Conclusion

As is customary, all students have had the opportunity to attend reconciliation services. The theme of these services has been related to what is the true meaning of Christmas. It is often forgotten that amongst the glitz and the glamour the feast that we celebrate marks the entrance of Jesus into the world in a cold, smelly stable, with only hay for warmth. I am only too well aware that this Christmas and the forthcoming New Year will be a period of great concern for many of our families. There is a real fear about the future financial stability in terms of jobs, mortgages and, indeed, of the services we need from our Government in terms of health and education. It will, therefore, not be possible for many families to have the level of material goods they have enjoyed in previous years. In our Christmas services and assemblies we will be making the point very strongly that Christmas is not about materialism as material goods come and go very quickly. It is about ensuring that our young people understand that Jesus was born for all mankind and to promote a Christian way of life which will benefit mankind.

The Christmas message of peace and goodwill to all mankind might be considered redundant in our day and age when we look at the horrors caused by the conflict in Afghanistan, terrorism and, indeed, those few members of society who endeavour to take advantage of the most disadvantaged. However, in relation to our world community, evil people are still a very small number and if we all try to live to the Christian message of treating all people with the respect we wish to be treated with, then we really can influence our world for the better. My hope, therefore, for my family and yours, is that over the Christmas period we will have the opportunity to build bridges with our relationships that have been broken and that together with our young people, we will endeavour to offer support, friendliness and the true Christmas spirit to those members of our community who may be suffering in any way whatsoever.

I hope that you and your families will celebrate Christmas by attending your own churches and that the time you have together with your own family will, therefore, enhance your family life. I also hope and pray that 2011 brings you peace, health and happiness.

Yours sincerely




Lawrence Montagu
Headteacher