Tis’ the season for giving at St Sampson’s High School
Students at St Sampson’s High School have been busy giving to those in need as part of a seasonal initiative with the Guernsey Welfare Service.
Dubbed a ‘reverse advent calendar’, students have been bringing a range of food items into school and filling a large hamper, which was picked up by GWS welfare officer Susi Glegg.
Some of the most popular donated items included coffee, chocolate and soup, with a total of 10 large crates filled up and then wrapped in Christmas-themed wrapping paper.
St Sampson’s head of geography Emma Chesters, who organised the initiative, said that this year’s event was an expansion of a similar campaign held last year.
‘Last year I just worked with my tutor group, and after being approached by other tutors who also wanted to become involved, this year it was rolled out across the school.
‘Susi also delivered an assembly a couple of weeks ago to highlight the invaluable work of the Guernsey Welfare Service and what we were hoping to achieve with this reverse advent calendar.’
She said that students were encouraged to donate either an item of their choice or something from the charity’s wish list, which was compiled by charity volunteers following conversations with those accessing the service.
‘I feel it is imperative as teachers that we use our environment not only to challenge our young people academically, but to create the next generation of responsible, sustainable and socially-conscious adults.’
Mrs Glegg, who was given a helping hand in transporting the food items to her van by students, said that the charity was currently helping about 500 households, which was more than this time last year.
‘The three things we try to promote the most are the importance of food, shelter and feeling connected, and this is a good time of year to think of others.’
‘Often we see people coming to us that are able to cover their bills but have nothing left over for food, so that’s where we help.’
Student Monty Desforges, 16, said it was satisfying to have been able to give back to the local community.
‘We’ve really pulled together and risen to the challenge, and it’s nice to have Susi back to collect everything.’
Fellow student Edie Dorrian, also 16, helped Ms Chesters organise the collection.
‘I’m in her class this year so I have heard a lot about it, it’s been fantastic to have been involved in something like this,’ she said.
