Rydal Penrhos School brought the curtain down on the spring term with its annual Easter Service.
It has been another academic term that will live long in the memory of everyone associated with Rydal Penrhos. With the second educational lockdown seeing most pupils spending the majority of the term learning from home, it has taken another monumental effort from staff, pupils and their families to make sure that progression remains on track and only a minimal loss of learning occurred if any.
With the Welsh Government now relaxing restrictions surrounding COVID-19, the summer term looks far more promising and one everybody at Rydal Penrhos is looking forward to immensely. The school’s thorough online provision over the past few months has been an exceptional display of care and adaptability, but there is simply no substitute for face-to-face learning.
This year’s Easter Service went ahead as planned, but with large congregations still not permitted, it was put together in a virtual format once again for the school community to enjoy.
Reverend Nick Sissons, who has been at the forefront of Rydal Penrhos’ online chapels and assemblies over the last year, kicked off the service by comparing the journey from darkness into the light of Jesus Christ during the Crucifixion and Resurrection to what we are currently experiencing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We started the term at home and ended it together in bubbles back at school.”
Director of Music Pete Williams then performed Walk in the Light, before Prep School Noah Roberts led the virtual audience in the first prayer.
Rev’d Sissons enlisted the help of Year 4 and 5 pupils during a poem detailing the final few days of Jesus’ life and the resurrection that followed, with Senior School Head Boy Richard Wolfendale also contributing to the service by reading a passage from Isaiah – Chapter 9.
The school’s Chaplain chose our wonderful church St John’s for his next segment, standing in front of a collage of hands that had been created by those within the Rydal Penrhos community for the Easter Service celebration.
He talked about how having tattoos on the palm of your hand is one of the most sensitive places on the body, and the fact that God has all our names on his hands is further proof of the pain he is willing to go through for all of us.
Mr Williams then produced a piece of music for people to reflect whilst looking closer at the hands created, before Prep School Head Girl Amelie Skinner read a prayer behind a picturesque backdrop overlooking the Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea coastline.
Executive Principal John Waszek then addressed those watching by outlining how grateful he was to pupils, staff and parents for enabling Rydal Penrhos to get through this difficult time while looking forward to the summer term and enjoying one another’s company once again.
“It has been an unusual term in an unusual world, but it’s so heartwarming to see everyone back in school.”
Sing a Joyous Song was the final musical piece of the service, which was concluded by a prayer and blessing from Senior School Head Girl Anna Parry-Williams.
We would like to wish you all a safe and happy Easter break and thank you all so much for your incredible efforts during such challenging times.
Rydal Penrhos Easter Service 2021
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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.
