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Rotary Shoebox Scheme

This year’s Christmas charity event will be run by members of 13 Newton. The decision was made to run a Shoebox Appeal through The Rotary Shoebox Scheme.

The Rotary Shoebox Scheme sends shoeboxes filled with various gifts throughout the year to many different countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Toys are especially useful all year round for birthday presents in the orphanages, homes and hospitals. All age groups, including teenagers, have welcomed the boxes. They have delivered to children and teenagers in orphanages, hospitals and also to street kids, to adults in TB and AIDS hospitals, to disadvantaged families, to women’s refuges and to older folk in hostels with no supporting families. Shoebox gifts have been delivered to Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Romania and Kosovo.

We are aiming to have all shoeboxes filled by Wednesday 14th December. All pupils across the years have been encouraged to bring in any of the following:

  • Toys such as ‘Matchbox’ type toy cars, small bouncy balls, jigsaws, fluffy toys, dolls, colouring books, felt tip pens, Lego, yoyo’s, bubble blow, etc.
  • Gifts for teenagers: make-up, toiletries, sportswear, scarf, gloves, hat, writing materials, deodorants, comb, mirror, football memorabilia, etc
  • Household Goods such as hand soap, toothpaste and brushes, envelopes, letter paper, biro pens, etc.
  • Above all, the gifts should be either unused or in a very good condition, remembering that the recipient will be opening the box in eager anticipation and, especially with the toys for the children, quite possibly the first real gifts they have received for as very long time.
  • NO FOOD PLEASE!

Additionally, 13 Newton will be running a Christmas Raffle on Friday 9th December to raise funds for shipment of the boxes, which will take place during AM registration and at break and lunchtime in the cafeteria. Tickets are 20p each.

*The first prize will be a non-uniform day for the winner and their form on the last day of term before the Christmas holidays.

*The second prize will be a big box of chocolate.

The winners will be announced on Monday 12th December.

A big thank you to those who have brought in gifts for the appeal.

For more information about the Rotary Shoebox Scheme and their work, please visit: www.rotaryshoebox.org/

Ms Forth and Mr Kleczkowski

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Burglary Advice

Dear Parents

Police in Birmingham are encouraging parents to think about home security in the run up to Christmas.

Burglary offences traditionally peak in the winter months due to the darker nights. Opportunistic burglars usually target homes that they believe to be empty or insecure.

Officers have stepped up patrols across the city in a bid to deter burglary and identify suspected offenders.

They also wish to share the below home security advice.

  • Consider purchasing a timer switch for lights. These are inexpensive and available from most hardware shops. You can set these to light up your home and make it appear that somebody is in even when you are out.
  • Make sure that curtains are closed in the evening to deter criminals from looking in.
  • Always lock your doors and windows. Ensure that back doors are locked as well as any gates or access ways.
  • Cancel newspapers and milk deliveries if you are away from your home for a few days.
  • Keep any sheds, outhouses and garages locked – your tools could be used by criminals to enter your home.
  • Neighbourhood Watch is an effective way to keep your home and community safe. You can find details of how to join or set up a scheme from the partnerships officer at your local police station. Call 0345 113 5000 for details.

Sergeant Jill Hughes said: “Many people will now be returning home from work in the dark and often forget to leave a light on, making it obvious to a potential burglar that the property is unoccupied.

Homeowners should consider investing in timer switches, windows should always closed and locked and, where available, house alarms set.”

For further advice about keeping your property secure, please take a few minutes to visit our home security website: www.safer-homes.org

Over the last six months there have been 2,300 fewer victims of house break-ins in the West Midlands (down 24 per cent) compared to the same period last year.