Newcastle pupils’ charitable month

Caring youngsters at a Newcastle primary school have been spending a whole month raising money for a variety of charitable causes.

The children at St Catherine’s, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, have been continuing an annual Lent tradition that the school has followed for over a decade. ​

---

Six charities were chosen by the Year 6 pupils; CAFOD, UNICEF, SightSavers, Young Minds, Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter, and Tommy’s Baby Charity - and the children raised a total of £255.

While funds were raised for all six causes, one of the organisations was chosen as St Catherine’s Lenten charity for the year.

Groups of four Year 6 pupils gave presentations on each charity, before a whole-school vote elected Young Minds as winner. Children dressed in yellow, black or white for £1 for the charity day when activities ranged from sponsored Mario Kart to ‘sponging the teacher.’

Year 6 teacher, Nathan Seville, explained: “This is something St Catherine’s has been doing every year, and it’s been taking place for 10-plus years.

“Every child at St Catherine’s has a vote for the Lenten charity that will represent St Catherine’s for this year. The winning charity had a themed day where the children come in themed dress and have activities throughout the day organised by the Year 6 children of the winning charity.”

The week of fundraising for the other causes was also the responsibility of Year 6, with their creative money-making ideas including a chocolate tombola, bracelet selling, cake sales, a sponsored dance, and a candy-floss stall.

“Last year’s charity winner was Tiny Lives, which raised around £210,” said Mr Seville.

He added: “This fundraising project allows the Year 6 students to develop a sense of empathy and maturity as they are consumed with passion for this project of helping and aiding causes that they truly believe in – it is, in a saying, putting their faith into action.
​
“As the Year 6 teacher, my role is just to facilitate the children’s passion for this project – I take no credit in this, as the children put their heart and soul into it.”