By Mrs Johnson, Charities Co-ordinator

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight, we are following up our Fairtrade discussions with our sister school, Notre Dame de Namur in the USA with some Fairtrade events, including a Fairtrade bake sale, as we work towards achieving our ‘Fairactive Award.’

This second half of term sees Year 8 run their charities activities for their chosen charity, The Store Cupboard in Hanwell. This is a not for profit affordable food project. Members of the Store Cupboard have the chance to choose their food in a normal shopping environment. They pay £3.50 for each weekly shop, and receive approximately £30-£40 worth of food including free fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.  Our Year 8s are busy planning some exciting events for March to fundraise for this local charity. Meanwhile, our Sixth Formers have come up with a Summer Birthday charities initiative where, for £2, they will go and sing Happy Birthday to a nominated student, with all proceeds going to the Sixth Form Charity, Meningitis Now. 

Our Year 10 and 11 enrichment groups are excited to be visiting our local Care Homes again with visits planned to St David’s, Chestnut Lodge and Down House in the coming weeks. We will also be doing some craft activities with the residents too.  Our Year 10 and 11 volunteers will also be out helping park wardens in Montpelier Park.

Following the success of the annual Mencap Christmas Fair, we are hoping to hold our first Mencap Easter Fair towards the end of term.

Our Amnesty International Group are also holding an event on March 10th, while a week later on 17th March, our Sixth Formers will be holding a Rowathon in the atrium all day to raise money for Sports Relief. There will be rowing before and after school as well as at break and lunchtime.

Thank you for your continued support of our charities and volunteering activities. You can read more about these in our February Student Charities & Volunteering Newsletter here.