Interfaith Week, Remembrance and Pudsey ears.
It’s been a week of contrasts here at Exeter Cathedral School, from the activities of Interfaith week, to the solemnity of the Remembrance Day service, with the week coming to a close in an array of excitement, spots and festivities as we fundraise for BBC Children in Need.
On Monday we welcomed Ravi Nathwani, former Hindu Chaplain at Exeter University, to our Prep assembly where he spoke about Hinduism. He gave an enlightening talk about the key teachings and beliefs of the faith, and explained how human beings are like lotus flowers, no matter our surroundings or circumstances we have the capacity to make the right choice and to live a good life – we can grow through the murk and blossom into our fullest potential.
On Tuesday years 7 & 8 took part in a workshop led by Jackie Watson, a humanist celebrant, exploring what it means to be a humanist, beliefs about life after death and debated whether people can be ‘good without God’. There were many lively discussions and the pupils enjoyed hearing about other world views and comparing them to their own.
Also on Tuesday, year 2-8, along with staff and parents, gathered together in the quire of the Cathedral to take part in the ECS Remembrance Service. The Heads and Deputy Heads of School led the act of Remembrance, which included thoughtful prayers, lighting of the Remembrance Candle and a moving reading of John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields. Hector concluded the minutes silence with a stunningly beautiful rendition of Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe. The Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Canon Mustard, with the Senior String Ensemble providing music during the distribution of Communion. Truly, the whole service was a fitting tribute to the lives lost in war, and I felt particularly proud to see our students paying their respects in such a sincere and thoughtful way.
And now we arrive to today, Friday. Students and staff alike have donned their spots and yellow (or brown) fluffy ears in support of BBC’s Children in Need. Lunchtime saw activities of ‘guess the number of spots’ and a colouring competition run at Hall House and the Chantry. The prizes for each (the much sought after Pudsey and Blush bears) will be awarded on Monday, with names being published in next week’s newsletter.
As this busy week draws to its close I am left with an immense sense of thankfulness. I am so privileged to be part of the ECS family, where our young people offer their time, skills, creativity and generosity to help others, whether through engaging with opportunities to learn about other faiths, fundraising for charity, or leading their community in acts of worship.
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick
Chaplain
