Spirituality at St. Luke's

Guided by the wisdom of God, through the teachings of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit; we work together at St. Luke’s to provide aspirational approaches to learning, so that all children will flourish and reach their God given potential.

Celebrating our differences and respecting each other we grow together as a Christian family. 

What do we mean by Spirituality?

-Spirituality is one of our school values. Its definition differs from person to person and is a very personal experience. For this reason, it is difficult to put into words. Spirituality concerns a person’s relationship with themselves, with others, with God and with nature and the environment. Spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith.

-How do we nurture Spirituality at St. Luke's? We believe it is important to develop strong relationships using our school Vision and Values as well as the development of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes. We give children opportunities to:

• Have regular time in the day for quiet and reflection. This might be listening to a story, saying a prayer, lighting the candles in worship, listening to music, the reflection for the day, use of the reflection areas around school or the prayers said throughout the day.
• Have opportunities for creativity and using their imagination
• Explore, express, share and compare feelings and opinions. 
• Focus upon our values of 'Caring' and 'Respect'  - constantly reaffirm the importance of relationships. How we talk to and relate with each other is fundamental.
• Express awe and wonder, appreciate beauty in all its forms, and appreciate the connections and unity in the world
• Read often, giving them opportunities to discuss and reflect. This includes both secular and religious texts, in particular the Bible.
• Begin to develop their own system of beliefs, which may or may not include religious beliefs.
• Reflect on the situations of others through role play or stories.

-Structures which support our understanding of Spirituality

-The Bible talks about how God creates everyone in God's image. It also describes God as a potter and describes everyone being the work of God's hand.

'We are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand'

(Isaiah 64:8)

Moments in our life can be called 'WOWs', 'OWs' and 'NOWs'

The 'WOWS' are the 'awe' and 'wonder' moments. These times when you want to breathe in and capure the feeling, holding onto it as long as you can.

The 'OWs' are the 'blows' life can bring. They can knock the breath out of you.

The 'NOWs' are the every day ordinary times: being able to be present in the moment, being open and aware of everything going on around you'

Sometimes, pots can crack or break. Sometimes things happen that can make us feel cracked or changed. We believe that whatever happens to us in life, God is with us. 

God can fill and mend gaps and put everyone back together.

Spirituality can be seen as the glue which can fill the gaps that may be caused by the 'OWs', the 'WOWs' and the 'NOWs' of life.

God Bless this school and those within.

Bless our 'wows' and our wondering,

Bless and heal our 'ows' and pain,

Bless our 'nows' again and again,

Bless all who enter and depart.

Bless this school, may we know your heart.

AMEN

spirituality policy sept 2023.pdf