Mellis CEVCP School Review of Collective Worship and Church of England Ethos

April 2013

Mellis School Policy for Collective WorshipOverviewMellis School is firmly embedded in a strong Christian tradition dating back to its foundation as part of the vibrant Church of England drive in the 19th Century to ensure education for all children. Mellis School, therefore has a duty to maintain this tradition and core values as a key part of every child’s education throughout the present and into the future. The key Christian values, essentially initiated in our society by the Christian faith have been adopted as core values by a parallel secular society and as such should be acceptable to children and families of other faiths or no faith.Mellis School’s Church of England foundation and strong Christian ethos and values will be reflected not only in each day’s assemblies, grace at lunchtime and prayers at the end of the day, but influence our day to day contact with one another and the tasks we undertake. Mellis School’s Christian ethos is well supported by its Foundation Governors who have contributed fully to its development and totally aware of its content and how this influences the school.

Collective Worship will take place on a daily basis from 10.15 to 10.40am and will include the traditional elements incorporated into Collective Worship:

Form of Assemblies Assemblies take place each morning between 10.15am and 10.40am. It is a suitable time for notices to be presented to the whole school, but this should be seen as a separate entity to Collective Worship. Each assembly has to include elements to enhance the spiritual development of the child.

Identification of the Worship Element.Creating a Worshipful Atmosphere – Music on entry, Altar, Projected stained glass window.Story or Teaching – Christian based, but not necessarily from the Bible. Hymn.Element of Worship.Who Else are we Thinking About?What did we take away to Share with Others?Prayer.

In order for us to further create a worshipful atmosphere in the school hall, the head boy and girl will symbolically set the altar table with the cross, lighted candle, ‘topmost’ cloth and Bible. This will be set up during the beginning of the service and during the end.

Themes for Assembly – These are taken from the Church of England document: ‘Values for Life’.Values for Life is to be used as the long term plan. This will effectively link Christian values with our everyday social expectations of children. Staff are encouraged to further expand the content of assemblies to ensure children have a knowledge of the Bible and many of the Bible stories that we as adults know, but often take for granted they are also known by the children.

Local Churches of St Mary Mellis and St Mary Yaxley.The services of Christmas, Easter and Harvest will take place alternately between each church and led by the Rector with strong school input. In addition, there will be Mid-Term Services at Mellis Church which will follow a children’s form of a typical Sunday morning service. The ‘festival’ services will require practices in the Church the day before. Should the weather be extremely poor, then the service will be translated to the school hall, but every effort will be made to re-create the atmosphere of the church through the Procession of the Cross, candles and the Rector wearing his/her complete cassock. Collections will be taken for local, regional. national and international charities.

School Hymn: He Who Would Valiant Be.

The Mellis School Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank you for our school,And pray that it will beA place where all are valued and none left outA sharing community.

Dear Lord, we thank you for our school,And pray that it may beA place where we can learn to make the mostOf each opportunity.

Dear Lord, we thank you for our school,And pray that it will beA place where we will grow more like youIn thought and word and deed.

Dear Lord, we thank you for our school,And pray that it will beA place of peace, happiness and truth,Love and security.

Dear Lord we thank you for our school,Your school, our school.

Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The traditional version shall be used periodically and reverently.

Focal Point in Classrooms: A subtle representation of Christianity should be in each classroom. eg. A cross, significant candle, suitable quote from the Bible etc.

Grace at Meal Times and Prayers at the end of the dayGrace will be said prior to each sitting at lunchtime. Should children from the previous sitting still be in the hall at the time in which grace is said, they should refrain from eating or talking for a few moments. Each day will conclude with a prayer in each classroom.

Visiting SpeakersThe school regularly enjoy Assembly/Collective Worship led by various visitors. These tend to include several of our local rectors, the churchwarden, representatives from Stoke Ash

Baptist Church, the Vine Church in Eye and the children’s worker rom Park View Chapel in Botesdale. Other visitors will include the NSPCC and Barnardos. A teacher will remain in the assembly throughout.

Involvement in the Community

The School participates fully in the local community and much of this revolves around the Christian ethos of the school and Serving Others.

Christmas – Mellis Village Candlelit Service at Mellis Church Carol Service at Stoke Ash Baptist Church Carol Singing in Yaxley House Residential Home for the Elderly and at the

Cherry Tree Public House Christingle Service at Mellis Church

Other Times: Mothering Sunday – Mellis Church Flower Festival – Mellis Church Mid-Summer Service – Mellis Church

Role of the Foundation GovernorsOur Foundation Governors: Mrs Sarah Dobson, Mrs Jo Pitt and Rev. Alan Harding (now retired) fully support the Christian character of the school and have preliminary plans in place to develop it further.

Children of Other FaithsThe school has a very small minority of children of other faiths, notably Jehovah Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists. Parents are free to opt their children out of the Collective Worship element, but on the whole tend to allow children to participate. We do have families of ‘no faith’, but in every case parents have not chosen to withdraw their children from Collective Worship.

Themes.Please insert your choice of hymns for the following week on the Wednesday so we can practice them in Hymn Practice. Please make an effort to introduce a new hymn every so often.

There will be three typical assemblies each week supplemented by ‘Hymn Practice’ and a SEAL Assembly. It is important that both the SEAL Assembly and Hymn Practice include the same aspects essential to Collective Worship.

Teacher Nature of AssemblyMonday Richard Normal Tuesday Claire

JessicaPHSE – SEAL KS2PSHE – SEAL KS1

Wednesday Paul/Jaqui Hymn PracticeThursday Kelly/Caroline NormalFriday Yrs 1-6 Rec. & Pre-School.

Natalie/MillieSophie

NormalNormal (Bible Stories)

Update of Long Term Plan for September 2012 (Reviewed April 2013)

Each member of the Teaching Staff is to follow the same assembly theme through the entire half term. This is a Christian School and each theme will be illustrated by a balance of Bible and other Stories/References. Other faiths should not primarily be included, but can be a secondary source.

This will mean for example that Mr Smith will take assembly on a Tuesday each week on the theme of ‘Forgiveness’.

The Basis of our approach to Mellis School Assemblies will continue to be based on the Church of England’s ‘Values for Life’

Themes:CouragePeaceCreativityTrustForgivenessJusticeThankfulnessCompassionFriendshipHopeTruthfulnessHumilityGenerosityRespect and ReverenceWisdomPerseveranceService to OthersResponsibility

Do not forget the Ecclesiastical Year in your assembly planning.

Update following Staff Meeting Discussion December 2013

It was felt that by having individual themes for each teacher throughout the week we were missing an opportunity to enable the current one theme, if in place, to permeate throughout the school. It was therefore decided that we would return to the single theme for the half term.

From January 2014 the following will be the thematic programme:

Spring 1 Creativity

Spring 2 Forgiveness

Summer 3 Thankfulness

Summer 4 Service to Others

Each class will take a ‘Sharing Assembly’ once a year. This will be spread over the year and typically take place once each half term. Parents of that class will be invited.

Mellis CEVCP School2013 – 2014 Assembly Records

Class Teacher: ExampleDay and DateTheme/ValueSetting the Scene

Illustrative story/symbol/etcHymnElement of Worship

Who else are we thinking about? (Intercession)

What did we take away to share with others?

Examples of Festival Church Services

MELLIS CEVCP SCHOOLHarvest Thanksgiving

Wednesday, 26th September 2012

9.00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church,Mellis

You will no doubt wish to offer applause to all our children, but please preserve the worship style of the service by leaving this until the end of the service.

Procession of the Cross – three children from Class 6.

Welcome – Father Michael Thompson

Greeting – Father Michael Thompson

Hymn 1 – Lord of the Harvest – Congregation

Presentation of Harvest Gifts – Class R

Prayer – All – Father Michael Thompson

A Harvest Dictionary – Class 4

Key Stage 1 Sing – The Sun Came Shining Down

Harvest Poems – Class 3 and Class 5

Key Stage 2 Sing - Harvest Time has Come

Readings Class 6 Matthew Ch. 4 vv. 1 – 9 vv. 13 – 20

Harvest Talk: Father Michael Thompson

Harvest Prayers of Intercession – Class 6 Hymn 2 – Autumn Days - Congregation

Blessing – Father Michael Thompson

A Collection in aid of Quidenham Children’s Hospice and St Mary’s Church, Mellis

Harvest Paintings by the children in Starlings Class R.Harvest Craft by the children in Woodpeckers Class 2.

There will be a sale of Harvest Produce at the school during the afternoon from 2.45pm. All proceeds will go towards Quidenham Children’s Hospice and St Mary’s Church, Mellis

Easter Service 2013

Procession of the Cross – Edward and Megan

Greeting & Prayer - Rev. Alan Harding

Flute Group – Spring

Class 6 Reading – Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem

Class 3 Entry into JerusalemHymn 1: Morning Has Broken – All

Class 5 Symbols of Easter

Class 6 Reading – Arrest of Jesus

Class 1 Sing – Find a Little Seed

Class 6 Reading - Peter’s Denial of his Lord

Class 2 – New Life

Class 6 – Reading – Pilate Washes his Hands of this Man’s Blood

Key Stage 1 Sing – The Easter Bunny

Class 6 Reading - The Crucifixion

Hymn 2: There is A Green Hill Far Away – All

Key Stage 2 Sing – Sing Out An Easter Song

Easter Talk: Rev. Alan Harding

Year 6 Reading - He is Risen

Easter Prayers of Intercession – Rev. Alan Harding

Hymn 3: Lord of the Dance – All

Blessing – Rev. Alan Harding

MELLIS PRIMARY SCHOOLC A R O L S E R V I C E

Thursday, 20th December, 2012

5.30 p.m.

st. mary’s church, Yaxley

CAROL 1 Once in Royal David’s City – lst Verse Alex Storey, Oliver Grimes, Lucy Earnshaw, Niamh Towler, Piper Wasley, Philippa Brewis, Megan Parry.Candle-light Procession – Reception ClassRemaining Verses – All

Greeting and Prayer Rev. Alan Harding(Congregation to join in with the words in heavy print.)

The Lord be with you.And also with you.

This is the day that the Lord has made.Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We have come together to say thank you for all the good things we enjoy,

to say sorry for the things we have done wrong,to hear again the stories from the Bible, to pray for those less fortunate than ourselvesand to offer our talents to God,through Jesus Christ our Lord,

AmenFlutes & Clarinet – In the Bleak Mid-Winter

Imogen Grimes, Millie Clark, Lucy Johnson, Piper Wasley

Reading 1 “Caesar Demands” – Lucy Earnshaw

Flute Group – Away in a MangerImogen Grimes, Millie Clark, Lucy Johnson

Reception & Year 1 Away in a Manger

Reading 2 “Journey to Bethlehem” – Reggie Sutterby

Saxophone – Walking in the AirOliver Grimes

Reading 3 “The Birth of Christ” - Alfie BrydonYear 1 Haiwatha Indian Carol

Reading 4 “Shepherds Fields” – Alex Storey

Year 2 & 3 song Silent Night

Reading 5 “Angels Appear to the Shepherds” – Oliver GrimesReading 6 “Shepherds Visit the Baby Jesus” - Lucas Wheeler

Year 2 Silent Night Reading

CAROL 2 Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Reading 7 – “Wise Men from the East” – Tom ShepherdReading 8 - “Herod’s Ruse” – Harvey Hubbard

Class 3 Christmas Poetry

CAROL 3 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Choir Part of a Heavenly Plan

Reading 9 – “Wise Men Visit Baby Jesus” – Megan Parry Reading 10 – “Slaughter of the Innocents” – Piper Wasley

Reading 11 – “The Flight into Egypt” – Edward Justice

Class 4 The Real ChristmasReading 12 – “The Return Home” – Joe Banks

Class 4 & 5 Song Midnight

Address – Rev. Alan Harding

Prayers of Intercession – Rev. Alan Harding

The Lord’s Prayer – Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come;thy will be done;on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation;but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom,the power and the glory,for ever and ever.

Amen.

CAROL 4 O Come all ye Faithful

Rev. Alan Harding Prayers and Blessing

Thank you to Class 1 for providing the Nativity artwork, Year 3 for the salt dough wreaths and Year 5 for the stained glass windows.There will be a collection at the end of the Service, the proceeds of which will be equally divided between Yaxley Church and Quidenham Children’s Hospice.

The School Head Boy, Edward Friar and Head Girl, Megan Parry will introduce each of the four congregational carols.

Carols around the Christmas Tree

Friday December 16th 2011

1.45pm – 2.45pm

Candles/Words/Chairs/Tables/Move Tree/Matches/Piano Music/CD Player

Class 1 Carol – Oh Little Town of BethlehemClass 1 Presentation – Jingle Bells

Class 2 Carol – Silent NightClass 2 Presentation – The True Meaning of Christmas

Class 3 Carol – Good King WenceslasClass 3 Reading – A Recipe for a Perfect Christmas

Class 4 Carol – We Three KingsClass 4 Reading – Our Favourite Things about Christmas

Class 5 Carol – Little Donkey

Class 5 Reading – The Christmas Play

Class 6 Carol – Calypso Carol

Class 6 Reading – The Gift

Closing Prayer - Richard

Children will need to return to classrooms to collect belongings and can leave 15 minutes later, but only if parents are there.

Christmas Eve Prayer

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hateand open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

Robert Louis Stevenson        

Prayers of Intercession 12-25 Christmas DayRejoicing that the grace of God has been revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ,the light of the world, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God'screation.O God, through water and your word you called us out of darkness and gaveus the power to become children of God. Lead all the baptized to be bearers oflight to the world. Gracious God, hear our prayer.O God, in the beginning all things came into being through your word.Empower us to be good stewards of all that you have created. Gracious God,hear our prayer.O God, you judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.Make the leaders of all nations messengers of peace. Gracious God,hear our prayer.

O God, Jesus Christ became flesh and lived among us. Send your livingpresence to all who are depressed, alone, or sick in this holy season (especially),that they may know your love. Gracious God, hear our prayer.We pray for those who serve in the Armed Forces and their families. GraciousGod, hear our prayer.O God, your Son came to bring life and light. Guide this congregation to be asource of hope and warmth for all in this community and in the world.Gracious God, hear our prayer.Here other intercessions may be offered.O God, we give thanks for all who have testified to the light of Jesus Christ,especially the evangelists and martyrs. Keep us in this light until we come intoyour holy courts. Gracious God,hear our prayer.Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting inyour mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour.Amen.

Welcome to our special assembly for EpiphanyDate, Time

The Wise Men’s Visit

At (time to suit you) we gather in the school hall, dressed as kings (and some camels if possible)Actors: someone to carry the star, 3 kings + gifts, Herod – no speaking parts!

Welcome

Song: Away in a manger

Reading 1. The StarThe sky was black. The stars were bright as diamonds. Then God nudged the brightest star and sent it floating like a kite across the night sky.‘Look!’ said the star-watchers. ‘There’s a new star, and that means a new king. Somewhere a new king is about to be born.Let’s follow the star and see.’

Song:‘Twinkle twinkle guiding star3 wise men came from afarFollowing your shining lightIn the darkness of the nightSo to bring their gifts most rareTo the Christ child lying there.

Reading 2. The journeySo the star – watchers climbed onto their camels and set off after the star.

We process to the church, following the star, the 3 kings and some camels.Music is played while the children come in -eg ´Camelling Along’ Out of the Ark MusicThe star watchers went over deserts and mountains and rivers until they reached the land of God’s chosen people, the Jews.

3. At King Herod’s palaceThe star-watchers found a beautiful palace. Surely this is where the new born king will be.‘We’ve come a long way,’ said the star watchers to King Herod. ‘We followed a remarkable star. So can you tell us where the baby is, the baby born to be king of the Jews?’‘KING OF THE JEWS!’ shouted Herod, ‘KING OF THE JEWS! I AM THE KING OF THE JEWS.’

‘But your majesty,’ said his advisers, ‘God promised that one day he would send a special king. Perhaps he is the one the star watchers are looking for.’‘Hmm,’ said Herod. ‘And where does God say this special king will be born?’‘In Bethlehem, your majesty.’ replied his advisers.So Herod told the star-watchers:‘The child you seek is in Bethlehem. Go to him. Find him. Then come and tell me where he is, so I can visit him too. ‘The king said this with a smile,But his heart was black, black as the night without stars.He had planned to kill the child, so no-one would take his place as king.

4. In BethlehemAfter a little while, the three star –watchers found the place where Jesus was. They went to see young Jesus, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The kings lay their gifts before the crib.

They didn’t go back to tell Herod.For the same God who nudged the star visited them in a dream and told them Herod’s dark plan. So they went straight home, with stars in their eyes and God in their hearts.

Prayers- read by children from ? Class

1 Thank you for the star that led the 3 kings to see Jesus2 Thank you, God for caring for us and showing us the right way to live.

3 Thank you for guiding the three kings on their journey4 Thank you God for giving us courage, showing us the way, and helping us when we’re lonely.

5 Thank you for protecting the 3 kings as they travelled away from home.6 Help us to think about people who live on the streets, and people who have to leave their homes because of war.

Rev Julia Thank you for the 3 gifts the kings gave to baby Jesus.All: Thank you God, for the greatest gift of all, your son, Jesus

Closing song: We 3 Kings, or one from your Christmas play

BlessingWe go into the world to walk in God’s light,To rejoice in God’s love And to reflect God’s glory.May God bless us and all those we love,Now and forever. Amen

                                         Mellis CEVCP School

20/7/12Leavers’ Assembly

Welcome – Richard

Hymn – One More Step Along the Road I Go

Talk – Rev. Tiffer Robinson

Prayer & Blessing – Rev. Tiffer Robinson

Class 6 – Introduction

Sports Certificates

Presentation of the Ben Box Writers’ Trophy – Ben Box – Hannah Dobson

Presentation of the Ben Box Sports’ Trophy – Ben Box – Tom Bowman

Presentation of Attendance Cups – Richard Cattermole Yr 6 – 0 absence – Benjamin Brooks, Hannah Dobson and Lucy MillsYr 5 – 0 absence – Oliver Grimes, Elliot Sano and

Morgan ManlyYr 4 – 0 absence – Bailey Farrant, Joshua Goulton,

Ryan Love, Anesu O’Mard and Shamiso O’Mard

Yr 3 – 0 absence – Katie Clay and Katy MillsYr 2 – 1 absence – Tician Wasley and Jacob WharmbyYr 1 – 2 absence – Phoebe ClarkRec. – 0 absence – Yasmin Wakefield

Presentation of the Julian Popescu Memorial Cup for Languages – Ellie Roberts

Presentation of the Daw Sisters Arts Award – Leo Bloom

Presentation of the Lynn Redgrave Drama Award – Miles Smith

Presentation of the Porter Music Award – Hannah Dobson, Benjamin Brooks

Presentation of the Sue Eley Year 5 Cup – Claire Mortlock – Rainer Geelmuyden

Presentation of the Sinclair KS1 Cup – Kelly Floyd – Louis McCue

Presentation of the Campbell Cup for Gallantry – Leah Horlock

Presentation of the Everett Plate for Love of Learning – Benjamin Brooks

Presentation of the Kathy Mills Award for Drama/Dance - Kathy Mills - Maisie Fulcher

Allum Cup for achievement in science – Linda Allum – James Reynolds

Presentation of Atlases/Bibles – Sarah Dobson, Yvonne Mason

List of Year 6 names:

Hannah Dobson, Adam Beckford, Tygwr Wasley, Electra Rowlandson, Miles Smith, Mairi Burnett, Tom Bowman, Benjamin Brooks, Leo Bloom, Leo Cairns, Jack Mason, James Reynolds, Charlie Aiken, Thomas Bloomfield, Oliver Fairweather, Zac Ling, Jordyn Tunmer, Addison Allum, Lucy Mills, Leah Horlock, Marcus Cooper, Sophie Pearson, Holly Watts

Hymn – We are one – Sung by School

Ladies and Gentlemen – The Year 6.

Year 6 Presentation to Parents – includes song, music video

List of families leaving Mellis

Dobson, Beckford, Rowlandson, Smith, Burnett, Bowman, Brooks, Cairns, Mason, Aiken, Bloomfield, Fairweather, Ling, Tunmer, Allum, Cooper, Pearson, Watts (Aiken & Brooks will be coming back!)

Children shake the hands of Sarah, Yvonne, Richard, Paul, as walk down steps.

Welcome back – Kelly Floyd, Jessica Shaw.New Year 1 Teacher - Sam Laurie

Presentation to Alison Pollard

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