School Matters 36

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food but also providing a friendly face and social stimulation to the residents. Madeleine Hathaway writes: “The Over 60s Café has been a wonderful experience for us to participate in. Having this opportunity has been more beneficial than we could have ever thought. The idea is that we offer our help to the other volunteers who run the occasion every week. This includes serving food and drinks, clearing tables, and socialising with the guests. However, it is safe to say that we get far more in return! Each week we find ourselves coming away with the most witty, wise, and fascinating stories from people who are truly passionate and sincerely keen to talk with us. Learning to be a good listener is a core life skill, and very helpful in School! We are also understanding the importance of taking care of those around us which is certainly what makes for a better society. It is so lovely to be involved in something that shows people spreading kindness, generosity, and warmth.” Finally, we have had a group working with DT teacher Mr Tatchell to make toys to be donated to children on the Alton Estate.

We hope these beautiful, hand-made toys will be very welcome to young children whose parents might struggle to provide such things. Melis Buberka writes: “We create toys in the DT workshop and design our ideas online. Whether it is sawing, sanding, or manipulating materials of all kinds, we know our effort and end result will put a smile on the face of a child who deserves happiness. So far this year, we have created toy boats from scratch as Christmas presents and continued with our designs for planes, keychains and more. I am enjoying my volunteering much more than I could imagine. Not only is this a great way to keep in touch with my artistic and creative side, but I am using my time for something greater than myself. As a team, we have worked well together to identify the best

choices of toys we should create. We laugh at our mistakes, and we enjoy our time when in the workshop. I highly recommend this choice to anyone who wants to help society whilst having fun!” All projects will continue until the end of the academic year. Whilst the benefits to the community around IPS are clear, we are sure that the LVI will reap the rewards from this scheme in their development of responsibility, communication and imagination. We also, of course, hope they enjoy these exciting opportunities and look forward to hearing more about how they develop. Miss Charlotte Rhead, Director of Outreach and Partnerships

#IPSPARTNERSHIPS – At Christmas

With the reliance on food banks rising rapidly during the periods of lockdown, School partnered with local charities Regenerate and Rackets Cubed and drew on the extraordinary generosity of the IPS community to make regular donations of provisions and supplies to reach over 200 local families. Nikki Rosner, Community Box Programme CEO reported: “Your financial support and, of course, all the food donations have helped keep us going. The Roehampton Community Box has given out nearly 15,000 food boxes, making up about 180,000 meals. It is very clear we would not still be going without your support.” We had a phenomenal response to our request for donated Christmas presents. These went to the same families who rely on the Rackets Cubed food banks, and via Ms Faka at the Alton’s ‘After School Rocks’ club. Thank you so much to all pupils, parents and staff who contributed. Gifts of song were also offered along with the wrapped presents. An intrepid sub-section of Schola Cantorum took its talents on tour around Roehampton as Christmas approached. After a chilly al fresco rehearsal on Front Drive, the carollers started with a performance for the residents of Minstead Gardens Sheltered Accommodation where a small but appreciative audience gathered in the communal garden to listen to the singers. The pupils then scampered up the hill to Queen Mary’s Hospital, where they brought festive cheer to the patients of the geriatric ward, singing outside their open windows, and to the staff coming and going through the main entrance. Lastly, the group sang to appreciative residents of Duchesne House, who gathered in their conservatory to hear the pupils outside on the lawn and participate joyfully with the carols.

Charlotte Glenister and Kit Thompson, LVI by the overflowing donations box so generously filled by IPS pupils, parents and staff.

Carollers head for Queen Mary’s