Over the last year, we’ve seen some huge U-turns by the Department for Education, such as schools “must stay open”, reversed after one day in January and “exams must go ahead”, changing to “all exams are cancelled”. I certainly don’t envy the government in having to make some very difficult decisions, after all, the last year has brought each of us challenges we could not have imagined. However, sometimes decisions are made which seem to completely ignore the views of those who are then directly impacted by that decision. 

I never publicly take a party political view, as I don’t think that this is appropriate for school leaders, and we also need to work with everyone from across the political spectrum.  What I have no problem with, however, is calling out injustice and decisions which directly impact on the life chances of the young people we have the privilege of educating...

Things to look out for:

• The "sent by" address will either be a jumble of random letters and numbers or have an unusual domain (not .com or .co.uk)
• The email will contain links to 'confirm your details' or 'make a payment'
• The email will give you a limited time to reply 
• There will be spelling mistakes, bad grammar and sentences which don't quite make sense
• If the email contains any logos or images, these may appear 'pixelated' or blurry
• If requesting money, the amount will usually be quite specific, not rounded up to the nearest pound/pence to try and make it seem legitimate, eg £692.88 instead of £700,00.

Please be extra vigilant about emails and if in ANY doubt at all, do not click any links and seek advice. You can find a range of helpful resources on the ActionFraud website.

The 23rd of March will be the anniversary of the first National Lockdown. Marie Curie is organising a National Day of Reflection on the 23rd, with the following theme: 

Reflect | Connect | Hope

Perhaps these words might be significant for us.

There is much to reflect on from the past year. So much has happened. Sadly, many have lost their lives, so many families are coping with grief. Added to that, we will all have had our particular struggles during the last year. We need time and space to think and to pray about all we have been though together.

And yet, there are so many good news stories too, which have shone as lights in the darkness. We have used technology to connect with each other in new ways, including as Churches! Our NHS continues to do extraordinary work in caring for us, not least in the magnificent way they have rolled out the vaccine recently. Communities have come together in support and many individuals have really stepped up to serve others. We need to give thanks for the positive connections that have been made in difficult times.

These good news stories are signs of hope. The best definition of hope I’ve come across is this one: “Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that we can make things better.” (Rabbi Johnathan Sacks). In that spirit, we need to commit ourselves to making a better future for everyone.

There are lots of ways you can be involved in the Day of Reflection, either by holding a time of silence at 12pm (midday) or by lighting a candle in a window at 8pm. You might prefer to plant a tree or a plant as a sign of hope in the future. You could tie yellow ribbons to a prayer tree or railings as a sign of prayer and support for all who are bereaved.

This is one prayer you might like to use as part of the day:

Faithful God,
be with us as we think about all that has changed this year,
and help us to trust that you are always with us.
Be close to us as we remember those who have died,
and help us to trust they are at peace with you.
Show us how to reach out to others with kindness and care,
so that hope shines out in every heart and home, Amen.

Fr. David Twomey
Priest in Charge of Seaton Hirst