Box Hill School pupils 'Make a Difference'

The school's annual charity day raised money for a variety of charities 

Posted by Hannah Vickers | April 18, 2017 | Events

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• #charity
• #the-surrey-care-trust
• #momentum
• #meeting-room

Box Hill School recently celebrated its annual Make a Difference Day, when pupils from across the whole school participate in a variety of fun and challenging activities as part of the school's commitment to help good causes and the community. 

This year’s charities were chosen because Box Hill School has a personal link with them and because they are local. Thousands of pounds were raised and will be split equally between Surrey Care Trust, Momentum and The Meeting Room, as well as continuing the school’s ongoing work in the South African village of Philippolis.

Throughout the morning, the students organised and took part in various activities around school. This year there was wet sponge throwing, a coconut shy, an Easter egg hunt around school, face painting and pancake making. 

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights was the ‘Auction of Promises’ where teachers and fellow students bid for a list of promises. This year’s list included a BBQ for 10 people, a hair and make-up party and the most popular by far was the chance to shave off a teachers’ beard into any style… with the promise that he would keep it like that for two days. This year’s auction alone managed to raise close to £1,500 so far, and more pledges still to come.

The ever popular ‘Variety Show’ brought the day to a close with performances from students and teachers. The audience was treated to musical and vocal productions, comedy sketches and a mini Fashion Show. Planned and run entirely by the students from the school’s Round Square Committee with help and guidance from the Round Square Representative Miss Florence Wayas and former Round Square Representative Mrs Sandy Watt, the evening was a showcase for some well-known and previously unknown talents.

We are so pleased to have been able to support such amazing causes and have fun as a whole school while doing so. We look forward to inviting in representatives from the charities to receive the money in assembly next term - Sandy Watt, former Round Square Representative

Mrs Watt was delighted with the event. “The money raised will be going to the Good Work Foundation and Future Nature, to support of the people of Philippolis, South Africa. Box Hill School has been visiting and working in Philippolis for 10 years now. So far we have assisted in the refurbishment of the church, built a raised bed garden and provided an underwater irrigation system, built the foundations of a digital learning centre for the local school and villagers, a storeroom and kitchen for the local Omas (or grannies as we know them).We helped to build the first counselling room in the free state and most recently a toilet block. ”

“We are so pleased to have been able to support such amazing causes and have fun as a whole school while doing so. We look forward to inviting in representatives from the charities to receive the money in assembly next term,” she said.