I was out of the school most of yesterday with other work. But arriving, I met Chris the chaplain and we talked briefly about the news that was already circulating around the grounds.
An all school assembly was called at 2.30pm.
I attended. The whole school sat quietly, teachers lining the sides of the large hall as the head master spoke. The school was to be closed and merged with central tech. The headmaster stressed; this was not their fault. This is driven by money, not because the school has failed. “You’ve been fantastic, you are fantastic, that will never change.”
It was humbling to be here and stay on for the all staff meeting after school. As an outsider, it’s been a privilege to be part of this schools work with so many vulnerable kids, almost 60% of the school have special education needs. Many agree that the way this has been handled as been terrible, and worse still, unjust.
The day in the prayer room was good. some of our Redcliffe friends helped cover the day. a small group came after school to pray together. for students of the school, the day was quieter, with about 45 visits over break and lunch time, before and after school. Though the quieter, less busy room opened up the chance for people to talk one on one if they needed to, and take in with greater depth, the various stations around the room.
We have a guest book in the prayer room. Someone wrote:
“I love this room, wish I could stay longer, I’m glad I can stay in God’s love forever”
And lastly – I forgot to tell you this story from yesterday. I love it.
A student called me over to show me her playdough creation.
“it’s a pie” …
“ok” I tried to think fast about what this could mean…
“God’s love is pie” she showed me the different slices. “here’s his joy, here’s his hope, here’s where you get in…” she pointed at a hole she’d made…
“wow…are you in the pie”
“yep” pointing in the middle. “I’m right here”
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