Outstanding Achievements Again

On July 14, we were delighted to host the five Buttsbury RotaKids’ officers, (the Core 5), Headteacher Ann Robinson and Assistant Headteacher Stacey Barnes (both corporate members) to lunch.  Why?  To give us their annual presentation on what they had achieved this year.

Most Impressed

It was a special pleasure to give them our June Newsletter, which included their receipt of the Rotary Excellence Award at the school Assembly from District Governor Anne Moriaty a few weeks earlier.  They examined it closely and passed it around amongst themselves excitedly.

After lunch, RotaKids President Emily and Vice David, Secretary Holly, Treasurer Olivia and PR Officer Moraya introduced themselves. and took it in turns to take us through their presentation, speaking clearly and referring only occasionally to their notes.  Everybody could hear them easily.  So impressive!

Extremely honoured

They started by explaining that they had all had to write a letter to the Headteacher to explain why they felt they were the right person to become  RotaKids officers.  They were extremely honoured that they were judged the children best able to represent the school in such prestigious roles.

Holly recalled the moment they received their RotaKids Badges saying “we proudly recited the Rotary Club Pledge, a moment of pride and commitment ...” It was the beginning of their journey to making a difference in their school and community.  

They oversee the school council/Rotakids club comprising members from every class in the school, elected by ballot by their classes, and who help the Core 5 take decisions.   

Raised So Much Money!

President Emily said “throughout the year we have worked hard to organise events and raise funds for our chosen charity - St. Luke’s Hospice ... selected by a vote of the entire school community.”

Olivia added “we have raised just over £4,500” for St. Luke’s, and welcomed a hospice representative to a special Assembly to raise awareness about the Hospice’s work, sharing inspiring stories about their work and the vital support they provide.    

They also raised money for other charities starting with a sponsored “Elf Run” which raised over £2580. Other major fundraising events were the Enterprise Day (see pages 13-14) which raised a “huge” £1857 in just 45 minutes!!  Moraya told us “they had also raised money through smaller events, including fun lunchtime competitions, .... collections after Christmas performances and our year 6 end-of-year production.”.  They also raised money for Comic Relief (£898), by a Pyjama Day for Children in Need (£463), wearing purple for Cancer Research (£579.50) etc.

Service Above Self

This Rotary Motto also exemplifies the ethos of the RotaKids.  Not only did they raise money but also undertook other service projects.  They have been a “Dementia Friendly” school since 2020, and have continued this work including visits to the Human Kind Cafe, and supporting Kindness at Christmas.  

Finally, they are so proud of winning their fourth Rotary Excellence Award in a row!  Perhaps it is best summarised by David, who said “We have felt honoured to uphold the RotaKids title throughout the year.  We raised over £7300 for a variety of worthy causes”

Impressed by their Achievements

It was a fun-filled year in which they demonstrated the Rotary ideals of fellowship and service. President Stephen thanked them for their presentation which we all found so impressive, congratulated them on their achievements, and proposed the vote of thanks for all that they had achieved, and the professional quality of their presentation.  

There was unanimous applause from all Rotarians assembled there.

A last word from Buttsbury Junior School Headteacher Ann Robinson, who was very proud of the children, who had achieved so much over the year, and had coped so well with the occasion!

She added “I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for inviting the children along today - they had the most amazing time and were literally buzzing when they got back.  It was great to hear them telling all their friends about their trip!”

We were all most impressed by their completely professional performance despite their young age!  Awesome!