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Welcome to The Chaplains Corner!

 Rev Dominic Hubbuck

My role at the Federation involves supporting the spiritual input, faith development and the pastoral care of everyone in the school community.

My background before being ordained was working with children, young people and families. It has often included play, creating safe spaces for families and supporting people to explore faith as they do life.’

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Archive

  • Easter 2025

    Published 23/04/25

    April 2025

    The Chocolate Eggs have almost all been eaten – at least in my house. The Easter nests have gone and the homemade hot cross buns will be quite stale by the time I get round to finishing them off.

    But Easter is for LIFE not just for April.

    The Joy of remembering the tomb that was open and the risen Jesus meeting with His friends should carry us through and remind us of the NEW LIFE we have in Christ and the confidence we should feel from death being defeated and sin being overcome by God’s love and power.

    As we go into the Summer terms, we are greeted with warm weather, the greenness of the grass, the colour of the flowers and the fruit that will grow from trees - once looking like they were dead.

    May we, as the weeks extend, grow in faith and confidence – in God, in ourselves, and in the skills and subjects we are seeking to learn.

    May we remind each other through encouragement and smiles the hope we have in Jesus.

    Lord Jesus, who rose from the dead to show us the immense love of God;

    Remind us of the NEW LIFE you have given freely.

    Restore in us the strong HOPE that we are loved utterly and cared for gently.

    As eggs pass away, inspire us to see your Spirit at work in our lives, our homes and our communities.

    Amen.

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  • A reflection on our vision

    Published 23/04/25

    July 2024

    Let me ask you a question. 

    A 5yr old comes up to you, pulls at your elbow to get your attention and asks:

    What is God and where is he?

    What kind of words might you use, what kinds of sentences do you try? Would you find it easy or difficult?

    Might you get into a tricky cycle of explaining one word with more and more? It’s easy to do. 

    It can feel like that with our school vision. 

    How do we explain it. 

    How do describe what an ethos is and how it works. 

    Why do we have a vision. 

    And how does it connect us with God, connect us with each other and with the world. 

    For me - It reminds us of place, people and purpose. 

    It reminds us that in this place We live as family. 

    Caring for each other, as we are cared for by God. 

    As people of God, made in Gods image - We are reminded that as we live and learn so we grow in faith. 

    Faith in ourselves and in our value as Gods children. 

    And in one United purpose - we are united in fellowship. 

    A fellowship of those working together for the purpose of teaching and learning, or nurturing and guiding. 

    A fellowship of people called to grow in skills  serving the children and young people, the families that we meet with. 

    When we describe god - do we think of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Do we think about God as creator, saviour and helper. 

    Do we describe God as being up there? As being in heaven, as being elsewhere. 

    Or do we bring God here. And talk about God being at work through us and through others. 

    Do we remember that God is at work in our classrooms and corridors. 

    At work in the lives of the children and students, the staff and parents. 

    And when we worship and when we offer prayers – do we feel like we connect with God as a family, in faith, with our fellowship. 

    When we raise our eyes to heaven. 

    And we entwine our voices to pray the school prayer, to share the Our Father, to sing of the things we have learnt of the Lord. 

    So as we seek to explore our vision and live it out each day, 

    Let us remember that through all these things, we are ever connected to God as children of the same Heavenly Father.

    Amen.

    Let us pray:

    That this day may be holy, good and peaceful,

    let us pray with one heart and mind.

    As our prayers rise before you, O God,

    May our hearts be encouraged by the day,

    May our spirits be inspired by you

    And may our actions reflect the change we want to see in our schools and communities. 

    God go with us 

    And bring us safely back together when next time we meet. 

    Amen. 

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  • Looking Ahead

    Published 23/04/25

    June 2024

    So here we are. The start of the last term before the summer break.

    The beginning of the end if you like.

    For some it is exciting, a chance to look at the light at the end of the tunnel and see a bright future ahead.

    For others, it is a slippery slope that is getting so close, an unstoppable end point with change, endings and uncertainty coming.

    I wonder which it is for you.

    But looking ahead – whether we are the first or the latter person above – sometimes means that we neglect to notice the here and now. Some call it ‘being present’ or ‘mindfulness’.

    Why not take a moment when you can this week to recognise where you are now. The journey you have been on since September, the things you have achieved or the hurdles you’ve managed to get past.

    Our younger students have got passed their SATS, our older students are now part way through their exams. For the adults, scroll or flick through your diary and remind yourself of the times you have needed support and the times you have been more at peace.

    All these things are moments to give thanks to God. St Paul – whilst shackled in prison – said that in all things we should give thanks to God. At all times pray and give thanks.

    Give thanks for the present, the moments that feel like a blessing, the snippets of support and celebration that get you through each week. Give thanks for the presence of God as you need the Strength of the Holy Spirit more than usual maybe.

    Father God,

    Creator of all things, beginning and end, Spirit and supporter,

    We give thanks for all that is past and the things we have learned about ourselves and the world.

    Help us in our strong days and our weak to recognise your presence.

    Encourage us to rest in you for our needs and inspire us to support others through our faith.

    Remind us Lord that with you All Shall Be Well.

    Amen

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  • Love is Kind

    Published 23/04/25

    February 2025

    Love is patient and Kind. Love is a many splendid thing. Can’t buy me love. Love is all around us.

    Films, songs, books, paintings, photographs, and scripture are filled with stories and words of love.

    This last week we have been thinking about REAL LOVE and what it would mean to show love for one another as Jesus commanded us to.

    The story of St Valentine is one of courage and bravery – standing up for his faith and his devotion to the people he cared for in the 3rd century when he lived. He wrote letters of encouragement and signed them ‘From your Valentine’. My question though is do we really know what real love is like and how can we show it in our thoughts, words and actions.

    Paul says that Love is patient and kind, it is not rude, it isn’t jealous and rejoices in the truth. Love goes on. There is faith and hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13)

    What would our schools and homes and cities be like if everyone showed these things in the life?

    There would be more peace, and everyone would be more at peace too.

    Lord God, you gave your only son to show your love for the world.

    Help us to be courageous in showing love for each other.

    Help us to be more patient and kind and to think of others as people loved by God.

    Help us to make a fresh start everyday so that we might make the world a better place.

    Amen

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  • Newsletter November 2024

    Published 23/04/25

    Recently, local churches hosted year 2 classes from local schools. They visited The Christmas Journey. An immersive storytelling of the Christmas story that includes everything from creation to the resurrection. 

    They were encouraged to not only see the reason for Christmas but also challenged to see two things in a new way:

    God's gifts of the world - creation, our environment and our role in looking after it. 

    And why Jesus, the light of the world, was sent to show everyone how, with God, the world could be a place of light and hope and joy. 

    As you and your family celebrate - however you choose - maybe spend some time considering the things in your life that feel like gifts and blessings. Spend a few moments giving thanks for the things that you value, and wonder for a while on how you might spread love, peace and joy in your own way. 

    In the sadnesses we see and feel, God sends his Spirit to strengthen us and hold us safe. 

    In the joys we celebrate, God encourages us to remember that they are gifts to be treasured. 

    And in our lives that we live, God hopes that we will be a blessing to others as Jesus was and is a blessing to the world. 

    Heavenly God, grant us sight to see you at work in our world. Grant us ears to hear your voice of love in our schools and communities and homes. And grant us voices to sing your praise and speak words of kindness. Amen. 

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  • Newsletter January 2025

    Published 23/04/25

    I wonder why we get excited about new things. 

    New things we've been given, new things we've bought, new gadgets, new toys, new phones. 

    At the start of September I like new stationery - new pens, a new notepad and sometimes a new bag. It helps me to get ready for something new. 

    And the New Year - well, I find the new year has a similar excitement. Watching the fireworks on the tv, celebrating something new on its way, considering what might happen in the coming year. 

    Maybe you've made plans, maybe you've got something booked in. Or maybe you've got a big change coming this year. 

    In the Bible, John gets a vision from God of what the kingdom of God will be like. God says 'Behold I am making all things new' and the scene is set for things to be better for everyone. Maybe we can start working on that now - making our world a little bit better for everyone. 

    In this new year, what will you be prepared to do, to try, to work towards? How can our school fellowship pray for you? How can God help you through the Holy Spirit?

    Lord God, creator of the heavens and Earth.

    We give thanks for the year gone by and look ahead to 2025. 

    May we work towards a better world:

    A world full of peace, love, hope and joy. 

    Send your Holy Spirit to be with us whatever we try and wherever we go. 

    In God's holy name we pray. Amen. 

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  • Newsletter November 2024

    Published 23/04/25

    This month has got me.

    Well, I don’t know about you but November has been quite a year.

    So much has happened that has people looking everywhere for answers.

    So many questions and in these days of social media, my brain has been quite full up of information and opinions and politics and grief for the world and the way it is or the way it might be in the not too distant future.

    I’ve had to stop listening to all my usual podcast because I can’t take on any more opinions about what the world will be like in the future or how many people are in distress just now.

    Sometimes it feels like for all the good in the world, there seems to be an equal and opposite amount of bad, sad or mad in the world.

    We would do well to focus on 3 things going forward: Scripture, prayer and care.

    The disciples are warned by Jesus – that many things will fill up your head that won’t be true or they will be but they are not yours to worry about.  You just need to keep your eyes on God. Focus on Him and He will lead you.

    Do you remember the still waters and green pastures, the feast to safely be at with our enemies because he is in charge – It’s in the Psalms – we need to focus on that.

    In the Psalms it also says of God:

    You show me the path of life.
        In your presence there is fullness of joy;
        in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

    As we face the world together, let us remember the promises of God, the Hope offered through Jesus and the Joy that is being part of a community that cares.

    Let us Pray.

    In all these things Lord, may your will be done.

    In what in in our past, may your Grace forgive us.

    In our future, may you Walk with us in your Spirit.

    And in all things, may we look for the Light, the Love and the Way that blesses us and other.

    Amen.

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  • Welcome Back!

    Published 23/04/25

    September 2024

    Welcome! Or Welcome back, if you’ve been here before.

    Welcome is a funny word. A lot different from hello or hi.

    It was first recorded as being used in the 1300’s and is very similar to the way European countries greet their guests. A word made up of ‘a pleasure or joy’ or ‘choose’ and ‘for my guest to arrive’.

    At home we may have a welcome mat beside the door, we may offer our guests a seat, a drink and our attention. But how do we do it at school?

    Staff welcome children, young people and families at the gates and welcome them inside.

    Children welcome visitors to their school or classroom with a cheery Good Morning.

    And classes will welcome new people by supporting them with a buddy or friend.

    I wonder how parents welcome new parents, or children welcome new children.

    Welcome is a powerful thing in the Bible – life-changing sometimes.

    Not only do we hear of Abraham and Sarah welcoming God into their tent, or Jesus being welcomed at the house of Zacchaeus, but the disciples are told to go out into the neighbourhoods and bring good news and be welcomed into people’s homes.

    As we start a new school year – what will you Welcome? Take pleasure, make a choice to invite into your home, your life, timetable?

    How will you welcome the positive things that bring you joy and turn away those things that steal it?

    How might you support and pray for our schools that they may continue to be welcoming and that our new starters will feel welcomed by everyone?

    Lord God,

    We thank you for our schools, homes and communities.

    We pray that they may be welcoming to those who need to know they are loved, accepted and valued.

    Help us to welcome into our lives the things that bring us joy.

    Help us to turn away those things that bring us sadness and doubt.

    O God, as you welcomed all people, let us welcome you into lives that we make the world a better place.

    Amen.

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  • Newsletter May 2024

    Published 23/04/25

    I’ve been reflecting over the bible stories that might speak about the exams season.

    I’ve looked an d at no point does it suggest that any of the disciples or the great leaders of God’s people ever had to sit a ninety minute test up a small table in a large hall full of people. Or sit their SATS, pass their GCSEs or complete their A Levels.

    But there were times of being tested and waiting for the time to pass.

    There’s a tension in the air, people are hurrying by speaking in hushed tones waiting for the thing to happen. Serious things are afoot, the next steps are going to be harder for some than for others. Everyone is affected, no one is immune to what is going on.

    But the preparation has been done, the people are ready and they sit IN FAITH and know that God is on their side. And so the Spirit of God moves over Egypt and tests the nation. And those that are faithful, those who take peace in God’s presence are rewarded. Similarly the disciples, sat in the upper room - waiting for the next steps to be shown to them - wait in faith and take peace from Jesus’ presence. And they are rewarded with the gifts of words and inspiration and courage.

    We pray God’s Blessing on those who are preparing for and sitting their tests at this time.

    For the parents supporting them and trying to reduce their anxiety.

    For the staff who are encouraging them and reminding them and reassuring them.

    For the exam staff overseeing them.

    May they feel God’s presence in those places, may they take courage from all that they have done that prepares them for this time, and may they be at peace with what they have been able to achieve.

    In God’s name we pray. Amen

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  • A New Summer-ish Term

    Published 15/04/24

    This last couple of weeks have been sprinkled with celebrations.

    Whether you celebrated Easter, Eid or the merely the start of British Summer Time, I hope you have found them uplifting, joy-giving and inspiring.

     

    This new term begins with bright blue sky, driving rain, biting cold, high winds and patches of lovely warm sunshine. A true British Summers day. But with it comes uncertainty – coat or not, umbrella or not, sunglasses, gloves, rainhat, snow shovel, sunscreen or bivouac?

     

    This term also begins like that for many of our children and young people: 

    Our year 6 pupils now know there Secondary School places and hopefully most will be satisfied. 

    They are however facing the prospect of SATS in a number of weeks’ time.

    Similarly too, our Year 11 students are planning for their Prom whilst working really diligently towards their exams that begin in the coming weeks.

     

    God’s people are resilient. I preached on this yesterday and we used the example of Nehemiah.

    God’s people have been scattered, their identity has been knocked. Yet they still follow God and still try to hold onto their values. Their present is uncertain, their future without hope, but still they go onwards.

    Regardless of the uncertainty of the world, their ability to bounce back from setbacks is equalled by their faith in a loving God who values them and encourages them.

     

    My prayer for each of us this term is to double down on our faith – pray a bit more, worship a little more, read more if you can, and look and listen for God more.

    My hope is that even if those around us are struggling and stressing – they will take courage and find peace in those of us who can offer a word of compassion and a prayer of thanksgiving.

    Lord God,

    Ready us for whatever is to come.

    Strengthen us to journey through what we need to get through.

    Inspire us to seek those things that will make us resilient.

    Encourage us to support others as we also remember to care for ourselves.

    Bless us as we look to you for your spirit’s touch upon our lives.

    In God’s Holy name we pray.

    Amen.

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  • Easter

    Published 20/03/24

    The Journey to Easter for Jesus and the Disciples was such a roller coaster of emotions:

    From the joy of the people as Jesus entered the gates of Jerusalem, to the shouts of crucify as Jesus was put before the people. Judged unfairly, punished cruelly, and painfully killed. 

    From the tears of sorrow at the cross to tears of celebration at the resurrection. 

     

    Our journey through life often echoes the rollercoaster of Easter. New life comes through planting in darkness. The seed is planted even though it appears lifeless, the egg that is laid is similarly without movement or feature but life comes forth, flowers grow between the stones because life has a way of finding a way to grow and flourish.

     

    As much as we wish to celebrate, sometimes we have hard work to do or go through tough times to get there. In this Easter Season, let us pray for light and life to encourage us to give thanks and celebrate.

     

    Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification:

    Grant that we may put aside all evil and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

     

    May God bless you this Easter.

    May the cross remind you the Jesus came to bless you.

    May the empty tomb remind you that sin has been between for you.

    And May the signs of new life around you remind you of the living Spirit of God that goes with you through life. Amen.

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  • 2024...

    Published 09/01/24

    I don’t know about you but some things I can adapt to quite quickly and other things take me ages to get my head round.

    When the clocks change or the year changes it take me ages to come to terms with it. If something you’ve ordered on the menu suddenly needs to change, then I am happy to go with the flow. I wonder why that is?

    2024 feels like it’s going to be one of those years where we see change. Changes in the way we think about our climate. Changes to our parliament with the upcoming election.

     Our Year 6s and year 11s and 13s have some obvious changes coming towards them. They will be surrounded by encouragement to work, surrounded by things coming to an end – the lasts of everything, and the firsts of things too.

    In all these moments, it is really important that we find things that will still be consistent and feel safe. The presence of family or supportive friends maybe. The security of a comfortable home perhaps. The love of God for sure.

    Going forward let us pray for each other and the faith they need to face each new day. Let us support each other in whatever we are finding tricky or difficult to come to terms with.

    Some words from James 1:17.

    All good gifts come from the Father who loves us. His love for us never changes. 

    Lord God, Creator of the universe, maker of the planets, designer of our humanity.

    As we are held safely in the palm of your hand, help us to recognise the security we have in you. Remind us of your love. 

    Let us give thanks for all the blessings that come from God. Amen.

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