Assembly: Names Contributed by Gill O'Neil September

Those of you who are new - have you learnt the names of all the children in your class yet? How many of you have found that the teachers haven't yet worked out who you are? Have you been called by the wrong name?

Last week my mum reminded me about me starting school..(give amusing example of own childhood) Funnily enough on Tuesday morning all those feelings came flooding back to me.. Only difference is- no mummy to drop me off or take me back home again?..and no tears?

Your name is special to you- it may not be unique - put your hand up if you're first name is_________. Put your hand up if your surname is _________. But how many ____________ _______________are there here.

Who can tell me why their parents gave them their name? Discuss naming ceremonies from different cultural backgrounds:
Sikhs (when the Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random the child's parents choose a name that begins with the same letter as the one which begins the first word on the open page.
Ghana (In some families it is traditional to name the child after the day of the week).
Muslim (Some Muslim babies have their heads shaved on the day of their naming ceremony).
Christian (in several denominations the baby may be blessed or Baptised and given their name). etc

Over the next few weeks I'd like to get to know as many of the new children's names as possible. Each of you is special; and I'm looking forward to finding out what is special about you.

HYMN There are Hundreds of Sparrows (Come and Praise).

PRAYER Dear God, thank-you that we are all special. We are all individuals, help us to appreciate each other and treat each other with respect. Amen.