A Half Term of Giving, Our Community in Action

This half term has been one of the busiest and most inspiring yet, with pupils across the school involved in a wide range of charity and community projects. It began with 500 pupils learning and voting for which charities Mill Hill should support over the next 18 months. The top choices were children’s charities: Young Lives vs Cancer, Save the Children and The Childhood Trust, followed by Rethink Mental Illness, building on work in PSHE. These sit alongside long standing partnerships we continue to value.

The programme was launched in Chapel with an important message about using our power for good. Since then, something meaningful has happened every week. We kick started the term with a highly successful coat drive for London Calling, run with Belmont; hundreds of coats have already reached new owners across London, keeping them warm this winter. Pupils from Remove to Upper Sixth have visited residents at the Retail Trust, joined a gardening project, and spent time with Noah’s Ark Hospice and Arynton House, offering support and companionship. We also hosted our annual festive party for over 50 elderly visitors, complete with afternoon tea, singing and games.

This week, our Charity Christmas Markets saw the Houses raise over £2,000 in just one lunchtime. A popular non-uniform day and a well-supported silent auction, featuring prizes from a signed Saracens shirt to restaurant vouchers, added to the total. The Sixth Form Charity Tuck Shop involved more than 20 students showing real entrepreneurial spirit, with all profits also donated to our charities.

As we look to the Spring Term, we’re excited to continue finding creative ways to mobilise our community for these worthwhile causes, now with the support of an ever growing team of pupils, which includes reps from the Lower School. Thank you to everyone for your support- and a special thank you to Mrs Patel, our Charities Coordinator.