Before we begin we need to share with you some rather sad news. We are currently having to rearrange a number of meetings, training sessions etc because I am taking some time out to support my father.
Not long ago he was diagnosed with non Hodgkins lymphoma and we also heard that his Chronic kidney disease has reached a stage where we now need to be seen by the dialysis unit.
Having lost Mum only 2 years ago, Dads news has really taken a toll on my mental health and I have recognised that I need to slow down, not only for Dad’s sake, but for mine too.
So please know, if I am unusually late with an email response or have to re-organise events with you, this has not been done lightly. With Dads permission, we will keep you informed with his cancer journey in the hope that it helps someone else in the same position.
Right , onto GOOD NEWS!!!
Awesome Archie supports the Salvation Armys’ Toy appeal 2024
This week has been jam packed FULL of CHRISTMAS. From making a magical fireplace that elves pop down into, to building an entire Santa’s grotto for children of the community, it’s been brilliant!
On Friday we spent the day creating a Grotto for the Christmas fair at Boscombe Salvation Army. The fair itself is organised by a lovely lady called Claire and all the money raised goes to supporting Boscombe’s youth program.
When Claire asked if we would create a grotto, we of course jumped at the chance. Check it out by clicking on the link below.
www.facebook.com/reel/2283667515330421
The Boscombe Salvation Army are contacted by local schools and asked for some support for the Children that they know will not receive a present without their help. With enormous thanks to our generous fundraisers, gifter’s and supporters, Archie and I were able to donate a dolls cot, some aeroplane making kits and two google fire tablets.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/567435832669720
I don’t mind admitting that I had a wobble the moment that we were privileged enough to give the gifts to “Santa” ready for the kids in our community.
Please know that everything you give us, every time you interact with our socials and every word of mouth you share is genuinely changing the lives of so many.
THANKYOU!
Epiphany schools EPIC reasonable adjustments!
One of the highlights of Christmas for me is attending the annual carol concert that is organised by the Rotary club. The Ephiphany C of E school choir were there to perform and it was AWESOME!!!!
Although I was not there in a work capacity, I couldn’t help but get my note pad out and jot down some of the amazing reasonable adjustments that I saw the school staff implementing to support ALL of their pupils.
A reasonable adjustment is a change made to remove or reduce a disadvantage that a person with a disability, neurological difference or sensory sensitivity might face.
The concert was incredible but at times, loud for little ears. Yet, the school had ensured that the children they knew would need ear defenders , had them! These lovely kids were also placed the furthest away from the band to reduce the noise impact on them 🙂
Not only that, but when a couple of the kids became overwhelmed ( the concert was FULL with hundreds of people ) the teaching and support staff treated the kids with respect and real empathy. They even allowed them to sit in the audience with their own families and jump onto stage for each number.
To you, these things may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at the number of school events where pupils are STILL made to all wear the same or hear the words “sit still, don’t fidget, parents are watching”.
Thanks to their wonderful music teacher Simon Woodley, the kids were smiling, singing dancing and looking as if they loved every moment. IT WAS INFECTIOUS !
WELL DONE EPIPHANY SCHOOL! Archie and I would love to come and visit you in the new year to say thanks in person 🙂
