Throughout the week, schools organised a range of engaging events, bringing teaching staff and pupils together in meaningful and enjoyable ways. The activities not only created laughter and lasting memories, but also showcased pupils’ initiative, teamwork, and commitment to supporting others.

Funds raised by the Trust’s primary schools will support Mary’s Meals, helping to provide meals for children in some of the world’s poorest countries. While St Mary’s Catholic School raised for CAFOD and Across Paths this time.

At St Joseph’s (Hertford), Year 6 pupils organised a series of “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here” style challenges all in support of Mary’s Meals. Taking full ownership of the event, the pupils designed and delivered a range of entertaining, sometimes challenging trials for their teachers, including creative smoothie challenges made with cleverly disguised ingredients. Teachers also searched for hidden stars and completed a messy final challenge involving a mysterious food mixture, all to great laughter, without anyone saying, “I’m a teacher…get me out of here” The school extends its thanks to the Chaplaincy team and house captains for showing that fundraising can be both fun and impactful.

At St Paul’s in Cheshunt, a range of activities, including a cake sale and a football penalty shoot-out were organised by the school’s Chaplaincy Team.

At St Joseph’s (Bishop’s Stortford), pupils from Nursery to Year 6 ran 11 stalls, selling handmade snacks, crafts and gifts. Older pupils took on greater responsibility, from product design and packaging to promoting their goods, demonstrating strong enterprise skills.

At St Mary’s Catholic School, Charity Week was a joyful occasion rooted in Catholic values of service, compassion and generosity. Led by the Year 12 Mission Team, with support from teachers, pupils organised a variety of activities including St Mary’s Got Talent, Family Fortunes, Through the Keyhole and The Traitors, bringing energy and community spirit to the school.

Highlights at St Mary’s included the Lip Sync Battle, which was won by teachers for the second year running, and the popular “Soak the Teacher” event, both of which saw enthusiastic participation. With the generous support of the whole school community, over £8,000 was raised for CAFOD and Across Paths, reflecting the school’s strong and shared commitment to supporting those in need.

The Trust and its schools extend their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making Charity Week such a meaningful and memorable success.

About St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (https://www.stfrancistrust.net)

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (St Francis Trust) is a multi-academy trust established in 2021. It currently serves nine Catholic schools – eight primary schools and one secondary school and which is growing to welcome two more Secondary schools and four more Primary schools over the next one to two years.

The Trust’s mission is to provide an outstanding Catholic education for all the children in our schools, helping them to grow in faith and reach their full potential. Guided by the values of St Francis, the Trust promotes academic excellence, spiritual development, and service to others.