Woolston Brook School - Christmas Raffle

Main Pages

More Pages...

By Mark Cullen. Photographs by Donna Norman and Claire Challinor. 20/12/24

As the curtain drew to a close on another bustling term, we gathered together for a special event that brought excitement and cheer to our school community. On the morning of Friday, 20th December 2024, our hall was transformed into a hub of festive joy as students and staff came together to partake in a much-anticipated raffle. This event was inspired by our Headteacher, Cath Fowler, who conceived the idea as a way of celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students over the term.

The atmosphere in the hall was electric, with a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Every student, along with the teaching staff, filled the room with bright smiles and eager faces, each one hopeful for a chance to win one of the fabulous prizes on offer. Cath Fowler skilfully hosted the event, making sure every participant felt included and celebrated. The warmth of her encouragement was felt across the hall as she shared the excitement of what was to come.

So how did we determine who would hold the coveted raffle tickets? Well, the tickets were distributed based on how many merits our students had accrued during the term. This fantastic incentive was a reflection of their behaviour, improvements in conduct, attitude towards learning, and sheer effort in class. It created an environment where hard work was rewarded, and those who had achieved greatly were lauded for their accomplishments. The more merits a student received, the more tickets they earned, thus escalating their chances of snagging some brilliant prizes.

With a diverse array of rewards awaiting us, students were thrilled to learn more about what could potentially be theirs for the taking. Our prize table was extravagantly decorated, featuring everything from footballs, sweets, and chocolates to makeup, toiletries, socks, and slippers. The event highlighted not only the generosity of our community but also the thoughtful selections made for our students, ensuring there was something for everyone. We even had a delightful selection of toys, stationery, aftershaves, perfumes, biscuits, cakes, and irresistible baked goods, not to mention soft toys that cuddly friends could take home at the end of the day.

In preparation for this festive event, our Headteacher, Cath Fowler, along with Claire Challinor, our new Pastoral Manager, worked tirelessly in organising the hall and setting up the prize tables. They enlisted the help of a Year 11 student who contributed to the decorations and even assisted with the shopping for prizes throughout the week. It was wonderful to see our older students involved, showcasing their initiative and dedication to making this event a success.

As the raffle drew nearer, the excitement in the hall reached fever pitch. With Cath Fowler as our charismatic host, leading us through the proceedings, calling out the winning ticket numbers, and watching as each lucky student claimed their prize with joyful cheers. The sheer delight on the faces of the winners was a sight to behold, bringing a heartwarming festive spirit to us all.

Among the many prizes, a few stood out as particularly special. The main prize of a delightful hamper had been generously donated by Claire Challinor’s cousin, while an Everton top, previously belonging to footballer Jordan Pickford, had been sourced by our dedicated teaching assistant, Gabi. Such extraordinary gifts only added to the thrill of the occasion. Another top prize was a remote control car, kindly donated by a local Volvo garage and arranged by Jo Flanagan, our Head of Humanities. Each prize told its own story, making the winnings even more meaningful for those fortunate enough to take them home.

As the event came to a close, it was evident that not only did every child leave with a present, but more importantly, they departed with an uplifting sense of belonging and accomplishment. The raffle served as a reminder of our community spirit—the way we celebrate each other and create lasting memories together.

Looking back on the day, we are filled with gratitude for all who contributed to the event's success—our wonderful staff, supportive parents, and, of course, our brilliant students, whose efforts made it all worthwhile. As we venture into the new year, let us hold onto the joy and excitement of the raffle day, remembering that every merit earned is a stepping stone to greater achievements and future celebrations. Here's to another fantastic term ahead, filled with learning, growth, and plenty of fun!