During the last few weeks, pupils at Tenby Junior Community School have been busy raising funds for the 'Send a Cow' Christian charity that supports needy communities in Africa. Contrary to a few comments from parents, this does not mean that a cow will be bought in this country and packed off in an aeroplane to Africa!

At the start of October, Mrs. Dowell, Year 3 teacher, shared in assembly about the difference we could make to the lives of children in countries like Africa. The children learned that through providing animals of all sorts to a needy community, a huge difference would be made to their lives. The pupils caught the vision and the seeds of possibly 'building a farm' in Africa took root in the children's hearts and minds.

A good effort has been made by a small handful of children who have been setting-up stalls at schools to raise money for Harvest through selling some of their old toys and having games that children have to pay to have a go. I also know that some children have been carrying out jobs at home to fill their Harvest envelopes with money.

The annual Harvest service was held at Deer Park Baptist Church, who decided to support the same charity for their Harvest service. They agreed to donate whatever they raised towards our school contribution for the charity. This amounted to an additional £400 being added to our wonderful total of over £450. Thank you to the leaders of the church for this gesture which actively helps us to strengthen the community partnerships that the school has within the town.

Thanks to the children and parents for your efforts in raising this money and for also sending in tins and packets of produce that will be used locally by the Salvation Army for their Christmas Hamper project.

At the start of this week, not only were we thinking about Harvest, the children were also told by Miss Peen, one of our governors, about Operation Christmas Child. I know that many families will be packing up shoeboxes over the next few weeks with goodies for children in third world countries that will be opened on Christmas Day. Just a reminder that these will need to be at school by November 9.

Our school motto is: We care, we share, we learn together - I think maybe we should add another line - we show our love to children around the world.

It is humbling to think that children and families around the world will benefit for many years from the seemingly small efforts we make in Tenby. Thank you again.

J.W.