Students spread festive cheer

RIPON Grammar School students are putting the finishing touches to colourful messages of festive cheer which they have created for elderly residents in the city’s care homes.

Years 8 and 9 pupils are hoping to spread a little joy and laughter by creating hand-made cards and sharing poems, drawings, jokes and stories about their own festive celebrations.

Helen Mars, head of PSHE (personal, social health and economic) at RGS said: “We are giving our youngsters an opportunity to give something back to the wider community in Ripon by sending their lovely letters to those in our local area.

“It's also important pupils understand that altruism and giving does not have to carry a financial cost: it's about spending your time doing something for others. That's what charity really is.”

Adrian Florescu, 13, said: “These days, not many people send cards, with everything done over the internet. I think it’s an important thing to do to help cheer people up.”

Adith Baskaran, also 13, added that he was creating a funny card: “I want to help make them happy, and Christmas is mostly about giving people happiness.”

Ms Mars led a school assembly about how loneliness can have a physical impact as well as a mental one.

“One way to counteract that loneliness is by forming meaningful human connections- whether smiling at strangers on your walk to school, popping in to check on an elderly neighbour, and sending a letter to an elderly relative - and it can be beneficial to yourself as well as to them,” she said.

All the students said they were enjoying getting involved in the project, with Ben Keohane stressing it was important to ensure everyone feels valued at Christmas.

Riya Nair agreed: “And it makes you feel like part of the community when you give to people who are less fortunate.”

Alfie Millar feels it is an important thing to do: “It helps elderly people not feel lonely and connect with others at Christmas.”

Florence Anderson added that she hoped the home-made cards and letters will help recipients get into the festive spirit.

Ms Mrs added: "It has been lovely to hear how enthusiastic pupils have been about writing their letters, and to see the care they have taken over their drawings and designs.”

*The Classrooms to Care Homes campaign was first initiated by the Times Educational Supplement, urging schools throughout the country to send messages to their local care homes. It is hoped this will forge connections not just for Christmas but beyond.