The team at SUAT have enjoyed spending time at Stoke Minster during a festive Christmas Carol service, arranged and hosted by Staffordshire University for their local community, together with the University Chaplain, Students’ Union and the Christian Union. The Trust gives many thanks to Dove CE Academy and St Luke’s CE Academy, their staff, children and parents, for attending and supporting the service, and for the valued contributions of both academies.
During the celebration, we heard the story of Christmas through heartening performances and readings, accompanied by a variety of carols which raised the spirits of the congregation! Thanks were given by the University, at this special time of year, before our pupils stood to an applause from the audience, to sing their choice of Christmas song in an uplifting performance.
Pupils from years three to six from St Luke’s CE Academy provided a beautiful rendition of ‘Child in a Manger Born,’ including an inspirational solo. Pupils from reception to year four at Dove CE Academy sang ‘See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw’, accompanied by bells, dancing and a chorus of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’!
Nicky Danylyk, Head Teacher from St Luke’s CE Academy said:
“The fantastic collaboration between SUAT and Staffordshire University was evident this week when our St Luke’s KS2 choir were lucky enough to be invited to perform at Staffordshire University’s Annual Christmas Carol Concert. It was such a magical experience, in the perfect venue of Stoke Minster; an experience which further enhances our children’s spiritual wellbeing, and one which I am sure the children will cherish dearly for many years to come. It was lovely to see SUAT schools joining with students and staff from the university for such a meaningful event. The children loved the experience, and felt very proud of themselves stating “We really could let our lights shine in church!” and ” Can we do it again next year?”
Kerry Fabi, Head Teacher from Dove CE Academy said:
“It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to perform in Stoke Minster and share in the University’s Concert. Our links with the University help to develop the aspirations of our pupils.”
Dove CE Academy’s children said:
“We loved singing in Stoke Minster it was very exciting and we were proud of ourselves.”
“It was fun to be part of the University’s Carol Concert, I enjoyed listening to the music and singing the carols.”
The Trust is incredibly proud of and inspired by the performances given by children from both academies. We are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for our pupils and students, and supporting a wide range of experiences which enhance the education and wellbeing of the children of Staffordshire. We are very pleased to have been invited to and have collaborated with Staffordshire University during the community Christmas Carol Service, which forms part of their programme of chaplaincy events, to celebrate the festivals of various faiths.
Proceeds from the service have supported very worthy, local charities, including Alice Charity which helps families within the Stoke on Trent and Newcastle under Lyme areas, and the Horizon Fund which was created in 2013 to help actualise the dreams of Staffordshire University students and breakdown financial barriers they may have, to transform lives and create better futures.
SUAT is proud to be sponsored by Staffordshire University, as we expand on our opportunities to engage with functions which offer enrichment opportunities to our academies and create lasting memories.
