STUDENTS from St Aldhelm’s Academy joined forces with the charity Faithworks Wessex to spread Christmas cheer across their community.
Around 30 vulnerable elderly “guests” were invited into the academy on Friday, December 9 for a couple of hours of festive fun.
Year 10 pupil Paulo Abreu dressed as Father Christmas to welcome them and the academy’s newly-formed choir performed a selection of Christmas carols and songs.
There were also a number of instrument solos, a Christmas quiz and a raffle where everyone took home a prize.
One of the older guests recalled that his own children had attended the school many years before, so he was delighted to be back: “It was a fantastic morning… the children were so polite, kind and helpful, they are a credit to the school.”
Alistair Doxat-Purser, chief executive of Faithworks Wessex, said: “Faithworks is so pleased to work with St. Aldhelm’s on events like these – they truly are “red letter days” that rekindle hope and joy in the sometimes very difficult lives of our older clients.”
Sian Thomas, executive principal at St Aldhelm’s Academy said: “As an academy, we are at the heart of our local community and so we were delighted to host this Christmas get-together.
“It was lovely to see people from different generations mixing together and our students were wonderful hosts. Many of our guests complimented them on their manners and behaviour.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and they went home feeling very festive!”
