Faith Week

Faith Week is coming up, from 2−6 August. This is the first time Shelford has run a week dedicated to different faiths and beliefs. During the week we will have some extra activities at lunchtime for all students who wish to be to involved, as well as a Chapel Assembly during the week. Some activities may change due to COVID-19 requirements. 

Junior School

Faith Week Lunchtime Activities (Thursday 5 August)

A range of activities focused on different spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, yoga and the concept of gratitude will be available to participate in. These sessions will be offered during lunchtime and each student will be able to choose which session they want to attend. Our Year 6 Leaders have the opportunity to help me organise and run these. 

Junior School Chapel (Friday 6 August)

As always, Chapel will run on Day 10 in St Mary’s Oaktree Church. This term we are looking at the story of Noah, a classic that is loved by all Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Muslim). We will consider what it means to have faith in something and how that can bring us greater hope in hard times.

Senior School

Chapel Assembly (Tuesday 3 August)

During Period 4 in Assembly time, Mustard group is coming in to present on the topic of ‘Under Pressure’ and dealing with all the expectations from family, school, friends, social media and the broader society. Mustard will help the students to consider why they can sometimes be left feeling confused and stressed about who they are and what they are expected to be. 

Mustard Lunchtime Group (Tuesday 3 August)

Mustard is a lunchtime group that meets regularly every Tuesday and is an opportunity for all students to come along and discuss Christian traditions and culture. This is a safe space to consider different cultures and beliefs and can be a space to ask any questions. This is an optional activity for students to join in at lunch.

Jewish Lunchtime Group (Wednesday 4 August)

J Group or Jewish Group is a lunchtime group that meets regularly every Wednesday and is an opportunity for all students to come along and discuss Jewish traditions and culture. This is a safe space to consider different cultures and beliefs and can be a space to ask any questions. This is an optional activity for students to join in at lunch.

‘You Can’t Ask That!’ lunchtime session (Friday 6 August)

To finish off the week we will be running ‘You Can’t Ask That!’ which is based on an ABC program where people are allowed to ask the things you just shouldn’t ask! We invite students to join us in the Hall and ask any question they like to a group of panelists from different Christian spaces. During the year I have already gathered several different questions from students across all year levels, and will be taking the most common (and trickiest ones!) that haven’t been answered yet and asking the invited panelist to share their personal views. This is an optional activity for students to join in at lunch.

Claire Cheeseman

School Chaplain