Posted on: 11/10/2016Chaplaincy
Meet the Chaplain
Name: Michelle
Describe yourself in three words: Adventurous, Passionate and Positive
Favourite chocolate bar: Anything that doesn't involve added biscuits, nuts or caramel (for me, chocolate needs no additions!)
Proudest moment: Reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, the highest freestanding mountain in the world (and raising £92,000 for charity).
Favourite place: Yorkshire
Who inspires you: Jesus, Nelson Mandela, Nick Vujicic and my students.
Favourite speech: Steve Jobs' address to Stamford University students in 2005. I particularly love the line:
Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life
... and this would be my prayer for all our students. That they would see how amazing they are and aspire to be the best version of themselves they can be. That they would have the courage to follow their own hearts and not shrink back or compare themselves to others.
Best bit about your job: Empowering people to have faith in themselves, faith in the world around them and faith in God.
Other stuff: I am married to a lovely chap called Daniel, I love to travel, I love coffee, my favourite band is Mumford and Sons and I LOVE penguins!
So what is The Chapel?: The Chapel is the 'heartbeat' of the school community. It is a place where all staff and students are welcome to take some time away from the business of school life and to pray, reflect, ask questions, spend time with friends, make new ones and laugh a lot. There is never a dull moment.
The Chapel is also used for celebrating liturgical events, form worship, prayer spaces, fundraising events and RE lessons.
What do you actually do?: No day is ever the same in my role and that is why I love it so much! I co-ordinate collective worship and form worship, co-ordinate our fundraising activities, mentor students, co-ordinate liturgical celebrations, organise whole school events such as Hope’s Got Talent, run after-school clubs, lead RE lessons, support local primary schools, run prayer spaces and try to empower and inspire my students to recognise the God given potential within them.
There are a number of exciting plans in the pipeline so watch this space...
Here's what some of the Students and Staff at Hope Academy have to say about the Chapel:
The Chapel isn't just a place for worship, it is a place to relax and spend time with your friends.
Rachel Year 13
The Chapel is amazing.
Kia, Emily and Beth Year 9
The Chaplain makes a cracking brew.
Mr Crook
It is a very relaxing place for staff and students.
Mr Fernside
