Food Bank Harvest Collection

In October, we supported the local Islington food banks through our annual Harvest Collection. During this time, more local families were in need than ever before, and our school community came together to provide essential items to those who needed them most.

Each year group donated specific items to ensure a wide range of supplies:

• Little Gems & Opals: Tinned meat and fish (tuna, salmon, corned beef, etc.)
• Nursery: Tinned fruit and vegetables (pear, orange, pineapple, peaches, mixed vegetables, beans, corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes)
• Reception: Biscuits, crackers, cereal bars
• Year 1: Dried rice, grains, and noodles
• Year 2: Breakfast cereals and porridge
• Year 3: Tea bags, coffee, sugar, long-life milk
• Year 4: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo
• Year 5: Cooking oil and sauces
• Year 6: Honey, jam, and marmalade

We are grateful to everyone who contributed. Thank you to our school community for helping to make a difference this Harvest season!

Standing in Solidarity with Jamaica

In November, our school community came together to support families in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Pupils showed their solidarity by coming to school dressed in the colours of the Jamaican flag, while also learning about the impact of natural disasters on communities, including the tragic loss of life and homes.

Together, we raised an incredible £1,118, which was donated to Samaritan’s Purse to support those directly affected. This fundraising initiative helped pupils understand the importance of solidarity, peace and respect for human dignity, reminding us of our responsibility to care for others across the world as they are our 'neighbours' too.

Supporting Cancer Research UK – Tree of Hope

During the Jubilee Year, our school foyer was home to our beautiful Tree of Hope. Parents, children, staff and visitors were invited to donate an amount of their own choice and hang a Jubilee of Hope bauble onto the tree. The response from our community was overwhelming, and by the time the Jubilee Year ended on 6th January, we had raised an amazing £769 for Cancer Research UK. This fundraising reflects our commitment to supporting life-saving research and promoting the dignity and well-being of all people.

Helping the Whittington Hospital Children’s Ward

In December, pupils took part in our festive and energetic Reindeer Dash, raising a fantastic £1,239 for the Children’s Ward at Whittington Hospital. The event was filled with excitement and festive spirit, while also helping our pupils understand the importance of supporting those in need within our local community.

In addition to this, as part of our local charity fundraising, the school donated £500 worth of brand-new books to the Children’s Ward. Our dedicated Pupil Chaplains and Librarians carefully selected the books and were given the wonderful opportunity to deliver them to the ward in December. This meaningful experience allowed pupils to see first-hand how their efforts can bring comfort and joy to other children, strengthening our school’s commitment to Community and Participation.

Looking Ahead – Supporting Oceana

We are also continuing to raise awareness of our global charity, Oceana, which works to protect and restore the world’s oceans. Our Pupil Chaplains and Eco-Warriors are planning a special Care for Creation Eco-Day later in the year. This event will help raise both funds and awareness, encouraging pupils to become stewards of God’s creation and to understand the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.

To further inspire our pupils, we are proud to have a dedicated model display in our school chapel, beautifully created by some of our talented staff. The display helps children reflect on the importance of caring for creation, particularly the oceans and the wonderful creatures that live within them, reminding us that they are all part of God’s creation.

In this Jubilee Year 2026, dedicated to St Francis, we also reflect on his message that animals are our brothers and sisters, as we share the same planet and responsibility to care for it. This message continues to inspire our pupils to think about how their actions can help protect the environment and show respect for all living things.