St John’s CofE Primary School held its Harvest Festival celebration yesterday (Thursday), along with a special commissioning.
The whole school gathered in St John’s Church to give thanks, share songs, poems and prayers and bring their donations for Taunton Foodbank.
The school celebrated their pupil chaplains during the service.
Before the new chaplains could be commissioned, the school celebrated those pupils who have just completed their year of chaplaincy.
They were thanked for their efforts and presented with a certificate of appreciation.
Nine Year 5 students (with one absentee) were then commissioned as the new pupil chaplains for 2026-27.
Once again, many children put themselves forward for this prestigious role which is proving more popular every year.
The children who had volunteered were carefully chosen by staff and have received training over the past few weeks, including a recent trip to meet pupil chaplains from other schools.
Yesterday, they made their promises in front of the whole school, as well as their families and friends. The promises were created during their training with Helena Power, the school’s chaplain).
Each chaplain was then presented with a small wooden cross, a badge, and certificates. The previous pupil chaplains then ceremonially handed over their tabards.
Rev Colin Simpson, Priest-in-Charge, led the celebration with blessings, praying for the new chaplains and thanking the retiring ones for their dedication. He also blessed the harvest collection.
St John’s is proud to be the first school country to have Pupil chaplains.
They have a special responsibility to care for the school and live by the school values, showing respect, service, compassion, endurance, and friendship, while serving the local community and presenting Bible stories in assemblies.
After the commissioning of the chaplains, further celebrations took place as Olly Priestley, headteacher, surprised everyone with a special announcement.
Seven members of staff have been awarded the Chair’s Award for long service in education by Somerset Council and were presented with a framed certificate and gift.
They staff were recognised for working in education in Somerset for more than 20 years, some nearer 30 years.
Mr Priestley said: “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our long-serving staff, whose commitment to our school and students over so many years is a true testament to their passion for education.
“It was a real privilege to honour these staff members, not only for devoting their careers to education, but also for devoting so much of it to our school family.
“To spend the better part of a career shaping lives under one roof is rare and an admirable achievement and we are extremely proud in all our staff’s enduring commitment to our school and community.”
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Around Wellington’s School News is sponsored by Wellington School.