Last Updated: 18th August 2010 |
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Dear Friends, ‘School’s our for Summer’ ~ that may be true for the song it belongs to but school will soon be back for the Autumn term. That means excited children (especially for the new starters), expectant teachers and teaching assistants (what will a new school year bring to us all), a busy time of meetings and consultations and training for school governors. And for the school secretary, school admin officers and bursars, caretakers, cleaners, mid-day supervisors, kitchen staff and then the school contractors for both buildings and grounds, the daily work goes on. In the parish of Dalton and Ireleth with Askam we have two church schools and then Askam village, Newton village, George Romney and Chapel Street, Our Lady of the Rosary R/C school and Dowdales Secondary adding up to 8 schools in total ~ a Gold Star for my schooling (tongue in cheek). But it is the schooling that is more important than the school. What goes on in the school building is more important than the building ~ but if the building isn’t right, that will effect the activity of schooling. Such a lot of time, effort, money and other resources are taken up in the building and so much more of the same in the schooling. So a balance has to be found between the material and the intellectual, between the vocational and the academia. So the school (our schools) are always in a balance and even more so between the teachers and the learners. What you give and what you get depends on a respectful attitude, a line you walk on that is drawn between discipline and acceptable behaviour, between opportunities and challenges, between safety and risk, between quality time or wasted minutes, and all these characteristics of ‘schooling’ become the bedrock of a life after school. Memories of your school are always special because if they are like my memories they embrace all the above and more and the more is very important. Teachers who were inspirational, patient and kind and teachers remembered for other reasons. Friendship made and many that have lasted. All kinds of things learned and remembered from mathematical formulas to prose and poems, skills and abilities that have set you in good stead. Inspirational moments when life changing decisions were made in silent times, powerful discussions or sedate conversations. Some other characteristics can be found in the themes of ‘awe’ and ‘wonder’ which for church schools have a certain emphasis as they try to underpin all that they do within an understanding of God the creator, Jesus the redeemer/saviour and the Holy Spirit who is our strength and stay as we express our belief in word and sacraments and our Faith in concern and love for each other. This is when schooling moves from the building and out into the school garden or growing area or into the local wood through the Forest School Initiative. For many a year group (in both church and county schools) a curriculum visit to the local church becomes another vital part of the schooling process. Here at St. Mary’s such visits are much appreciated by the schools as we explore all kinds of areas within the church including the Bell Tower and the vestry safe. As the church becomes the school room the pupil becomes the religious enquirer (and many teachers and parents too) as they explore the church’s history and look and touch its many artifacts and holy objects. Such an opportunity can be a blessing and becomes a strong argument against re-ordering church buildings and casting aside certain sacred fittings and fixtures. If you ask the question “If this building were to be destroyed by fire, what would you replace it, the same or something new?” the answer inevitably is the same. “exactly the same!” So school can become a great adventure of exploration both inside and outside the school building and, when appropriate, into a holy place. Today schooling belongs not just to a institution but an institution that has wings! I remember flying the ‘school-nest’ with a certain apprehension as the big world called and another ‘Temple of learning’ awaited. Which begs the question ‘Does schooling stop when the school building is vacated?’ if the school has done what it should, no! ~ the learning continues with different teachers. If the schooling has been successful the pupil becomes the teacher. And the success is found in the balance. No, I haven’t been reading too many Chinese philosophers or Eastern mystics or Kung Fu experts but surely it is right if you get the balance right. The education continues wherever the school may be found. Best wishes to Iain Lewis, the new head of St. Peter’s Ireleth, and all his staff and to Sue McWilliams and all her staff at St. Mary’s Dalton. School’s in for September. Best wishes Allan Mitchell
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MOTHERS’ UNION NEWS. Here we are looking forward to September already. As I put pen to paper I look out of the window and see it’s pouring with rain. Let’s hope this rain will fill the reservoirs. Our trip on 10th July to Barton Grange was really good. Most people came out with shopping bags, a superb garden centre, where we also enjoyed lunch. After which we had a lovely peaceful hour and a half sail on Lancaster Canal. Then on to The Priory at Scorton for dinner. A happy day all round and I do hope all enjoyed this day. I am already thinking of ways to top that for next year! September 1st is our first meeting with Madge Bethell. ‘She’ll be coming round the mountains’ Monday 13th ‘Israel’ with Edna Walmsley. Wednesday 15th Diocesan Sharing Day, Windermere. Monday 27th 2pm Quiet Afternoon at Coniston. Coach leaves Dalton Castle at 12.30 Also a lovely flower festival worth noting for your diaries ~ St. George’s—150 years in Flowers St. George’s Church is Barrow’s oldest purpose built church. It will be held Friday 24th—Sunday 26th September. Entrance £3.50 + £1.50 for refreshments.
So plenty going on in September. Hope to see you all soon. Lots of good wishes Doris Hall, Branch Leader.
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The Parish of Dalton with Ireleth and Askam |
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Deanery: Furness Diocese: Carlisle |
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New Life Magazine |
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New Life Magazine |
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School They say the best days of your life are your school days. Unfortunately I can't agree with that saying. I was shy and, although I made friends, I didn’t have a special person who I could call my best friend. In the Juniors I was picked on, and called names. When I went to Senior school I really tried to concentrate on the lessons but, being partially deaf, I found it hard to keep up. I did have friends - a group of about ten, including both boys and girls. I was also a member of the church youth group. Anyway, I reckon I did all right ~ at least I am educated (I think!!!). I loved maths, literature, typing, book-keeping, rounders and netball. My careers teacher talked me out of trying to become a chartered accountant—shame on him! He believed that being a secretary would suit me better, saying that a woman could work as a secretary alongside having a family. At that time though, I didn’t want any children. What I wanted was to do more maths! Later on I went to night school to gain better qualifications in those subjects that I didn’t do so well in at school. Even now I go on courses to improve and extend my computer skills, especially those concerning the programmes I use at work. In fact, you are never too old to learn. Of course I also remember vividly those days when my own children started school, and the days when they transferred to the next phase of their education. I was the emotional one, not them! I've realised that I would have been a lot more successful at school if learning had been fun (and understandable). When I was 15 years old I had the choice of joining the church choir, or being a Sunday school teacher. No guesses as to the choice I made ~ singing won, hands down! Jesus was an excellent teacher. People could relate to the way in which He explained things such as:- the shepherd and his sheep; the farmer sowing his crop; the writing-off of the large and small debt etc. If you want to learn more there is always the Bible to dip into every day. When I cannot understand any of the verses I'm reading, I ask Allan to help me. I also know that I could subscribe to one of the many Bible notes that are available on the market. These are specially written to help us make sense of the Bible. The staff in the Bible Shop (on the main street in Ulverston opposite Tesco) are always willing to spare the time to talk, and make sure you get what is best for you. The shop also has a good selection of books, cards and fair trade gifts so it's well worth a visit. Barbara Irwin |
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HOG ROAST Thank you to all who supported the ‘Hog Roast’ on Monday 9th August. £536.45 was raised to share equally between Church and Tree Festival Funds. A special thank you to Brian Coulthard because without his engineering trade and butchery background as well as his patient basting skills, this would not have happened. And to Dougie Moore for the Pig. Merril and Kathleen preparing the food, Jean organising the raffle and Jack Dermody and others for putting up and bringing down the Gazebo, which I thank Paul of L&C for lending out. And of course Steve Silver for the entertainment. A good night all round. What about a Turkey Roast for Christmas, Mulled Wine, Snow and Carols? Anyone up for it!?! Allan |
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DALTON ST MARY’S CHURCH of ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Retirement of Joan Linney Mrs Linney retires from school after many years supporting individuals and groups. She has worked tirelessly giving up much of her own time to help a great number of children. She has supported teachers and voluntarily taught design and technology lessons throughout the age range. In addition to this she has run an after-school clog dancing group and taught children to perform both in and out of school and works during the summer breaks in the summer school. She will be sorely missed by the children, staff and parents alike. We would all like to wish her a very happy and well deserved retirement.
School wildlife area and growing garden. – Grand Opening Our garden opening was a great success. The Right Reverend James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, officially opened the wildlife area and together with Rev Mitchell planted two apple trees to commemorate the occasion. Singers from Dowdales and our own choir entertained us. The tabards made by Mrs Milburn were on show for the first time and looked amazing – thank you so much for all your hard work. |