Valentine - an insight into our Cathedral assembly

Each week on the Lichfield campus, we start Mondays and Wednesdays in the Cathedral.  Sometimes we are sharing collective worship or hymn practice, and mostly on Wednesdays we hear from our Heads of School and Head Prefects.  This week they spoke about Valentine’s Day – with a very LCS spin.  I thought you may like an insight into what they had to say: 

As we approach Valentine’s Day, you might have seen cards, chocolates and flowers lining the shelves of shops. However, Valentine’s Day holds a deeper message - one of love, care, and kindness for the people around us. 

While we often think of Valentine’s Day as being about romantic love, it is also an opportunity to show love and appreciation for friends, family members and our community.  In our assembly this week, we explore how love can be expressed through positive words, thoughtful actions and standing up for what is right. 

We also reflect on the teachings of the Bible, which speak of God’s unconditional love for us. John 3:16 beautifully reminds us: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." 

So, how can we show love in our daily lives?  At school, we are encouraged to embody kindness, respect, and empathy - values that are essential for building a positive community. These values are at the heart of the Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation, the charity we are currently supporting, which inspires us all to carry out acts of kindness, generosity and care. 

We would also encourage you to think about the image of a heart often seen on Valentine cards. Our hearts are incredible organs, pumping life-giving blood throughout our bodies. Just as our physical hearts sustain us, when we act from the heart by showing kindness and love, we lift up and support those around us. 

Here are some simple but powerful ways that children (and adults!) can spread love: 
- Encouraging words: A kind comment can brighten someone's day. 
- Acts of courage: Standing up for what is right and supporting others when they need it. 
- Thoughtful gifts: Giving, whether it’s a card, a smile, or something more tangible, brings joy. 
- Helping hands: Offering assistance makes a meaningful difference to those around us. 

We also encourage you to think beyond Valentine's Day.  How can we all demonstrate love and care within our wider community?  This might include contributing to the Foodbank, embracing our School of Sanctuary ethos by welcoming those who have joined us from other places, or simply making someone feel valued and included. 

Our challenge this week is simple: let's spread love, compassion, kindness and encouragement throughout our school and beyond.  Small acts of kindness can create ripples that touch every part of our community. 

Inservi Deo et laetare!