This morning (Friday 21 October), ahead of the Autumn Half Term break, pupils and members of staff gathered for a Full College Service in the Sports Hall. After seven intensive weeks, filled with notable events, it provided an opportunity for the College to gather, give thanks, and reflect in a service led by the College Chaplain, Revd Chris Briggs.
The Service began with an address given by the Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, in which he praised the College for its efforts across the half term, particularly in the last four weeks.
“It feels like only yesterday that I stood here and said to you after our exeat weekend that we had a four-week block before us, and it was important that we made a solid effort in terms of our work ethic so that we could go into half term knowing that we had given a huge amount. That specific four-week block finishes at the end of today - and well done for your efforts.”
Mr Howe also shared with the College a story about a positive act by one of our pupils – Year 7’s Joe Filipetto, who helped an elderly lady find her lost dog.
“This may not seem very much - but the lady was crying with relief and very emotional. A small act of kindness making a huge difference to someone's life - well done Joe. So, rather than coming up to shake my hand - please can you come up so that I can shake your hand.”
Mr Howe’s address concluded with the school rising to sing the first hymn of the Service – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come, a harvest festival hymn. The harvest theme was very much present throughout the Service in prayers, readings, hymns, and addresses.
Following the hymn was the first of two readings, with the College Camerata Choir performing in between. The first reading, read by Deputy Head Chapel Warden, Charlotte Garnett, was 2 Corinthians 9. 6-10.
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
Following this, attention turned to the Camerata, who sang Eric Thiman’s A Thanksgiving Hymn with Mrs Rapple Moore conducting. Subsequently, Head Chapel Warden, Harrison Harper, recited the second reading - St Luke’s Gospel 6. 30-38.
“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
Next to give an address was the Rector of Shiplake, Revd Robert Thewsey. In an address, where one might have assumed that there would be no audience participation bar listening, Rev Thewsey immediately sought to engage and interact with the pupils of the College, quizzing them on the ingredients (and their origins) of a Dominos pizza.
The message behind this address was clear. Upon visualising the sheer number of ingredients that go into making a basic pizza, as well as where they come form, one can see that the process behind a pizza goes far beyond the staff at Dominos. From those who work on the farm, to those who provide our water, as well as those who ship, drive, and fly our food from all around the globe; putting the pizza together instore is just the tip of an iceberg.
Revd Thewsey’s address concluded with a message to everyone to consider this process the next time shopping for food. To consider those behind the scenes, and to give thanks to everyone involved with putting food on the table.
The service concluded in prayer, with Otis Button, Eve Browne, and Charlotte Wapshare among those reading, before Revd Briggs led the College in the Lord’s Prayer. The College then rose to sing the final hymn of the half term, We Plough the Fields and Scatter.
From everyone here at Shiplake, we wish you a restful and peaceful half term break, and look forward to welcoming everyone back in November!
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