Students at St George’s Church of England Foundation School in Broadstairs are taking part in a community week with activities including litter picks, supermarket bag packing and organising two afternoon teas for older residents.
The youngsters, from across the infants up to sixth formers, have taken an active role in organising the events. The idea was first discussed between staff and pupils more than a year ago, when the vision was set to bring the school and the local community together through the school message of “Every moment, every day, every individual counts.”
The week is seen as an opportunity to bring the community into school as well as providing support in the local area. Events have also included litter picking, visits from the RNLI, training from the Community Lifesaver groups, offering foreign language lessons, prayer events, gardening, visits and musical productions to care homes and the two large afternoon teas at the school for older members of the community.
Community week co-ordinator at the school, Tara Berry, said: “The school is proud to have had so many children involved and staff have found the whole experience rewarding. The children have taken an active part in setting up and organising the events and the smiles on the faces of the local community residents have been fantastic.
“The school is aware that sometimes the pupils do not always make the right choices in the community but the event has raised the awareness of the impact that this can have on individuals. The school feels the event has provided the children with opportunities to give back to the local community and they have enjoyed every minute of it.
“The feedback has been overwhelming and we hope that St George`s has managed to impact positively on an number of our community. Thank you for embracing us as a school.”
One visitor to the afternoon tea praised the project, saying: “This has been the best afternoon I have had for a very long time, the children and staff are a credit to the school and I hope that I can experience the magic of another event really soon. Well done to all involved in a first class effort.”