Pupils show their heroic side as they help the homeless
A CLASS of primary school pupils have proved they are the “superheroes” of their community – by choosing to spend their end-of-year treat helping the homeless.
Members of Tredegarville Primary School in Cardiff have blown teachers away after deciding to swap a superhero-themed party for making dozens of sandwiches for a Cardiff charity.
For the past year, members of the year three class have been choosing their own treats as part of a reward scheme which sees pupils awarded one pompom for every group achievement.
Once they fill a glass jar full of the pompoms, they can then spend the day doing whatever they want – including pyjama parties, picnics, playing football and watching films.
Teacher Anna Rafferty said the class had previously decided on a superhero day with homemade costumes and themed food.
But after learning about how to help the community, the group changed their mind and will make and donate food to the Rainbow of Hope Charity for the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees.
Ms Rafferty said: “The pompoms are just a nice little incentive for the children to work as a class for something because it’s such an important skill.
“They will get one if they are behaving really well – for example, we went to the museum the other day and they represented the school really well.
“It’s also for if they have a really good discussion and everyone is listening carefully or on events like sports day when they showed really good sportsmanship.”
On Monday, the 28 class members visited the centre wearing their own homemade superhero capes.
Ms Rafferty, 30, said: “The superhero day was decided in September or October time. I had completely forgotten about it.
“We were having a class worship session and discussing our value for the term which was ‘serve’ and talking about ways we can serve the community – like helping wash the dishes for your mum or making your bed.
“Out of nowhere one boy just said we should serve the community by helping the homeless. Everyone agreed it would be an amazing thing to do and they decided on a way that they could do it. I was in tears at this point.”
According to their teacher, the seven and eight-year-olds have become known in the school for their kindness.
She said: “The school area amazed but in some ways they are not surprised because they are such a lovely class, they are all so kind.
“At foundation level they were a little bit difficult but they have just blossomed to become really caring.
“Some children come from quite difficult backgrounds so it’s lovely to see they have this sense of equality and helping people.
“Since it’s on the last day of term it’s just a really nice way to end it.”