YEAR 1 ST JOHN'S CHURCH EXCURSION
On Friday 19th September, the year 1 classes from Coromandel Valley Primary School visited St John’s church as part of their inquiry into local history.
The Parish Priest, ‘Woody’ explained the history of buildings of worship in the times of the ancient Romans, and linked the structure of the buildings to our own St John’s church. Throughout his chat to the students, he also referred to certain items by their name in Latin, the language of the ancient Roman Empire.
Four parishioners assisted Woody, with Sharon providing detailed and interesting aspects about each of our beautiful windows, both stained glass and leadlight, including information relevant to Bible stories and local history. Some students asked and answered questions about features of the windows, and of particular interest was their ability to detect the tiny sailor from ‘The Coromandel’, hiding in the tree.
The students were very curious about various items in the church, and Woody invited them to go to the front of the church and point to each one, before he explained their significance. They were also interested in our magnificent pipe organ and were treated to a rendition of ‘Away in a Manger’ by Di. Woody helped them use a hymn book to locate, follow and sing the words of the song.
All students queued in the aisle and individually slid across the organ seat and played three notes across the keyboard, assisted by Sharon, Wendy and Elizabeth.
The students were wonderful ambassadors for Coromandel Valley Primary School, and we are very grateful for their contribution to our collection of food for the Mary Magdalen Centre, for distribution to those in need.
As they left, each child received a bag with some activities and a quiz, to test their memories and remind them of their visit to St John’s.
Our thanks go to the students, parents and teachers for their courtesy, generosity and the interest shown in our beautiful and historic church.
Elizabeth Parker
St John's Anglican Church
