Presence Matters: A Week of Assemblies at Ysgol Aberconwy
Last week offered one of those gentle reminders of why this work matters so much. Over five days, I had the privilege of speaking in assemblies at Ysgol Aberconwy, gathering each morning with a different year group and, across the week, encountering the whole high school community.
There is something significant about the simple act of showing up. Assemblies are, by nature, brief and structured, yet they create a shared space where a school pauses together. In those moments, amid the busyness of lessons, deadlines, friendships, and the often-unseen pressures young people carry, there is an opportunity to speak about things that rarely fit neatly into a timetable.
The focus of the week was presence — what it means to be truly there for another person — and the closely related practice of active listening.
Presence can sound like an uncomplicated idea, but it is surprisingly countercultural. We live in a world of constant distraction, where attention is fragmented and silence can feel uncomfortable. For many young people, life is filled with noise. Against that backdrop, being fully present with someone becomes not just a social skill, but an act of care.
We reflected on the difference between being physically nearby and being genuinely attentive. To be present is to offer more than proximity, it’s to communicate, often without words, “I see you. I’m here. You’re not alone in this.” It is choosing to slow down long enough to notice the person in front of us rather than rushing past them.
Active listening sits at the heart of that presence. Listening is sometimes misunderstood as passive, as though it were simply the absence of speaking. Yet real listening requires effort. It asks for patience, curiosity, and the discipline to resist the urge to immediately solve, correct, or redirect. For young people especially, whose experiences are often interpreted or managed by adults, the experience of being heard without interruption or judgment can be quietly incredibly powerful.
Alongside these themes, I shared what it feels like to know God’s presence in seasons when life feels heavy. Not as a distant religious concept, but as comfort, steadiness, and reassurance. The assembly explored the possibility that presence — whether human or divine — has the capacity to reshape how we experience difficult moments. That being known, accompanied, and listened to can soften isolation and strengthen resilience.
What stood out across the week was the depth of engagement. Students listened thoughtfully, and the feedback from both pupils and staff was really encouraging. There was a sense that these were not abstract ideas, but realities already familiar to many in the room. Young people understand loneliness. They understand the relief of being understood. And They recognise authenticity when they encounter it.
Perhaps the most exciting outcome came after the assemblies had finished. Through connections formed during the week, around 200 young people linked in with our online project as a result. That movement from a morning assembly to ongoing digital engagement represents something new to us, and we don’t want to take it lightly. It speaks of trust, curiosity, and a willingness to continue exploring questions around wellbeing, identity, faith, and life.
Weeks like this reinforce an important truth. A few minutes in an assembly hall can prompt reflection, spark conversations, and open doors that extend far beyond the school gates.
We are hugely grateful to the staff and students at Ysgol Aberconwy for their welcome, openness, and generosity throughout the week. It was a joy to spend time with your community.