Families whose children attend St Swithun’s prep school in Winchester have been spreading Christmas cheer by sending cards with chocolate coins to those who may be lonely at Christmas.
Children aged 5 and 6 thought it would be a good idea to send cards of kindness whilst rehearsing for their Christmas play, The Jolly Christmas Postman. Written by much loved children’s author Allan Ahlberg, the story sees the postman delivering letters and gifts to fairy-tale characters. At each stop he takes some time out of his day to talk with the characters and the children felt inspired to ask their parents to do something similar. So at the end of their performance, blank cards designed by children were distributed for the audience to write a message of support before using the school postbox to send the festive greetings on their way.
The cards were sent to residents at the Winchester Beacon Centre, a shelter which provides accommodation, food and support services for the homeless. Having learnt about the work of the centre from the School’s chaplain, Reverend Wallington, the children decided that they wanted to make Christmas special for the residents there. On receipt of the cards the staff at the centre were delighted with the kind gesture and thoughtfulness of the children and wrote to them to express their thanks.
Headmaster Mr Jonathan Brough said:
‘Being kind, caring and thoughtful of others is something which we are passionate about at St Swithun’s, so I am really pleased that the children are taking these values on board and embracing the true meaning of Christmas. It is lovely to know that we may have put a smile on someone’s face who may be feeling lonely at this time of year.’
