Spreading Christmas Cheer!

Wednesday the 20^th December 2023 saw the Learning Support Department environment at St. Charles transformed by students (with the support of Sky and Soteria) into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, glittering tinsel and a sparkling Christmas tree all a glitter with shiny decorations! Over 50 students who are regular users of the area gathered to celebrate the end of a very long but enjoyable autumn term for our traditional celebratory lunch. A ticketed only event, Mary (Cotter) with her highly efficient security team, LSAs, Kevin and Aundrieux ensured there were no gatecrashers. Our angels (in disguise) Liz, Chris and Shoaib arrived and the aroma of the Christmas themed pizzas (albeit not gluten free); spread through the corridor! Sadek and Maristella ensured everyone had their fair share only and there was a great atmosphere in the area with students and staff mingling joyfully and jovially which was captured beautifully on camera by our very own LSA, Lynette. New friendships were made and there was an undulating buzz of festive cheer in the air throughout.

There has been a long tradition annually of organising a raffle as part of the event. Everyone loves a raffle and with LS staff, Denice, Anita and Joshua at the helm, with the assistance from Cyprian the students really got stuck into the spirit of it. With each random ticket drawn, they embracing their chances to win the infamous variety of Christmas chocolate selections and the more coveted popular voucher prizes. Students were delighted with their prizes.

Hot on the heels of the raffle, came the awards which were equally well received by the students. LSAs Joe and Jack OS had carefully pondered over the recipients of these fun awards, culminating in the more serious ones such as Student of the Term; (Hamida Bibi, L3 Travel & Tourism – returning student and Mary Campbell – new student) and the Best Overall Returner Student award went to Chona Brown, L3 Art and Best Overall New Student went to Alfie McCarthy, L2 Sport. There was sense of great pride in the room with what had been achieved in Term 1 by all!

Munira was in charge of music and Debbie’s ability to get everyone involved and mingling was noteworthy.   Everyone left at the end feeling happy and upbeat and ready for a relaxing Christmas break. Christmas is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians as well as culturally by many non-Christians, each with their own tradition and beliefs. All of our students left looking forward to a very well deserved rest and rejuvenation.

Here are some of the comments students said that attended:

“It felt really special to win Best Student and get a picture from Soteria. I love it.” ~Chona Brown.
 “They kept the best until last, joking! Thank you. Great to be awarded Best Student of the Term.” ~Alfie McCarthy.

“It was a lovely way to end the term and socialise with my peers.”  ~Sarah Duncan.

“I really enjoyed it, it was lovely to mix and chat, relaxing.” ~Ahmed Galib.                                                                                              

“The pizza was fab!” ~Zaine Richmond.

“Nice event to round off Term 1. So well attended.” ~Jayden.

A massive shout out goes to Ahmed Galib, L3 Travel & Tourism who donated his November 2023 Jack Petchey award winnings to subsidise the event. What a truly community spirited and thoughtful young man; Thank you Ahmed!