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Barnes in Commonthe magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
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A digest of Pat Henchie's presentation to the Forum of Churches Together in BarnesMonday 8th November 2004Why I chose to lead Lowther My background is being a worshipping Christian supported by my family and church. My faith is implicit in who I am and what I do. This has given me a belief that I have a ministry of service to children's education in a school community. I had no career plan, but around the time that Lowther was seeking a new headteacher I knew I was being called to change. It seemed absolutely right to apply for the headship of Lowther in 1992 and I immediately had a sense of being in the "right place". My job was to make Lowther school a place of worth for the children, their families, the community and the adults charged with educating them. For me the notion of ministry and worship is linked to my job of building children's skills for learning, for teaching children how to understand differences, for celebrating diversity, for giving children opportunities to learn tolerance. My job is also to share my vision for Lowther with other adults. In a community school the faith of any member of staff is never asked, as it isn't a requirement, but interestingly over half the adult team are practising Christians. What we do However we have a bigger vision for our work and that is to give our children an understanding of their own worth. This is about understanding their uniqueness in creation. Lowther is a "Worthshipping school". Our assemblies are acts of collective worship and worthship and are grouped in a variety of ways. Monday: Whole school act of collective worship, often with Acts 88 Our school family extends outwards and the most significant link is to Biiso school in Uganda. What we are The benefits of belonging to a strong and supportive family unit are important to society and these become available to everyone belonging to Lowther even if their home family life fails them. We have shared values that are open and transparent to the adults, children and parents. We also embrace everyone in the school family with their own faith, customs, celebrations, and more importantly warts and all! How we pass on the message The Lowther adult team contributes the most to achieving high standards of educational attainment, confident children with high self-esteem, children who have the opportunity of learning right from wrong and how to make the right choice. Making choices is a key skill and we spend a great deal of time helping children understand that making the right choice needs courage, honesty and integrity. We use a lighthouse as an image to promote learning. Its beam shines out as a light of learning and achievement. The lighthouse beam shines out for laughter and love as key ways to motivate and encourage our children. The Charter and what it means to the children "Lowther Primary School is a positive, supportive and caring environment, in which everyone feels valued and secure. Our school is a dynamic place, full of fun and passion for all aspects of learning, where everyone is inspired to work their hardest to achieve high standards and fulfil their potential. We are at the heart of our local community and have an awareness of the world that encourages respect for everyone's needs, beliefs and cultures. In this way Lowther Primary School works to develop happy, confident individuals, who are well motivated with the skills and knowledge to make their unique contribution to the world." Conclusion My family, my church and the prayers of so many people both known and unknown continue to support me in leading Lowther. Lowther is a special place where I have the opportunity to use my skills for my ministry of service to generations of children. This is our school |
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