Partnership Day 2012
Each year we have a special day for Year 7 where we focus on our partnership with Ikoba School, Uganda and on partnerships more generally.
We started the day with a Eucharist on the theme of 'journeying'. We would have loved for this to be a joint service with Ikoba but technology does not yet permit this. We had the next best thing though. Our recent visitors to Uganda brought back video of Ikoba students singing 'I have a reason Lord' and we had this as our opening song with the Redcliffe students joining with the chorus. You can be inspired by the song also here.
One of our readings was the famous Footprints poem and Chaplain Wendy preached on our faith journey, ably illustrated by the Road to Emmaus story. Students had produced prayers on card footsteps and these were offered in the service.
A special treat for the school was that Mrs Cunningham and Mr Shaw wore their Ugandan outfits.
People are now wearing the new partnership wristbands.
They are available via visitor reception at school or via Eazypay.
During the rest of the day, Year 7 groups were given first-hand experiences from school staff and students who have visited Ikoba. Students teaching fellow students is particularly powerful.
You may just be able to make out the outline of a plate with '17p' on it. When our visitors were in Uganda, they asked Headteacher Faith about what project would have the most impact at Ikoba. She replied that, as last year, they have problems with students who can't afford to eat at lunchtime and, therefore, don't come to school or go very hungry all day. In our money, a lunch costs just 17p, so we hope that James House will raise enough money for the 30 or so students who would benefit from their funds. If you would like to help, please contact Mr Stevens at school.
PE also got in the act by holding mini-competitions in their lessons with students representing Zebra, Rhino and Simba Houses (Ikoba School Houses). In addition, two tutor groups held an international food fair at lunchtime today. Rebecca made a carrot cake with Ugandan flag icing. Unfortunately the photo hasn't come out but here's a reminder of the flag anyway!
Miriam made some matching cupcakes and there were many tasty goodies for all to enjoy in the sunshine. Mr Barker's tutor-group did a Olympic relay up and down one of the new staircases as a fundraiser. Each of the 5 groups did 2012 steps and were rather tired at the end!
We also benefited from guest presenters from Bristol University who have volunteered abroad
... and from the Kenya Association of Bristol who gave us a flavour of what is like to live in a different culture.
Bristol is, of course, hosting Kenyan athletes before the Olympic Games this summer.
Thank you to all who contributed to this great day.
