ASSEMBLY

Having sung our song, and before we heard from four Year 8 students, Mrs Manning introduced Martin Luther King Day:

“We have just joined together in singing “What a wonderful World” a song made famous by Louis Armstrong, and written at a tumultuous time in American history, but with an enduring message that resonates as much today as it did back then. In summary, Armstrong’s song espouses that despite our many differences, we live in a “wonderful” world where its beauties and treasures, those things that we all share ownership of, transcend the things that distinguish us from one another, such as “race”, or “heritage”. So why did we sing this song today?

At its time of writing, the late 1960s, among other challenges, also implicit in the lyrics of the song, America was still living with “segregation”, the practice of requiring separate housing, education and other services for people of colour. Although it was outlawed in 1964, with the signing of the Civil Rights Act, desegregation was a slow process and the ongoing struggle can still be seen today, not only in America but the world over.

We all know of Martin Luther King Jr, who remains one of the most influential and well-known figures in history to have championed the cause of equality. Such has been and continues to be his legacy that since 1986, the third Monday of the first month of the year (that closest to his birthday), was established as Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday in the United States in 1983, and now a day of global significance and recognition, after years of advocacy and activism by supporters of this legacy. The holiday has become a day to remember Dr King’s leadership in the civil rights movement and his dedication to achieving racial equality, justice and unity through nonviolent means.

Year 8 Religious Studies pupils have been exploring the concepts of prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes. They have looked at different types of prejudice and discrimination such as sexism, islamophobia and racism. They have also considered responses to prejudice and discrimination, in particular, and at this time of focus on his lifetime of work and peaceful activism, Martin Luther King Jr and how he never backed down in his stand against racism. He dedicated his life to creating fairness for people of all races. Indeed, at the time of it being awarded, he became the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate, for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.

He is perhaps best known for his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which made other’s want to campaign for the rights of all races too. 17 minutes in length, and 1651 words long, it is well worth your time to listen to, read, or perhaps re-read, as a reminder of the injustices and discrimination people suffered at its time of writing, which inspired his words. The speech speaks of his dreams for a future where all are treated equally. It can be best summarised in the words:

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.

These words go beyond the “race” concept and over the passing decades since, each with their own struggles, have taken on a universal and timeless undertone. They are as relevant today as at the time of writing.

During their studies, the Year 8 pupils wrote their own speeches to end racism, based on the events in the US during the Martin Luther King era, but with a timeless message. Jeannie J (8N), Emily L (8W), Akiho K (8W) and Yui K (8W) are now going to share theirs.

While you listen, you are invited to take the opportunity to reflect on today’s Martin Luther King Day 2025 message of the protection of freedom, justice and democracy in the spirit of nonviolence 365.

Thank you for listening.”

Jeannie J (8N)

“I am here today to try and end racism. I am here today to tell people that we will not step back. I am here today to tell people that being racist is wrong. I am here today to gain our equality back.

I will not tolerate any racists. I will surely not tolerate seeing kids in the streets getting beaten up because of the colour of their skin. The discrimination and judgmental looks we get every single day. We fight for our justice; we are strong human beings. Fairness is important to us, but it does not seem like it right now in this society.

Equality is what we want. People being able to go to places where white people have the ability to go but not blacks. I am here to win. We are here to win.”

Emily L (8W)

“I stand here before you today, not as one voice but as a voice that echoes the hope of thousands of millions. I stand here before you today, I believe with the whole of my heart; we must, we can and we will end racism, end this unfair treatment.

How is it fair? If only one day, all children of all races can be treated with equality, all children can be given the same opportunity to get educated. Of only one day people can stop the racism, stop the discrimination and stop the prejudicial judgments.

All I am wishing for is freedom and justice. If only one day, this world can treat everyone with fairness, and everyone can get equal rights.”

Akiho K (8W)

“A lot of people around the world experience racism. Racial discrimination happens everywhere, for example schools, workplaces and even hospitals. This is NOT right; everyone should be equal. Everyone should be treated fairly.

People should not be judged because of their skin colour. Everyone should be allowed to have freedom to work, to go anywhere they like. Their skin colour should not stop them.
People who experience racism and discrimination should get justice for this unfair behaviour to them.”

Yui K (8W)

“I want to see a future filled with hope. A future without any racism and discrimination where everyone has their own rights and freedom - where they do not need to worry about the future because of their skin colour or race.

I want to see a future filled with justice, a future without any unfair and unequal treatment where everyone is happy with their life as it is.

I want to see a future filled with hope.”

After much applause for the students, Reverend Kate prayed:

Loving God,
We remember with gratitude the life and impact of Martin Luther King Jr and we celebrate his faith, pursuit of justice and vision of a world united in love and equality.

As global citizens, we pray that you will strengthen our resolve to protect freedom, uphold justice and defend democracy with the tools of peace and non-violence.

Empower us to honour Dr King’s legacy not just in words, but in deeds that heal and build a brighter future.
Amen.

ACT OF WORSHIP

Thank you to Laura S (8S) and Ophelia PB (8S) who rang the Chapel bell on Thursday with enthusiasm and a great technique; it was lovely for students to be called to Chapel in this way!

For our Act of Worship this week Eva B (9H), Amarisa I (8S) and Hilary T (8H) read from the Gospel of John, chapter 2:1-11, which tells us of Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding at Cana where Jesus not only demonstrated God’s generous provision for us all but revealed himself to be who he truly is: the Messiah.

Reverend Kate said that just before Jesus performed his first miracle he said ‘my time has not yet come’ (John 2:4) and she wondered, why did Jesus hesitate? Was he not yet ready or, perhaps, just for a brief moment, did the idea of remaining as he was - an ordinary Jewish carpenter - seem appealing? Reverend Kate said that we cannot know for sure, yet what we do know is this: the moment that Jesus turned the water into wine, he revealed more of himself and, as a result, could not go back to how he was before.

Reverend Kate asked us if we have ever had a moment like this? Not one when we have turned water into wine – although that would be impressive - but a moment when we have revealed more of who we truly are? Reverend Kate wondered if, perhaps, this had happened when we stopped rolling-up our skirt, or forgetting our blazer, or wearing white socks over black tights? Reverend Kate said that these small choices may seem trivial but they are, nevertheless, actions which signify transitions – ordinary moments when we step forward into a new version of ourself. Reverend Kate said that there may well have been plenty of moments before the Wedding at Cana when Jesus could have revealed more of who he truly is and yet he waited; he waited for the right moment, the right time and place.

Perhaps we too are waiting to reveal more of ourselves Reverend Kate said; if so, she wondered what holds us back? Perhaps, we feel unsure, unready or unable or, perhaps, we just feel better, for now, to stay as we are.

If so, Reverend Kate said that this is not unusual, and it is ok to feel this way. We live in a world obsessed with appearances and personal branding. Society teaches us to present a version of ourselves that fits neatly into others’ expectations. This can make it hard to be honest about who we truly are or to let others see the experiences, struggles and truths that shape us and affect our confidence, self-worth and identity.

However, Reverend Kate said that the message for today is simple: whatever holds us back from revealing who we truly are, we are not alone. The Wedding at Cana reminds us that God’s glory is revealed in Jesus so that we may believe in him. It also shows us that ordinary people - like us - can reveal God’s glory, because God believes in us; even when we hesitate to reveal our true selves. And it isn’t only God who believes in us, the staff at Q believe in us; as such, they want to encourage and help us to be who we truly are. So, if we need any help with this then we are to reach out in the ways that we know.

In closing, Reverend Kate said that she would like to encourage each of us to take a risk today; a risk to show others a little more of who we truly are; you never know, she said, we may just experience something miraculous in our life!

Reverend Kate prayed:

Loving God, you see us, know us and love us.
Help us, in the ordinary moments of our lives, to act in ways which reveal who we truly are so that we might become the people you create and call us to be.
Amen.

In other news…..

Stamp Family Service – Friday 14 February 2025

Further to Reverend Kate’s email, please note that the Stamp Family Service will take place on Friday 14 February 2025 to which students from years 7 and 8, and their parents / guardians, are warmly invited. If you are a parent / guardian with daughters in years 7 and 8, and you would like to attend, then please complete the form here by Friday 31 January 2025.

Service of Baptism and Confirmation – Saturday 17 May 2025

Further to Reverend Kate’s email to parents / guardians, please note the deadline of Friday 31 January 2025 to complete the Confirmation Booking Form here.