Reverend David Warner, the Vicar of Mossley, speaks on the journey of students through school in his latest Reporter column.

The end of the school year is a time for mixed emotions - joy for those looking forward to holidays (children and teachers!), perhaps some trepidation for families preparing for the need for activities to keep youngsters busy, and for some, sadness as it’s time to move on from a place which has become familiar and comfortable.

I hugely look forward to the round of services and events that we’re privileged to be part of for our schools, and especially to being able to present each of our Year 6 leavers with a Bible.

These are kindly given by our congregations, and we hope that they are both a reminder and a practical support as our youngsters begin the next stage of their life and education.

I recently received a box of things which belonged to my grandparents - it contained prayer books and Bibles that they had received at their schools in the 1930s, and to my surprise there were also similar books which my Nan had kept which belonged to her parents and grandparents. 

These are such special items, which I am pleased to have with me. 

The books, some of which are dated in the late 1800s, are a timely reminder that on life’s journey there are moments to look back and give thanks, as well as to look forward in hope. 

Let’s look back and thank our children and school staff for their heroic efforts this past year, and look forward with our youngsters making the next step, hopeful for their futures, taking with them everything they have learned and encountered.

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