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We are starting the second half of the Autumn Term by learning about the Christian Value of Friendship.  Over the next half term we will be taking part in a number of ‘Friendship’ activities during Collective Worship and across the school.

Sharing a meal with someone is an explicit sign of friendship and the word ‘companion’ literally means ‘one with whom you share bread.’

‘A friend loves at all times.’ (Proverbs 17:17)

‘Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.’ (Proverbs 27:6)

‘if one falls down, a friend can lift him up’. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

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The Christian Value we are particularly focusing on this half term is Respect.

As Moses approached the presence of God in the burning bush, God said to him: “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” This scene captures something of the essence of reverence and respect. Respect for God extends to respect for all creation, including all people, animals and our environment. In our school children and adults show respect for each other, their belongings and their environment.

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech.

 – Titus 2:7

It would be wonderful to see a large proportion of the children taking part in the home-school challenge. You can explore this value at home using the resource on the right.

The Christian Value we are particularly focusing on this half term is Hope. Christian hope is grounded in the character of God. Often, in the Psalms, the writer says to God: ‘My hope is in you’. It is a hope rooted in the love and faithfulness of God. Hope is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance that God can be relied upon. It does not remove the need for ‘waiting upon the Lord’ but there is underlying confidence that God is a ‘strong rock’ and one whose promises can be trusted.

We want our children to be bringers of hope in their families and communities, shining as bright lights when sometimes things seem without hope.

Teachers often say that perseverance is something that many children find difficult.  However, here at Elvington Church of England Primary School, our pupils understand that very little that is really worthwhile in life can be achieved without perseverance. An athlete may train for years before they are ready to compete at the highest level. A musician must practice every day, sometimes for hours at a time, if they are to really master their instrument.