OUTGOING pupil chaplains were celebrated for their efforts during the local school’s Harvest Festival service.

Following the success from previous years, St John’s Church of England Primary School in Wellington celebrated their pupil chaplains during their Harvest Festival service on Thursday, October 17.

Before the new chaplains could be commissioned, the school celebrated those who have just completed their year of chaplaincy.

They were thanked for all their efforts and presented with a certificate.

Pupil Chaplains Wellington
(Photo: St John’s Church of England Primary School)
Pupil Chaplains Wellington
(Photo: St John’s Church of England Primary School )

A total of 12 children from the Year 5 classes at St John’s were then commissioned as the new pupil chaplains for 2024-25 in a special ceremony.

Pupil chaplains have a special responsibility to care for the school and live by the school values showing respect, service, compassion, endurance and friendship, while serving the local community and presenting Bible stories in assemblies.

The children, who had volunteered for the role and were carefully chosen by staff and peers, made their promises in front of the whole school, as well as their families and friends.

Each pupil created their own ‘promises’ during their training with the school’s chaplain, Helena Power.

The new pupil chaplains were then presented with a small wooden cross, a badge and certificates which was followed by the ceremonial handing over of tabards by the previous volunteers.

Reverend Colin, St John’s Vicar, led the celebration with blessings, praying for the new chaplains and thanking the retiring ones for their dedication.

A representative of St John’s Church of England Primary school said: “Pupil chaplains have now supported our school for a number of years, and it is a very special and important role for our school. They strive to help all students and staff and share joy and hope in our community.

“With thanks to the school’s dedication to Christian values, all staff and pupils, especially the chaplains, have ensured that the school was such a success in a recent inspection by SIAMS, and their comment was that the school is living up to its foundation as a Church school, and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish while providing a joyful and family orientated environment.”