Once again, the 6th form students and staff of St Simon Stock have displayed their amazing dedication to ‘working with love’ by taking part in the annual ‘Big Sleep-out’.

43 year twelve students and 5 members of staff spent the night sleeping in our ‘cardboard city’ outside the 6th form block to raise money for our local homeless charity ‘Porchlight.’

As a school, we have forged a great relationship with this charity, starting with them being the House charity for St Therese and now as the linked charity for the sleep-out event. Porchlight representative Nathan Tough has visited the 6th form twice this year, to speak to the students about the wonderful work they do and the sadly increasing need in our area. One visit also included a talk from one of Porchlight’s ‘service users’, David; a young man whose life had been turned around by the charity’s help. It is heartening to know that the work we do will go towards supporting others like David.

I never fail to be impressed by the compassionate approach of our students and this time was no exception; I don’t think many teachers can say they enjoyed a night spent on the ground, surrounded by students, but the warmth, good humour and camaraderie that they displayed made it a relatively pleasant experience!

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all those parents, governors, staff, students and their friends and families who have supported our efforts with donations. To date, we have raised an amazing £1,225.89, which can now help more vulnerable young people in Kent. If you would to donate, we still have a way to reach the £2000 target – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StSimonStock

Thank you to everyone!

Miss Lockett