2010 -2011

In June of 2010 we requested submissions for the schools global charity for academic year 2010-2011. After a great deal of reflection and discussion through the summer, with various stakeholders in our Somersfield community, the Charitable Committee decided not to continue with our pilot program of one global charity for academic year 2010-11. The main reason for this change was the students. Last year, we did encourage our students to be compassionate and respectful citizens through their charitable acts. However, it became evident that we also restricted our students (and families) by only having one global charity. Our intent is to find the right balance. We are working with all the charities that submitted requests in June. We hope to make all fundraising and awareness activities meaningful for the students and families of Somersfield Academy.

Prayer Flags Sale for KatKids

2009-2010

2009-2010 Global Charity - World Vision

Somersfield will be supporting funds for World Vision throughout this academic year. By having activities and events throughout the year the school hopes to bring a greater sense of awareness and appreciation to our students about issues world wide.

Haiti Relief Efforts

he Somersfield Charity Committee (made up of parents, students and staff) has been working to ensure all of our students, staff and parents would have the opportunity to participate in Haiti Relief Efforts in a way that would be meaningful for each individual in our community. With a broad range of opportunities and events we hope we can accommodate the wishes of not only our Somersfield community members but ultimately the needs of those living in Haiti. To this end, Somersfield will take a three-pronged approach in our Haiti Relief Efforts; 

1. The first stage was led by the Student Council at the 9-11 level last month. The classes collected first aid equipment, ropes, water and canned goods for a container of goods sent to Haiti through the Genesis Foundation.  

2. The second stage is a school-wide Red and White grub day (minimum of $2) and bake sale that takes place tomorrow and an MYP barbeque on Wednesday. All funds raised from these events will go to our second global charity; The Red Cross. We are excited to say that we have received a personal challenge pledge from Dr. Christopher, Ms. Stevens and their sons Morgan (P2) and Quinn (PP1). The Christopher/Stevens family will personally match funds raised from this week’s events up to $1,000. If you would like to add an additional challenge pledge please contact the advancement office via reply to this email. More details on the events for Red Cross will follow today! 

3. The third  stage is a a sponsorship fast. All funds raised will go to our global charity; World Vision. This is an optional, at home fundraising effort. The type of fasting we are encouraging is a fast from something like TV, movies, Wii, X-Box, PSP, Nintendo, texting etc. – all those screen activities that our kids love and most probably spend too much time doing.  We’re sure that any parent who attended Dr. Leonard Sax’s talk last Monday will welcome the idea of their child fasting from screen games! This is a great way for the students to do something on a personal level with their families. More details on this fast for World Vision will follow today.  We encourage all of our families to support these remaining two efforts and hope to make a significant impact for those in Haiti.

Haiti Relief Second Stage

RED CROSS FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI

The second stage of our three pronged approach to Haiti Relief was a school- wide Red and White grub day, bake sale and an MYP barbeque. All funds raised from these events will be presented to our second global charity; The Red Cross. We are excited to say that we have received four personal challenge pledges, one year group pledge and one birthday party collection! Three of these families will personally match funds raised from this week’s events up to $1,000 and one is matching it up to $500. The M4 class also decided to match funds raised up to $600. Isabella Pearman also collected $150 at her birthday party instead of receiving presents. A very sincere thank you to all of our families for your support in these efforts!

We collected a grand total of $7,352.65 for our Red Cross Haiti Relief

Haiti Relief Third Stage

WORLD VISION FUNDARISER FOR HAITI

We are excited to tell you about our next fundraising initiative in support of our chosen global charity World Vision – a “Fast for Haiti”.We think this is a great way for the students to do something on a personal level to help children in Haiti. 

The type of fasting we are encouraging is a fast from something like TV, movies, Wii, X-Box, PSP, Nintendo, texting etc. – all those screen activities that our kids love and most probably spend too much time doing.  We’re sure that any parent who attended Dr. Leonard Sax’s talk last Monday will welcome the idea of their child fasting from screen games! We realize that the idea of a food fast might appeal to older students but please note that whilst we have been advised that the average, healthy person is able to go without food for 30 hours without any ill effects, exceptions include children under the age of 12, people with specific medical conditions (past or present) including diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia, and other medical conditions that are associated with or could precipitate hypoglycemia and eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia).  Any student wishing to engage in a food fast should do so over the weekend when the student is able to receive parental guidance at home. 

The idea behind this fast is that the students will choose to deprive themselves of something they enjoy (something that is a “want” as opposed to a “need” in their lives) in order to raise money to help children in Haiti who are living that life of deprivation every day – all the more so at the moment after the earthquake! 

This is an optional fundraiser but we really encourage all of our students to get involved.  Please spend time discussing with your children what they might choose to fast from as this is supposed to present a challenge for them and not be an easy task!   The students can fast for as many days as they wish between Monday, 22nd Feb to Sunday, 28th Feb.  Obviously the longer they choose to fast and the greater the deprivation, the more money they are likely to raise! For a Sponsor Form for the students to use, as well as the current Ad that World Vision has running so that you can learn more about the work that World Vision is doing in Haiti please contact Megan Troake development@somersfield.bm. 

Signed Sponsor Forms and donations should be handed in to Angela Caldwell by Friday, 5th March. Thank you for your support in encouraging your children to participate in this fundraiser!