Headmaster ’ s Welcome
Message from our Chaplain
In Christian tradition , Lent is a period of reflection , of asking for forgiveness and , in order to demonstrate self-discipline and to mirror Jesus ’ own sacrifice , millions of Christians across the globe choose Lent as a time during which they will give up certain things .
Pocklington School therefore finds itself in something of a paradoxical situation whereby , as a proud Christian foundation with over 500 years of Christian history , Lent term this year has been quite the opposite of a period during which we have been abstemious . From school trips to sport , House Drama to high ambitions , the term has been packed to the gunwales . If you ’ ll forgive the rather blunt imagery , our community has gorged itself on a banquet of opportunities .
We have been bowled over by the engagement from pupils . On any number of measures , this term has been one of superlatives . Look no
Charity further than the Geography Department or the Lower School ’ s Ambitio project and you ’ ll see what I mean . Consider for a moment the immense efforts that went into this year ’ s stellar House Drama competition , and you cannot fail to be impressed . Finally , witness the explosion of artistic endeavour at which we marvelled during ‘ Arts Week ’ and you are guaranteed amazement .
This , alongside all our normal offering of academic stretch , challenge and support , pastoral oversight and co-curricular activity means that this Lent term bears little resemblance to Jesus ’ time in the desert . Rather , it has been oasis-like in its richness . I hope you enjoy this newsletter .
This term we have been looking at difficult topics in our collective Friday assemblies . We have briefly looked at being in crisis and how we self-harm , be it from a lack of sleep or eating unhealthy food , to activities that lead to long term problems . How we are all affected by loss events in life and experience a grief reaction . We have looked at our identity and how we can collect labels like Nectar points , some healthy and others destroying our self-esteem . In all these topics , we are trying to find our own way in life . There are many stories in scripture that allow us to reflect upon our own development and learn from the experiences of others in history . Although we live in a fast and changing world , human needs have not changed . We all require a sense of attachment , a belief that we belong and are cared for and have a sense of purpose in life that brings some meaning to our existence . It is from our core beliefs that we develop our own set of resilience skills to handle all that life throws at us . It is rather appropriate that the term ends with the focus of forgiveness on Good Friday and the message of hope on Easter Sunday . The Summer term awaits us and gives us all a chance for a new beginning .
Happy Easter , Canon Dr Bill Merrington , Chaplain
At the start of term we welcomed speakers into all four Whole House Assemblies to introduce their fantastic causes and support the pupils in their focused fundraising . The four charities chosen for this year are Martin House Children ’ s Hospice , International Medical Corps , Yorkshire Swan Wildlife Rescue and RNLI .
Our annual whole school Charity week took place from Monday 27th to Thursday 30th March .
Lots of fun events took place all planned brilliantly by the charity committee as well as individual tutor groups and houses including the ever-popular Giant Musical Chairs , Staff Gunging and a Wilber Car-Wash ( luckily , not in the snow this year ). New additions included the Dolman RNLI House Quiz night which is a great house initiative to raise important money for a worthwhile cause . The School walk will be back after an extended break this year and will add to the totals raised during charity week .
Helen Alexander i / c Charities
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