Broomfield has a history of being philanthropic, with charitable fundraising and the collective desire to support worthy causes, built into the very fabric of school life. We do not shy away from what I believe to be our moral responsibility, to dedicate both time and resource to fundraising. I am often filled with an immense sense of pride as I listen to the imaginative and kind initiatives that both the children, my colleagues and parents, commit their energy to.
In assembly this morning, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jo Challis and Kate Bourne from Dandelion Time to speak to the children about the purposeful work
they do with children who have been deeply affected by trauma. The charity allows children to spend time on their farm within nature, working with animals and taking part in outdoor crafts, enabling them to overcome emotional difficulties and grow in confidence. After delivering an engaging assembly, I walked our guests to our own outdoor reflection space, the pond, which was designed in partnership with our Pupil Council, to give our children space to connect with nature and find calm amidst, what is for all, a positively jam-packed prep school day. As we exchanged our own stories, highlighting the healing power of nature, it became more apparent that the funds raised from our Christmas Fair for Dandelion Time are going to a highly worthy cause. The funds will ultimately empower prep school aged children, giving them a platform and positive forward momentum, inspiring them to see the beauty in life once again.
It is through our continued philanthropy and charitable fundraising that we endeavour to establish a strong sense of shared purpose. I have spoken with numerous parents recently, who are training for sporting challenges, raising funds for causes close to their hearts. It is no secret that at times, after listening to some of the children explain what they have done to support a charity, that I have needed to make a run for my office to grab a handkerchief, often being so moved by the sheer passion, dedication and effort involved. It is humbling to note that, if I were to list all the current ongoing fundraising campaigns happening in the school community, that it would take up numerous thoughts from the study.
The Dukes Foundation has also been set up for this very reason. The foundation has already given generously to a plethora of causes, and has at times, matched our own fundraising efforts while actively working to establish a groundbreaking fundraising programme. We are indeed greater than the sum of our parts, and I am reassured and proud to be part of an education family who has a dedicated philanthropic arm.
Each of the school houses, Rose, Palmer and Mead, have a charity which they actively support. I excitedly indulge in our termly cake sales, where often I eat far too much, before leaving the school with a huge smile on my face. Like cake, being kind to others makes us feel great and so it is not without good reason, that one of our school values, kindness, continuously permeates through all that we do. As I look forward to the Year 4 annual elderflower fundraiser at the Kew Summer Fete and the entirely independent pupil driven, Bubble Tea pop up stall that is coming to Broomfield soon, I would like to thank you all as parents for all that you do and for your unwavering support for our fundraising efforts. As we approach the end of yet another wonderful week at school, if you are training for a fundraising challenge or not, I wish you all the best for the weekend ahead.
