A VERY special commissioning took place yesterday (Thursday, October 17) at St John’s Church, Wellington.

Following the success from previous years, St John’s Church of England Primary school celebrated their Pupil Chaplains during their Harvest Festival service.

Before the new chaplains could be commissioned, the school celebrated the student leaders that had just completed their year of chaplaincy, who were each thanked for all of their efforts and presented with a certificate.

Then twelve children from the Year 5 classes at St John’s school, were commissioned as the new pupil chaplains for 2024-25 in a special ceremony.

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. These promises were created during their training with Helena Power (the school’s chaplain).

Each young chaplain was then presented with a small wooden cross, a badge and certificates.

The previous pupil chaplains then ceremonially handed over their tabards to the new pupil chaplains.

Reverend Colin, St John’s Vicar, led the celebration with blessings, praying for the new chaplains and thanking the retiring ones for their dedication. The Harvest collection for local food banks was also blessed by Reverend Colin and the pupils.

Pupil chaplains have a special responsibility to care for the school and live by the school values showing respect, service, compassion, endurance and friendship - all whilst still having a lot of fun, serving the local community and presenting Bible stories in assemblies.

A spokesperson for 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 schools 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."