Trust Leavers Service 2023
Aletheia Academies Trust held its annual Year 6 Leavers Service on Tuesday 11th July 2023 at Rochester Cathedral. The event marks the end of the pupils’ primary school journey and the transition to secondary school. It was attended by pupils and staff from Horton Kirby C of E Primary School, Rosherville C of E Primary Academy, Cliffe Woods Primary School, Halling Primary School, Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, Sedley’s C of E Primary School, Shorne C of E Primary School, Sutton-at-Hone C of E Primary School and Stone St Mary’s C of E Primary School, St Botolph’s C of E Primary School and Ditton C of E Junior School.
The service began at 1.45pm with a welcome address by Trust Chaplain, Reverend Trudi Oliver followed by The Greeting by Reverend Kenneth Clark. The congregation sang the Hymns “Shine Jesus Shine”, “We Shall Go Out With Joy”, “Together As One” and The Blessing was offered by Reverend Jim Fletcher amongst readings from pupils from all schools.
Each school shared their visions and values, reflections on their primary school experience and their hopes and aspirations for the next phase of their education.
Pupil from Sedleys:
Today our Leaver's Service is based around our school visions and some of the shared values that we have. It is a time to think about how these have helped and supported us through our primary schools but also how we can continue to use them to guide us as we enter our Secondary School years. It is a chance to look back and reflect on the journey so far, to look forward to the next stage of their life and for the school community to formally say goodbye. The service helps to enable a transition to a new stage of life in a spiritual way.
Pupil from Rosherville:
Proverbs 22: 6 says - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Later in the service, Aletheia Representative and Senior Trust Improvement Officer, Adrian Oldershaw gave an inspiring talk to the leavers. He encouraged them to, “Embrace the chance to expand your horizons. Challenge yourself and delve deeper into areas to ignite your curiosity.”
Father Michael Payne, Governor at Saint George’s C of E School closed the event with a talk on love, which was followed by a reflection by a Pupil from St. Botolphs:
“We have heard about 'Love' and some examples of how this has spread throughout our time at our Primary Schools. We know that this love will remain with us as we continue on our life journeys. Hold the heart that you have made and think about all the learning and memories that you have and how these will help you.”
The service ended on a heartwarming note with a slideshow of photographic memories set to the song ‘Love is All Around’ by Wet Wet Wet. The leavers watched, listened and reflected on their next steps, hopes and dreams for the future.