Generous pupils' bid to help others

But for Nethelee Primary School pupils, their thoughts were on helping others less fortunate than themselves this festive period.

As part of the Rights Respecting Schools Group, teachers and pupils put their heads together to find out how they could help out good causes in the run up to Christmas.

Building on the previous success of the nursery school’s foodbank collection, it was decided to help support East Renfrewshire Foodbank.

Teacher Mrs Kelly Linn explained: “We wanted to make the foodbank collection that the nursery started even bigger.

“We had a group that met on a Friday that worked on the campaign.

“They made posters and flyers which were handed out and put up in local shops.

“In fact, we had three shops hand in donations of food which was fantastic.

“We have had such a great response from the children, parents and businesses, and we ended up loading five cars which were piled up high up with donations to take to the foodbank.

“We had eight parents turn up to help deliver the donations.”

The pupils were paid a visit from the foodbank to help put into context the work that they had been doing.

Mrs Linn continued: “Mrs Law from East Renfrewshire Foodbank came to the school told us that around 35 families rely on us and our support.

“It helped make it a bit more real life for the children.

“The children are generous and will donate a pound or bring in a box of tea bags, but now they know why they are doing that – it is more than just a donation of money or food.

“We are in a fortunate position and the children are so generous, but it should be up to the government to provide nutrious food to those that need it.”

Mrs Linn added: “What was also great about the campaign was that pupils from primaries 4-7 were involved and they hadn’t really spoken before, so it was nice to see them working together for such a great cause.”