry Swinton, Chaplain
Ms Allen, Learning Mentor
Chaplaincy
Summer Service
On the last day of term we held our end of term service
at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey.
We gathered to celebrate the achievements of the past year and
preparing ourselves for worship we spent a few moments in silence and gave
thanks for the term that was ending and for the things that lie before us.
It was a particularly emotional occasion as several long standing
members of staff were attending their last service. They received a warm
ovation from the entire school demonstrating how highly regarded they have
been amongst not only the staff but all the pupils too. We wish them well in
the new chapters of their lives.
We are grateful to Miss Mole and the choir for the music and to all the
pupils who read passages and prayers during the service. The service was
full of joy and celebration and it was a lovely way to end the academic year.
Rev Garry Swinton, Chaplain
wcsch.com
Westminster City School Newsletter 19