Whole School Fundraising Walk- Global Action
The whole school took part in a fundraising walk, (walking the distance children in Africa currently need to walk to get to school) to raise funds to build a new classroom for our global family, supporting people in need and those living in poverty
Aid to the Church in Need- Global Action
We set up a group called the Aid to the Church in Need apostles who ran the Maisy Milk campaign, to fundraise for Christian refugees and displaced families around the world. They raised money for the Salvation Army and also invited parents into school to pray for peace and unity in our world by reciting the Rosary. Children learnt about the Parable of the Mustard Seed in the context of the Mustard Seed Centre in Syria. They learnt that their prayers and fundraising will make a real difference for children in other parts of the world. The children were encouraged to see that they can be like ‘mustard seeds’ and give them the opportunity to respond prayerfully and by action.
CAFOD World Gifts- Global Action
We set up a virtual World Gifts village at our school and during Advent, we fundraised for life-changing gifts around the world. We invited a CAFOD speaker into school to lead an assembly on World Gifts so the pupils understood more about how fundraising enables CAFOD to stand in solidarity with our global family. Each class chose a World Gift and decided how they would raise the funds to purchase the gift.
Inviting local residents into school- Local Action
Children invited the elderly members of our local care home into school to watch a school performance. The residents of the care home enjoyed snacks made by the children beforehand/afterwards
Litter picking in the community- Local Action
Children across the school are be giving the opportunity to litter pick within the local community and clean up the local area, particularly down at the local park where young children play. All rubbish will be brought back to school and recycled into the dedicated bins. Before the children begin litter picking, they will pray. The Eco Club also took part in the 'Great Big School Clean' and pledged to pick up 5 bags of rubbish.
Digital Downtime Day- Local Action
We took part in a whole school “Digital Downtime Day”. We switched off as many electrical appliances as possible, no screens or technology were used. The children wanted to put digital devices down for the day and reconnect with each other. We spent time walking, talking and lots of creative learning took place. It was a great lesson to think about how we can all live more simply and sustainably. We plan to do this again next year!
Our LiveSimply Pledges- School Action
As a school, we came together to speak about the importance of everyone creating an individual pledge, something they can do to live simply, encourage others to live sustainably and live in solidarity with others. All staff wrote their own pledge after a reflection in the school hall.
Our Live Simply Ambassadors led the school in liturgical prayer by speaking to the children about what it means to live simply. They then invited all children to draw/write their own pledge.
At a recent Governing Body meeting, governors were invited to write their pledge and parents were invited into the hall to reflect on their own lives and write a LiveSimply pledge.
We have now displayed our pledges in the main corridor as a reminder of what we are doing collectively to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with our common home.
LiveSimply Eco Club- School Action
We set up an Eco Club and began discussing areas that the children wished to focus on. We then started making an action plan. We have also set up a gardening club to tend to the beautiful prayer pods and school grounds.
This year, we have spent lots of time focusing on keeping our school and local community tidy by taking part in the Great British Tidy up. We now have a litter picking rota in our school and our after school children and eco club go out and litter pick around the local area.
The children also investigated how we waste food at playtime and lunchtime and have spoken to Mr Hanrahan, our site manager. They have asked him to label the bins on the playground clearly, so any food we do waste is recycled properly.
We have also planted wildflowers to attract the bees to help with pollination.
Vegetable Patch- School Action
Initially, we wanted to use our vegetable patch where children can grow produce. We planted peas in the summer term but the weather was so hot that the plants died, even though we watered them well!
We then turned our attention to Andrew's Orchard and wondered whether it would produce any fruit in the autumn 2025... it did! Lots of apples! So the children spent time picking the apples and using them to make apple muffins to give to the local community and parents. The feedback was very well received and the children found it really special to be making food in honour of Mr Henstridge, our former Headteacher.
We can't wait to see what other fruit grows this year and what we can do with it to give back to our community!
