Primary school shows support for people of Ukraine with fundraising day

Shirland Primary Scho o l held a fundraising and awareness day for the people of Ukraine.

Sam Flanagan, a teacher at the Park Lane school, said the idea came about from pupils themselves, who were keen to talk and ask questions about Ukraine.

He said: “We noticed a lot of children were talking about it in class, asking teachers and talking about it at playtime.

“We took the decision as staff to address those concerns and worries they had. The children had seen money was being raised and sent over there and started to ask about that too.

“It was from there that we got our heads together as staff to raise some money, awareness and show we’re doing our little bit to support the Ukrainian people.”

Pupils from all year groups were encouraged to dress in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

They also decorated the school’s fence with blue and yellow ribbons, and wrote down messages of peace on paper doves which were then attached above the entrance.

Mr Flanagan said the subject was approached sensitively by members of staff, who used the activities to help the pupils engage with the topic.

He said: “When we've talked about it, we've tried to stay away from phrases like war, and we've handled it really appropriately.

“We did send letters out to parents to let them know.

“It’s about teaching the children about the world around them and that conflict happens, just as it does in school, so we drew on those teaching points.

“It was a day of two halves – there was a serious message behind, but with the activities we’ve tried to make it positive.”

Parents and carers were asked to make a donation of at least £1, or whatever they could afford, towards the Disasters Emergency Committee, which has organised a humanitarian appeal for Ukraine.

Money is still coming in at the moment, and the final amount will be sent off at Easter, but the school has currently raised about £225.

A message from Jon Ball, your Chad Editor: Since 1952, your Mansfield and Ashfield Chad has helped the voices of our community be heard - and with your support, we'll continue for generations to come. Subscribe to our print edition via chad.co.uk/subscriptions #buyapaper