You see, Danny was starting a new school. His mum had changed her job, which meant that the family had had to move to another town miles away from where he was born. Danny didn't mind moving because they had got a new house and he had a big bedroom all to himself. He was able to spread out all his toys and books, and his mum had painted the walls of his room bright red - his favourite colour!

However, this morning was scary. Danny had to leave his lovely new bedroom and all his toys and books and go to his new school where he didn't know anybody. As he walked past the school railings, he stopped to look at the new school. It looked very different from the one he had just left - his new school was a tall, brick building with a huge playground. All the children were running around with their friends while they waited for the bell to ring for the beginning of the day.

‘Come on, Danny!’ his sister complained, starting to get impatient. ‘Stop hanging around! You're going to make us late. The head teacher is waiting to see you.’
Danny’s sister took hold of his arm and led him through the school gates and into the playground. Danny felt very frightened . . .

What do you think happened next?

How do you behave when someone new arrives at school?

It is important that we all make the effort to welcome new people. However, there may also be children who have been in the school for a long time, but still feel left out or lonely. Let’s all make an effort to watch out for these children and encourage them to become our friends.

Thank you, God, for all our friends.
Thank you for the fun and laughter we share together.
Please help our friendships to always be open to the needs of others.
Help us to be generous and thoughtful in all we do together.
Amen.