Students from Queen Elizabeth II High school have been helping with the monthly lunch club meetings held at the Philip Christian Centre. The year 11 students, Lisa Mellor, Anna McKeown, Natasha Birkby and Daniella and Annalise Quirk, decided to raise money through cake and hot chocolate sales and washing staff cars to contribute to a special Christmas lunch. The students helped serve the meal and enjoyed some excellent food.

Lisa Mellor also entertained everybody with her guitar playing and Christmas carols.

Valerie Stratford- Parson, Scheme Manager, said “The girls made the meeting very special. We were all very touched by their initiative to fundraise so that they could buy Christmas presents for everyone. All of us there were thrilled by their thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity.”

Annalise Quirk, year 11 student, said “I enjoyed helping organise the Christmas party. It was a lovely experience and it was so nice to meet, chat and have lunch with everybody. They were very surprised that we bought them presents. We had to work together and I have learnt a lot, especially about planning, and I feel that I am now a lot more confident.  Thank you for making us so welcome.”

Mrs Lesley Sleight, Head of Life Skills, added “The students organised both the fundraising and party themselves. The project is also part of their GCSE course. The unit undertaken is about the individual developing and demonstrating skills in working co-operatively with others. The girls certainly showed good team working skills and planned and managed
their task very well. They are very much looking forward to their next club meeting in the New Year.”

Photo - Year 11 students with members of the Lunch Club