Acle Academy Shows Christmas Spirit

Students at Acle Academy have been spreading the spirit of Christmas this year with Christmas themed donations for the local community foodbank.

Rather than donating money for traditional end of term non-uniform event, students have contributed food and Christmas treats for the Acle Food bank. 

The donations will be distributed to the Acle community and surrounding areas this week ahead of Christmas.

The idea originated from the Student Service Area Charity group who decided to make the Acle Foodbank their chosen charity to support this year in light of the current cost of living crisis. 

Grace Powell, Year 11 student at Acle Academy and Head of the Charity Service said: “I had realised that many families, not only in Acle but all over the country, were suffering due to the cost of living crisis, which is forcing more and more families to use food banks. We thought it would be a good idea that instead of the children bringing in money on non uniform days, that they bring something that would be more beneficial to the community. We have so far collected two mini bus loads of donations to the Acle food bank and raised £196 in support of our community.”

Principal Helen Watts said: "We know that many families will be experiencing a very different Christmas this year. The energy crisis and rising food bills have hit families hard and for some households, Christmas will be difficult. 

"At Acle Academy, we offer free breakfast and a free hot snack at break time in addition to the free school meal for eligible children at lunch time.  We know that some of our families rely on this extra service. With our school kitchens closed for two weeks, we wanted to ensure that families would have the basics and the extra treats they will need this Christmas. 

"We are very proud of the community Christmas spirit and care for others shown by our students and their families today.”

“We have been studying Charles Dickens’, ‘ A Christmas Carol’ this term and it is just as relevant now as during the Victorian era. It’s been good to spread the  true spirit of Christmas and help those who really need it to have a special Christmas.”

Year 10 Student