Our theme for this year’s service was ‘Appreciation’, a concept beautifully brought to life by our pupils. Class 1 led the way with heartfelt poems, prayers, and insightful observations about the harvest. Class 2 treated us to a rousing sea shanty, acknowledging the bounty we reap from our oceans. Not to be outdone, Class 3 delighted everyone with their lively performance of ‘Dingle, Dangle Scarecrow’. The church resonated with the joyful voices of our pupils as they came together to sing a medley of traditional harvest hymns.
The vicar’s message was both engaging and thought-provoking, using a simple Jammie Dodger biscuit to illustrate the intricate web of effort and dedication behind even the smallest things we enjoy. From the farmer tending the wheat fields to the dairy farmer producing milk for butter, and the sugar cane grower working under the sun – each played a vital role in creating that single biscuit. This clever analogy helped our pupils appreciate the countless hands and hearts involved in bringing food to our tables.
The church itself was a sight to behold, adorned with beautiful harvest decorations that set the perfect backdrop for our celebrations. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our school community, with an abundance of donations received. These gifts will be shared between our local food bank and St. Petroc’s Centre in Exeter, extending our harvest blessings to those in need.