St Paul's Day 2008

On Friday the 27th of June, the students of St Paul’s celebrated St Paul’s day, an annual event, which we celebrate the life and message of our Patron Saint, and our call as a Christian Community to show compassion and concern to the world around us, (while enjoying quite a bit of fun!). The day began prayerfully with a whole college liturgy in the Bailey Hall. In the morning that followed, every form group ran a stall or activity, to raise money for this year’s charities. These were Chestnut Tree House, a Children’s Hospice in Arundel, and Toybox charity which works with street children in Guatemala. Both charities were chosen by consultation with the students Council, who were keen that our efforts should benefit young people who face difficulties at home and abroad.

One of the most memorable activities involved the brave members of staff, Miss McNabb, Mr Whitehead, Jim and Mr Gayney, getting covered in a wide variety of unpleasant smelling and looking bucketfuls of gunge. Some of the other stalls included, how fast you could eat a doughnut hanging from a string, inflatable bungee run and gladiators, and a sweet tooth stall selling candyfloss, popcorn and chocolate fountain drenched kebabs.

There was also a raffle, where students and teachers won a variety of prizes, such as Fatboy Slim tickets, a Limo run to school and a giant teddy bear. At 12.30 we packed up our stalls, and headed either for rounders and football tournaments or to the hall for the afternoon talent show, ‘St Paul’s has got talent.’ This was a great chance for us to see the wide range of talent that our school holds, from hilarious comedians to west-end style performances. Everyone did a great job, and the results were close. The winners in the senior category were Tom and Rob Baldock, Oscar Behrens, Chris Smyth and Gem Rupniak, collectively known as the band ‘Unknown Element’ and in the junior group, performers, Georgi Hennessey and Olivia Ross who sang ‘Popular’ from the West End.

The day ended with the awarding of prizes, and the revealing of how much money we raised in total for the charity. This year we raised almost £3500 - a fantastic sum, which will be divided between our two chosen causes. So all in all a very successful and enjoyable day for all!

Many thanks are due to all the parents who supported in the background by providing prizes and spending money, and to sponsors of raffle prizes.

Thank you also to the two charities that supported us in this event: www.toyboxcharity.org.uk and www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk.

By Thea Humphries and Roberta Doggett (Sixth Form)