School_Matters_Issue_34

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After many nights putting off homework in favour of researching local charity projects to take inspiration from, and many a brainstorm in the VI Common Room between lessons, we decided that we would try to cheer up the elderly at Christmas. Acutely aware of just how isolated the most vulnerable people in our community had become during lockdown, we knew we wanted to spread a bit of Christmas cheer, and to remind everyone who had had their contact to the outside world cut off that there are people thinking of them. The Burns Price Foundation kindly supported our aim with a grant to make hampers, including gloves, socks, face masks and some festive goodies, to be distributed by local charity Regenerate-RISE. With the help of the children at Lowther Primary School in Barnes and some enthusiastic IPS Sixth Form volunteers, handmade decorations and handwritten cards were made for 100 elderly residents of Roehampton and Putney. Olivia and I would definitely encourage any pupil with an idea to help those around them to consider working with the Burns Price Foundation to do something wonderful. Time and energy are never better spent than helping others. I know I speak for Olivia when I say we now have immense respect for the logistical nightmare that is running a charity operation, and a deep sense of gratitude in our own lives. So why don’t you resolved to start a project with the Burns Price Foundation? Ella Reynolds, UVI [We congratulate UVIs Ella Reynolds and Olivia Daniels on this cheer leading initiative, along with Polly Dunn, Florence Ensor-Dean, Dylan Hunter, Claudia Murray Cors and Ruby Ward Elms – Ed.]

#IPSPARTNERSHIPS UVI bring Christmas cheer After hearing about the Burns Price Foundation and its wonderful work from Mr Price, Olivia Daniels and I knew we wanted to do something wonderful too, even if that something was not immediately obvious. The opportunity to help people in our local community, without necessarily being burdened by the daunting prospect of large-scale fundraising through corporate sponsors, was a welcome surprise and a delightful challenge.

#IPSPARTNERSHIPS Books for Christmas Our wonderful Prefects wrapped hundreds of presents of books to be gifted to children in our local community at Christmas.

#IPSPARTNERSHIPS Carolling in the Community Happily, Tier 3 restrictions did not interfere with twelve members of Schola Cantorum heading into Roehampton to regale some of our partner institutions with carols. After a chilly al fresco rehearsal on Front Drive, the group, resplendent in School uniform “with a festive twist” headed up the hill to sing outside wards for the elderly at Queen Mary’s Hospital. This mini tour around the outside of the hospital was greatly appreciated by patients and staff alike. Next up was Duchesne House nursing home. The choir assembled in the garden for the residents who watched and sang along from their conservatory. Something of an arena was formed with inhabitants of neighbouring apartments appearing on their balconies to listen. This was an immensely heartening way to end a very busy term. Mr James Bartlett, Director of Music

The books were first sorted by suitability for younger and older age categories before being grouped into individual packages and expertly wrapped. Accompanying each was a chocolate Father Christmas. Perfect! We are proud of their efforts and the presents, delivered to Heathmere Primary School, were most appreciatively received.

Schola Cantorum at Duchesne House