Students spread the spirit of Christmas when Saint Paul’s extended their Christmas cheer to the elderly of the parish by inviting them to join with the school’s students and staff in celebrating Christmas.
The Christmas event provides a valuable link with the older generation in the community. The school has a culture of teaching its students respect in a happy environment and the Christmas party is the perfect way to combine those two really important elements of the school’s philosophy.
The event was hosted by the students who greeted the guests as they arrived then kept them entertained throughout the afternoon.
The school would like to thank Mrs Jackie Sumner who organised the event. Jackie is dedicated to the local community and her love for the area shines through as she worked tirelessly to make the event so memorable and enjoyable to all involved.
Mrs Erin Rudd from Saint Paul’s explained: “It’s always a pleasure to invite our neighbours into the school and to provide them with a special afternoon. The students really enjoy it and some of the guests tell us it’s a highlight of their year. It was a lovely afternoon; it was wonderful to see the students interacting with the older generation who really enjoyed themselves.”
“The success of an event like this is hugely reliant on the enthusiasm of our amazing students. During the event, our students made us so proud, serving the food and sitting at the tables chatting with the guests. It’s such a wonderful sight to see them enjoying each other’s company.”
There was beautiful singing from St Anthony’s choir.
One of the attendees said: “We look forward to this party and seeing the young ones who are always so happy and cheerful and go out of their way to look after us. It’s a lovely school which always makes us feel very welcome and the young people are so courteous.”
“The annual event is held as a way of saying a big ‘thank you’ to all those lovely elderly people who in one way or another, have a connection to a school, whether it’s their own children or grandchildren who once attended – or whether they know of family and friends who are enrolled now,” said Mrs Jackie Sumner from Saint Paul’s. “It’s a time to really get to know our lovely elderly neighbours and it’s something that we all look forward to as our guests are always such great company and know how to enjoy themselves!
Mr Mike Whiteside, Deputy Headteacher at Saint Paul’s, said: “The school is a vital part of the community and we are proud of the efforts the students make to fulfil that responsibility. The party aims to create community cohesion between the school, its students and the elderly. Our students have benefited enormously from the opportunities to build links between the two generations. I am very proud of our students and the effort they put in for this wonderful event.”
