This week, the four Houses announced their chosen charity for the year. These are voted for by the children and House staff. Some choose to support the same charity for years in a row, others change more frequently to reflect the number of good causes that need support in our city and beyond. This year, Anson Lions will support Off The Fence, who do so much to help the homeless and vulnerable in our city. Reverend Julio is a friend of the school, and has given us many inspiring Assemblies. Drake Badgers continue their support of Rockinghorse, which raises funds for our local children’s hospital. Howe Dolphins support WWF UK, reflecting Housemaster Mr Stead’s passion for nature and saving the planet. Nelson Dragons have chosen Safehaven, another charity who work with the homeless in our city.
We have already had a visitor from one of the chosen charities. Rockinghorse has been Drake Badgers’ charity for many years now, as it is such an important one and easy to relate to for even our youngest children. The question “Who has ever had to visit the Royal Alex?” gets a big response in every class in the school. They got in contact last week to ask for our help with their Sponsored Swim that took place at Sea Lanes yesterday. All the grownups who take part get a medal certificate, and they needed our help to colour them and add supportive messages. Pre-Prep were only too happy to help! Emma from Rockinghorse visited on Wednesday to collect the finished medals, and pose for a photo with some of Upper School, including Drake Badgers House Captain, Hattie, and Bertram, the House mascot.
Our children are aware that they have many advantages in their lives that many in our city lack. They know that charities can be supported by fundraising activities, such as our Own Clothes Days, House Celebration Day, or collections at our church services, but also by giving your time and effort, as our Pre-Prep children did with their colouring this week. A culture of kindness in our school, where we look after each other, naturally extends to the wider world as our children become the citizens of the future. Outreach in our community and beyond is something that we want St Christopher’s pupils to be fully engaged in now and in the future.
Fundraising by the four Houses, as with any House activity, is also competitive! Last year, we raised over £4000 for a number of different charities, which is an impressive figure for a school of our size. The breakdown showing which House raised the most features in the 2024-25 Yearbook, which will be published shortly.
Our first whole school fundraising event of the year is our Harvest Festival at Hove Methodist Church on 7th October, where we will be supporting The Clock Tower Sanctuary. I hope lots of you are able to join us.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head