St Frideswide pupils in Cowley give out stars to community

Students at St Frideswide Primary School have dished out eight handmade stars to local residents.

The stars, nominated by children and families from the Cowley school, act as a thank you to those who have gone the extra mile this year.

Among those given a star included volunteers, a charity that supports young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), and a food waste charity.

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Keen, a charity that supports young people with SEND, was given a star.

Victoria Nelson, assistant headteacher at St Frideswide, said: “Keen is a totally amazing charity that organises fun activities, sports, creative and drama sessions for children and young adults with SEND.

“All families are welcome, siblings are encouraged to join in too.

“They are so caring and supportive, they bring joy and comfort to many people.

“Not one week has gone by since the beginning of the first lockdown in March where Keen has not been in touch with us.”

Pupils at St Frideswide Primary School in Cowley have been giving out stars to their community. Picture provided by the school

Volunteers Sue Holden, Jason Carbon and Poppy Brown were also recipients of stars.

Ms Nelson said: “Sue works within the community to help those who are in need of help and throughout lockdown organised for all families who needed help to receive free food parcels.

“Sue also set up daily videos to share the help available so that no family would be left out from support that was needed.

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“Throughout the lockdown she was a great support but is also well known within the community for her consistent charitable work.

“Jason and Poppy are two volunteers who worked throughout lockdown to ensure that every family which asked for help received what they needed.

“From offering food parcels to picking up prescriptions and talking to those who needed to hear a voice, all whilst continuing to work from home for their own jobs.”

Waste2Taste, an Oxford catering service which uses food that would otherwise go to waste, was also singled out for praise from Ms Nelson.

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The assistant headteacher said: “They are a pillar of our local community, their hard work, kindness and dedication just seems never-ending.

“They offer free healthy meals for anyone that needs them in our area – children’s meals or adults, anyone at all with no judgement or questions, just a smile.

“They train people that would probably find it impossible to get work or an opportunity cooking and baking, and give them new-found confidence and independence.”