Halfway Houses Primary School embarked on a pupil led Community Spirit Week

Held from 9th to 13th February, our children celebrated kindness, citizenship and the school’s ROAR values - Responsibility, Optimism, Ambition and Resilience.

 

Throughout the week, pupils participated in a wide range of meaningful community focused activities designed to help them “be the best they can be” while making a positive impact on the local area.

 

The initiative brought together pupils, staff, local organisations and residential homes across Sheppey, giving children the opportunity to learn about social responsibility and to experience first-hand the difference their actions can make.

 

Giving Back to the Community Choir Performances at Residential Home

Led by choir leader Mrs Cockett, the school choir visited Oakdene, Barton Court and The Island Residential Homes, performing a selection of uplifting songs for residents. The children were warmly welcomed and staff and residents shared heartfelt appreciation for the visit, with the staff at the care home reporting "the children were very gracious.” A Year 5 choir member said: ”We were really proud to sing in front of the residents. It was really good because singing unlocks their memories."

 

Easter Card Project for Care Homes and Local Charity Shops

Under the coordination of Mrs French, pupils created thoughtfully designed Easter cards. These were shared with local residential homes and donated to island charity shops to sell, supporting community fundraising and spreading positivity across Sheppey.

 

Colouring Competition Supporting ‘More Than Words’ Charity

As part of the school’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive community organisations, pupils took part in a whole school colouring competition. All proceeds were donated to More Than Words, a Kent based children’s charity that supports families of children with communication difficulties. The charity provides free Makaton signing courses and inclusive events for families across the county. Thanks to enthusiastic participation from pupils and families, the school raised £150 for the charity during the week.

 

Island Litter Picks and Environmental Action

Every class took part in a large scale litter pick across the school grounds and surrounding areas, improving our local communities. In addition, Year 5 worked with a local community project led by Cllr Mike Whiting (Independent Member serving Queenborough, Halfway and Rushenden).

 

The project focused on improving the grounds around the Sheppey Light Railway Greenway Track. Their efforts culminated in a final ambassador led litter pick at The Leas.

 

Jacob, Year 5 said, “I really liked learning about the old Sheppey Light Railway and seeing where it used to run. Doing the litter pick there made me feel like we were looking after an important part of our island’s history and giving something back to our community.”

 

Grace, Year 5 said, “I liked helping with the litter pick because it felt good to give back to our community. Using our ROAR values — Responsibility, Optimism, Ambition and Resilience — made me feel proud and positive.”

 

Of the ambassadors that went to the Leas beach litter pick, Milah, Year 4 said, “It was the best day ever,” and “I liked helping the community… we cleaned up so much plastic.”

 

Ethen, Year 5. Henry, Year 3 said “I liked clearing the beach because it helps animals.”

 

Cllr Mike Whiting, who led the Greenway part of the week said “It was great to be involved in the school’s Community Spirit Week, and to speak to Year 5 about the Sheppey Light Railway, which ran near to the school along Power Station Road until its closure in 1950. The children then enjoyed a litter pick along the old route, which has been opened up and resurfaced by a group of volunteers, clearing many bags of litter for the benefit of the local community."

 

Why Community Spirit Matters

Head of School Jack Allen, who has served in post since January 2025, emphasised the importance of instilling strong values and community pride in children from an early age. “Community Spirit Week is about far more than the activities themselves—it is about helping our children develop a deep understanding of responsibility, pride and compassion. Our ROAR values guide everything we do, and this week showcased our pupils at their very best. When children learn that they can make a positive difference, they carry that lesson with them for life.” 

 

Community Spirit Week has become a flagship example of Halfway Houses Primary School’s commitment to nurturing responsible, caring and ambitious young people.

 

The school remains dedicated to ensuring that children are equipped not only with academic skills but with the character and values needed for life beyond the classroom.

 

The School leadership team have also been impacting positively on the local community supporting Cllr Mike Whitting with his campaign against new parking charges at Halfway car park. Lobbying from the school has helped in securing a concession for parents dropping their children off for school.

 

In a communication to the Head of school Mike wrote that “The car park will be free each weekday from 7am until 9.30am and again between 2.30pm and 4pm. The response you sent in to the ‘consultation’ on behalf of the school was integral to that concession.”