Burghfield S Pastors

As School Pastors, we show every young person @ The Willink that they matter by coming alongside, listening to, supporting & praying for students of all faiths.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

It's the last day of term today and our social media channels go quiet for the summer holidays. We wish students, staff and our friends a good summer, full of challenges and memories to treasure. Thanks for journeying with us this year, and we hope to see you again in September.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Burghfield & Area School Pastors is part of a larger charity, Together in Mission, who run a befriending scheme for the elderly, isolated and vulnerable in the RG7 area, a community cafe and school pastors. We seek to care for all those on the edges of society in this area.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

The end of term is rapidly approaching, and our thoughts turn to next year. We're very much aware that our role is only possible through the financial and social support we receive from our friends and volunteers. If you know anyone who'd like to join our team, please contact us.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Lots of students and staff are away this week - on Bushcraft, Activities, D of E expeditions, and visiting Moldova, Paris, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The Willink is a village school with a global outlook and it's awesome to be part of that.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Prayers appreciated for all the Y6s as they visit The Willink this week - that they feel at home, supported and settle quickly in next term. One of our busiest times is the first half term of the autumn when students feel a little lost, coming from their smaller primary schools.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

This week, our walkabouts are on Thursday and Friday, as we prepare to welcome the new Y6s to The Willink. It's great to see their excited faces, get high fives and introduce them to the wider team. Want to know what question we're most often asked? "Where's the toilet?"

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Over 6 years ago, we had our first walkabout at The Willink, greeting students, listening to their stories, looking out for staff, and being a friend to the wider school community. Today, we're still going strong and our role is as valued as ever.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Did you know: A school or college pastor cares for and supports a ‘school community’. School pastors are there to listen, care and help young people to become good citizens. It's amazing how much can be achieved by just listening more.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Did you know that we are the only School Pastors initiative in the country that isn't connected to a Street Pastor initiative? We serve a large secondary school in the rural sticks of Berkshire - the school has a population a quarter the size of the local general population.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

It's our last visit to a Y6 class today for this term. It's been great to meet so many new students, listen to their stories and share some of the excitement about starting secondary school. A momentous step, and we're glad we can be part of the transition programme.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

One of the things we do as School Pastors is to help Reach (https://t.co/WfEIRX9ouz) run the school's CU. Every fortnight, they have a games and chat session, which we're invited to be part of. It's great to get to know students at a deeper level and have some God talk.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Did you know that there are over 30 School Pastors initiatives across the country? Our strapline is safety, care, friendship, and we try to make a difference every day in the schools where we're based.
For more info, see https://t.co/0YfKoIwZdf.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

It's a busy term at The Willink, with trips abroad, exams, sports competitions, drama performances, thinking about the future and parties amongst others... It's an exciting time to be a Christian, calming presence in the school.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Term starts back today, as does our first patrol of this half term. This is always one of my favourite times as it's so varied, challenging and encompassing.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Lots coming up in the next few weeks: more Y6 visits, a Y6-7 social, invigilation, walkabouts, training, recruiting volunteers for next term, and sorting out the admin... Prayers appreciated that we find peace in the busyness.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

A bit of a pause in the schedule allows us to rest, recharge and get ready for the final (and perhaps one of the busiest) half terms in the school year. Thank God for breaks and busyness.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Half term begins this week, and we wish everyone in the school community a happy and healthy break. We look forward to catching up with your stories soon!

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Exams are in full throe at The Willink, for students and staff. We like to have a presence in the exams, supporting students, helping with logistics and praying for peace.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Prayers for travelling mercies, clear thinking and good memories today as we head up to London for a day of training. This time, on emotional resilience and mental health.

[Burghfield S Pastors @TiM_Pastors]

Did you know we have a Facebook account too? We have lots of photos, stories and news about what we've been up to. Come and check us out at https://t.co/fnsfEX5Xi8!