PUPILS have been commemorating the Grenfell Tower tragedy across the school. The commemorations hold a special place within the school community as three sisters at the school lost a relative in the disaster.

The students explored the events of Grenfell through assemblies and tutor programmes that focused on remembering the victims and others affected by the tragedy, with a 72 second silence held to respect and remember those who lost their lives.

Grenfell United, the community organisation that began in the aftermath of the tragedy two years ago, urged local communities to make a difference in their local areas to mark the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, so pupil leaders at the Highfield Road school organised various events to mark the occasion including:

  • Triplets Issra, Fajer and Afaf Harrak, whose relative died at Grenfell, supported a collection of chocolate, sweets, biscuits, tea, coffee and hot chocolate by the Pupil Leadership Groups to make Hero Hampers to be distributed to local emergency services, whose counterparts in London risked their lives to save others.
  • Fundraising initiatives, including a ‘chocobola’ stall and a non-uniform day, raised £682 for Trinity Hospice, on Low Moor Road, Bispham, and Street Life, on Buchanan Street, which supports vulnerable young people.

Issra, Fajer and Afaf Harrak said: “The work we have been doing is very important to us as we were directly affected by the tragedy. It is amazing that even though our Academy is a long way from Grenfell we can still stand united and be inspired to help our local community and say thank you to our local emergency service teams. When everybody chooses to be their best, we have the power to make great change and play our part in making sure we are all happy and safe. Even when you feel sad you can do something that makes you feel proud.”

Principal Andrew Galbraith said:

“With three of our own pupils having been directly affected, our pupils greatly appreciate the pain suffered by those affected by the tragedy. Students wanted to come together in a show of unity with the survivors of Grenfell and the bereaved families and friends by showing our appreciation to our local emergency services and helping raise funds for those in our local community who need our help. I’m proud of them all.”

 

PUPILS have been raising money for local causes and helping local emergency services, including sister s Issra, Fajer and Afaf Harrak, who lost a relative in the Grenfell Tower tragedy