Portsmouth High School’s Head Girl team were delighted to officially announce that they are supporting Simon Says as their Sixth Form charity for the next academic year.
The Head Girl team led a whole school assembly about Simon Says and how it was founded by Sally Stanley after the death of her husband. Simon Stanley was a 37 year old teacher from Southampton when he died from cancer 25 years ago. His wife Sally found there was no bereavement support locally for their two small children.
Their experience as a family led to the establishment of the charity, Simon Says which aims to support Hampshire children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have a significant person in their life who has died or is dying.
Amanda, the family support lead for the charity, talked to the whole senior school saying:
‘This is very special that you are championing us in this, our 25th year. We offer support groups where children can feel less alone. These spaces are full of joy and fun and give a sense of hope. We also run lots of events through the year including a Christmas party and a summer fun day. These groups and events are a place where young people can manage their feelings.’
Deputy Head Girl, Libby said: ‘We start our fundraising this Saturday 16 May at our May Fayre, at the Prep School, 36 Kent Road, Southsea. Everyone is most welcome to come along from 12 – 2.00pm. We then have a series of events over the next half of the summer term including selling icecreams at Sports Day and a walk along the seafront. Of course our Charity Week in November is a week that everyone looks forward to.’
The Head Girl team will spearhead fundraising activities throughout the year to generate money and raise awareness of the charity. Charity Week has been running for over 30 years and is always organised entirely by the Sixth Form. The week is made up of talent shows, live music events, an annual netball match versus boys from Portsmouth Grammar School and other events. It culminates in a two night Fashion Show where the Sixth Form use business acumen and entrepreneurial skills to negotiate with local shops and liaise with local businesses to put on a spectacular show.
Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Katie Wood, said:
‘We are delighted that the Head Girl team has chosen to support Simon Says as their charity for the year ahead. This decision reflects their empathy, maturity and strong sense of social responsibility. As a team, they have already shown enthusiasm and creativity, and I am confident they will work collaboratively to raise awareness, engage the whole school community and make a meaningful impact through their support of this important cause. I look forward to seeing all they will achieve together over the coming year.’