Last week Christmas got well and truly under way with this year’s Kids Only Christmas Shop. The excitement was palpable as the doors opened to our youngest children at 2pm. They flew around the room pondering the gifts on offer, sometimes overwhelmed by the generous selection, thanks to the donations we are so grateful to have received. But help was always on hand as the team of volunteer elves and wrappers guided the little ones around their shopping experience, helping them to choose and wrapping up their gifts beautifully to take home to their loved ones. As the older children came through the door, the noise and merriment grew and the stocks were replenished. When darkness fell and fairy lights twinkled on the Pre-Prep buildings, the last of the happy shoppers went home and the remaining gifts were boxed up to give to The Salvation Army.
It was a joy and privilege to be a part of this lovely little school event. To see the children in their own environment, chattering with their friends and hearing about their exciting plans for the Christmas holidays was pure magic. Their kindness and generosity shone through as they thoughtfully and oh so carefully picked gifts for their parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins and even their teachers. As a parent just starting out on my St. Andrew’s journey, I couldn’t help but feel so excited to see what wonderful young people they will turn out to be, especially as the senior school pupils set such a glowing example. They are a credit to their parents and to the school, and I will admit that I left that afternoon feeling warm and fuzzy and overwhelmingly content. And well and truly in the Christmas spirit.
Thank you to the whole team of FoSA, the volunteers, and of course to the families of St. Andrew’s for their plentiful donations. Without your generosity, this event and others like it could not be as successful as they are.
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