Thought for the Week

One of the good things about being a minister is the invitations to take part in activities at local schools.

And there is no happier time to share in the life of our young citizens than the end-of-year celebrations.

The transition from primary to secondary is now much more elaborate than many years ago.

There are leavers’ assemblies, award ceremonies, proms, residential activity weeks. There are days when the young folk get to visit the high school they will be attending.

I think we are much better now at marking the important times of change, particularly in young people’s lives.

On the last day of term in one of our primary schools a former student comes in to play the bagpipes, as the pupils who are leaving go out of the school and the rest of the school claps them on their way.

All of this is important because going to secondary school is such a big step. The Reachout Trust, which works in many of our local schools, and the chaplains spend a half-day with pupils in their final term at primary running a programme called It’s Your Move.

The programme helps the children to be excited about the big changes coming their way, as well as addressing fears and worries for what is ahead.

Being positive about change and understanding where to look for help are important things that all of us have to learn and moving on is an important part of the education we give our children.

Only the holidays stand between them and the change they have prepared for.

We celebrate with young people who have done so much to make their families and their schools proud of them and we wish them every success in the future. Rev Leslie Milton Cambuslang Parish Church