St Anselm’s Edmund Rice Group have started the year by trying to build up the school’s broad understanding of Human Rights through education initiatives. One of the things that the group observed was that many of our students were supporting the schools’ charities, but only a few of them had any idea why they were doing so, and what their support was ultimately helping to accomplish. Through assemblies and form time reflections, the group has sought to explain the deeper problems that lie behind poverty and homelessness in the local area. This focused on the growing use of foodbanks on the Wirral and in Liverpool and gave impetus to students who were donating food.
The group repeated this effort with the Samaritan’s Purse November shoe-box appeal: seeking to explain the causes of poverty in the countries that our students were packing shoeboxes for. Heading into Advent, we are planning a programme that will build on the November work: taking a deep dive to examine the conditions in Sierra Leone, where we have our sister school St Joseph’s. This project will walk students through a ‘Human Right a Day’ – explaining them from a Sierra Leone perspective.
Wear it loud, wear it proud!
World Mental Health Day 2024 was marked at the College with a range of fetching yellow clothing! The students and staff came together to mark our solidarity with those suffering with poor mental health.
Our Sixth Form trained Peer Mentors once again provided support and a friendly face to the newest members of the Anselmian community. Over biscuits and board games they provided the younger boys with reassurance and advice as they begin their Anselmian journey. We know this next generation of Anselmian young men will go on to make their mark!
The St Anselm’s Senior and Junior SVP came together in impressive fashion earlier this term collecting a third of a tonne of food to distribute to families in need across Wirral. This has become an annual effort, with our community recognising the need we all have to come together and support those families in need in our own community.
As always, St Anselm’s staff and students paused to reflect on the Anselmians who went before us and sacrificed their lives to ensure we can enjoy ours. Our particular focus was the 12 Anselmians who died in World War II and the Korean War.
We will remember them.
St Anselm’s Key Stage 3 students have been focusing on the theme of ‘Respect’ as part of the anti-bullying work we engaged in for anti-bullying week. We also marked the day by wearing odd socks, to celebrate the diversity of everybody in our community. A particular highlight was the involvement of some of our pets, who also wore odd socks to mark their commitment! Budi was a standout!
Samaritan’s Purse
Our fabulous Junior SVP supported by Mrs Ebbrell and Mrs Reeves collected almost 200 shoeboxes (and the money to send them) to some of the poorest children around the world. Wrapped carefully and thoughtfully filled, we hope to share the spirit of Christmas with children we may never meet!
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.