We have been thinking and helping others as a community in the run up to Christmas.
Donations to My Sisters' House
Our pupils dropped off hundreds of presents to My Sisters' House in the run up to the end of term.
The charity already has over 300 women booked in to take part in their three Christmas gifting days where mums will be able to choose presents for their children from all the donations the charity has received from across West Sussex.
“It’s very important that families can choose presents for their children themselves, we hope we have helped to make their Christmas special.”
Sarah, Year 8
Helen Barker, who heads up our charity committee, said: “It was very important for the children to see the piles of unwrapped gifts today and realise how many families may be struggling this year to buy even one Christmas present.”
The fundraising co-ordinator at My Sisters’ House, Michelle Sinclair, said: “We are so very grateful for the donations from everyone at Westbourne House. It is truly heart-warming to see the community come together to support local families.”
“I feel very proud and glad about what we just did and it has made me realise how lucky I am. We hope all the families have a lovely Christmas.”
Annie, Year 8
Fundraising in Chichester for charity
Well done to our Brass Band who busked at the Cross in Chichester early in December for one of our school charities, Chestnut Tree House. It was cold on the fingers and toes but they did incredibly well and were met by so much friendly encouragement and support on the streets of Chichester.
Chapel Choir sang a range of Christmas Carols at the Cross. It was wonderful to hear their voices ring out on the frosty air and as they sang their final carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, a few snowflakes gently fell from a bright blue, cloudless sky.
Thank you everyone who donated, smiled and said well done!
Carols at a local care home
"It was lovely to have the children here to sing for us and so kind of you to come and visit."
Resident
For the whole chapel choir, it was such a pleasure to visit Manorfield Residential Home to sing Christmas carols for the people who live there. Some joined in with the singing and others enjoyed chatting to the children afterwards and lots of "Happy Christmas" greetings were shared by them all.
Christmas cards for the elderly
Our pupils in Years 5 to 8 have been busy designing Christmas cards for older members of our local community, who may need a bit of TLC this Christmas.
The children designed and wrote 95 cards in spare moments during this last week. They have done this now for several years and continue to be inspired by the letters they receive back.
