A HOST of special activities kept Haslingden High School students very busy on the run up to Christmas.
The Sixth Form welcomed 83 residents from care homes, sheltered housing and senior citizens living independently to enjoy a Christmas Party.
A buffet was served by students and the school’s Big Band provided entertainment.
Sixth Form Teacher Mr Heaton said: “One guest commented that the party was the highlight of her Christmas.”
A spectacular ‘Dance Show 2019’ was held over two nights in the Sixth Form Theatre and included GCSE and A level students, who got the chance to show their exam pieces ahead of the official invigilator visit.
Head of Dance Miss Barrett said: “We had just over 80 students taking part from Year 7 to 13. A lot of the dancing was contemporary but we did also have some street dance and some students performed The Charleston.
“We even had 22 GCSE and A level student come in on a Sunday to learn a new dance that they then performed to students in assemblies to promote the show.”
Donations for programmes raised £115 for mental health charity Young Minds, in memory of A level student Rachel Collins.
Generous students, and their parents and carers contributed items to create more than 30 hampers.
These were distributed far and wide including to the Raft Foundation and M3 Project, in Rawtenstall, Maundy Relief in Accrington, Community Spirit in Blackburn, Salford RSPCA Hospital, Rossendale Responsible Rescue, the Women’s Refuge and Emmeline’s Pantry.
Assistant Headteacher Ms Edyvean said: “We received more donations than ever before and more luxury items and treats that make Christmas special as well as items for families.”
The students personally delivered the hampers, including ones to Abbeycroft and Haslingden Hall care homes. It is hoped to set up a befriending service in the future.
The school also held a Christmas dinner day, and all the left over turkey went to the RSPCA.
Students got to show off their talents in the Xmas Factor competition and the audience paid £1 to watch. A non-uniform day was held and the money raised from these events benefited the school’s Rossendale Hospice Youth Enterprise Challenge and Young Minds.
