Hundreds of primary school children attended their Year Six Leavers' Service at Chester Cathedral on Tuesday 09 July.
The two services, held in the morning and the afternoon are a time for the year-six leavers to enjoy a time of singing, praying and sharing together and an opportunity for the children to give thanks for all that they've enjoyed at their primary school before making the transition to high school.
The theme of the service was Courage.
Many students reflected on the transition to come and expressed some trepidation, but also a feeling of excitement for what lies ahead.
Chloe is a student at Duddon St Peter's C of E Primary School. She said: "In September I’m moving up to Tarporley High School. I really like the school that I’m at now because it’s really nice to make friends and it’s small, so I know my way around. There are lots of nice people and teachers there. I’m a bit nervous about going to Tarporley High School but very excited."
Rachel Potts, a year 6 teacher at St George's C of E Primary School, Hyde addressed the children in the afternoon and encouraged them to serve God for the common good.
She said: "In the drama of ongoing life, how we learn to approach the future is crucial. Good schools open up horizons of hope and give the children courage to guide them through this difficult time of change. We want children to learn about healing, truth, forgiveness, generosity and trust and have the courage to be able to serve God in a Christian environment for the common good. This will give them strength for things to come."
The Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Tim Stratford, and Canon Jane Brooke led prayers and a reading was given by two students from Witton Church Walk C of E Primary School on the theme of Courage. They read from Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord and your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Speaking after the service, Director of Education in the Diocese of Chester, Chris Penn said: "We are incredibly proud of all our children and church schools and the way they have grown and developed over the years. Going up to high school is a big change for the children: some will be leaving a small village church primary school to attend a large high school. I pray that they go courageously with the certainty in their hearts that God goes with them."
Director of Education, Chris Penn, addresses children, flanked by Canon Jane Brooke and the Dean of Chester.