St Dominic’s Church celebrates pupils with vibrant back-to-school service in Hanover Park
From left, Reading and Writing Solutions NPO chief Jeff and his wife Dawn Paulse were honoured by church committee members Steven Adriaanse and Marius Meyer.
Image: Supplied
Children who attended the service received literacy books.
Image: Supplied
Children form different schools lined up to received their much-needed stationery from the church.
Image: Supplied
St Dominic’s Anglican Church in Hanover Park hosted a back-to-school service last Sunday, January 25, aimed at encouraging and motivating pupils from different schools as they embark on the 2026 academic year.
More than 100 school children, dressed in their various school uniforms, filled the church alongside their parents.
The service was led by the church’s rector, Reverend Basil Davids, and featured active participation from the children, who took on many traditional church service roles.
The youth delivered a programme that included spiritual dance and a short drama performance focusing on bullying and how pupils can respond to it at school.
As they entered the church, pupils formed a procession carrying educational placards bearing messages about positive behaviour, discipline, and respect within the school environment.
Several pupils also confidently read scripture passages from the Bible.
Church committee member Marius Meyer expressed that it was always a blessing to start the school year with a back-to-school service. “Most churches do have it, especially in the Anglican community. I can't speak for other denominations, but it should definitely be held to empower young people,” he said.
Retired school principal and literacy activist Jeff Paulse, and founder of the Reading and Writing Solutions non-profit organisation, was among those invited to motivate and encourage the young attendees. Drawing on his 52 years of teaching experience, he urged learners to persevere despite personal and social challenges.
His message, themed “Rise with purpose every day,” encouraged pupils to believe in themselves, listen attentively, plan their days, work hard at their studies, and commit to daily reading and prayer. “Always strive to be a better version of yourself,” Mr Paulse told the pupils.
Mr Paulse also praised St Dominic’s Anglican Church for the initiative, stating it brought hope to young people in Hanover Park despite the various social challenges facing the community. “I wish more churches and mosques would become more relevant in the lives of the communities they serve,” he added, expressing his organisation's willingness to assist any church or organisation seeking support.
At the end of the service, each pupil received a book valued at R250.
Parents and members of the congregation were also given educational magazines. The service concluded with a prayer for the protection and safety of all pupils during the 2026 school year.
Find Athlone News on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza