Comment by Harborough churches: Former teacher celebrates 60 years of school history

Going back to school! That’s exactly what I did on a July afternoon, along with many other former students and staff to attend a 60th anniversary celebration at the secondary school in Kettering, where I began my teaching career in the mid – 1980s. The first person to greet me was Tim who had been in my first form group as a fresh faced, eleven year old and ace cricketer, and who now, in his early 50s had children at the school himself.

The anticipation and excitement of a new school year is always palpable for both staff and students alike. For the rising 5s, that means starting school full time for the first time. For the Year 6s who left their primary schools, secondary school awaits, and for many others, a return to a new school year is the order of the day, with all the learning opportunities and new experiences that will be theirs for the taking. For some children and young people, (and their parents and carers too), this time of year can be an uncertain, even daunting time.

As a trustee of The Cube, I want to take this opportunity to remind parents and young people of secondary age that The Cube, which has offered a variety of fun days through the summer holidays through the ‘Hello Summer’ programme will be present in our secondary schools as a new term begins. On offer are a range of activities, from drop - in lunchtime sessions at both Robert Smyth and Welland Park Academies, mentoring opportunities, and Oasis, the open access youth group at the Cube on a Wednesday evening 5 – 6.30 p.m. re - starts. A new venture is a weekly afterschool youth café at The Cube starting on Tuesday 7th October from 3.30 – 5 p.m.

I am reminded that each child and young person at whatever stage of their education is a unique combination of personality, abilities and potential, just waiting to be realised and I offer a prayer for all those involved in education at the start of this new school year.

“Loving God, may you bless our schools, that they will be places of welcome and nurture for all students. May you bless the teachers, staff and all who work with our children and young people. May all who study in our local schools grow in strength of character with each passing day. May our schools be places of great self - discovery, adventure and creativity. May each student love to learn and learn to love. May they feel respected, deeply valued and enabled to thrive, thus reaching their full potential.” Amen.

The Cube is located on Symington Recreation Ground, St Mary's Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DS. 01858 437650 or [email protected]

Janet Smith (Trustee)