Thornton College pupils celebrate St Claudine’s Day with acts of kindness around Milton Keynes
embraced the values of their foundress as they celebrated St Claudine’s Day by raising money for local organisations and serving their community of Milton Keynes.
The entire school got involved with a variety of acts, starting out with Years 1 and 2 who crafted some thumb art pieces for use in wall displays, encapsulating the theme of peace.
Years 3 and 4 created some beautiful tray mats and light catchers for the residents at Willen Hospice, Thornton College’s partner charity for this year.
Children in Years 5 and 6 spent the day on several projects to benefit the school’s environment like hedgehog tunnels, recycled fashion drives and designing posters to encourage less food waste.
Over at the senior school the efforts were just as inspiring.
Crisp packets were recycled by Year 7 to make blankets that were donated to the local homeless shelter.
Year 8 and 9 used their crafting and enterprise skills for a great cause as 100 felt donkeys were made and sent to The Donkey Sanctuary, which will now be sold in their shop to raise money.
Year 9 left no stone unturned on St Claudine’s Day as they also took part in some litter picking and cleaning duties around the school and local area. They also wrote some lovely letters to elderly members of the community, designed and made service windows and even washed the cars of staff to raise donations!
Over £1,000 was raised from the 10-mile sponsored walk that Years 10 and 11 took part in, with the funds being donated to the Milton Keynes Night Shelter, who support the homeless and anyone who is at risk of being left out on the streets.
Year 13 pupils collected toiletries from the entire school community, with a heart-warming show of generosity meaning that 42 hampers could be made to deliver to MK Act, a local charity who help those affected by domestic abuse.
Thornton College’s Head of RE and Chaplaincy, Shauna Murphy, was left inspired by the kindness of the children:
“Seeing the students fully embrace the ethos of the school, while serving others was an inspiration.
“It was a unique day to be able to see both students and staff working alongside one another with a common goal in mind, one which embodies the ethos of Thornton College.
“It is a way in which our young people can fully embrace the relevance that St Claudine still has for our community today, and a reminder of how her story and actions continue to influence us.”
Thornton College was formed in 1917 after an 11th century manor house was purchased by the Sisters of Jesus and Mary, a Roman Catholic congregation dedicated to the education and service of those who are less fortunate through the mission of St Claudine.
Three Sisters remain in service at Thornton College today. The school provides a complete education to girls, with over 400 pupils aged from 3 to 18.
