The Prep School today launched its annual Lenten Good Shepherd Appeal for the Catholic Children's Society. This charity works hard to support children and family life, both within and beyond the dioceses of Portsmouth, Arundel and Brighton and Southwark. Fundraising for this very worthy cause during Lent does much to broaden the children's social concern for those far less fortunate than themselves.

Our fundraising activities will include our traditional Easter Egg hunt and an Easter Bonnet parade for the Lower Prep, details of these events will follow in due course. Your child will also be bringing home a ‘Fruit Baa Baa' box, into which loose change, perhaps particularly that which might otherwise have gone on chocolates and sweeties, can be donated. I'd encourage you to support your children's generosity.

This year, we're also inviting pupils in Years 1 to 6 to form their own fund-raising enterprises for the appeal, either individually or in conjunction with one or two others, to run over the course of Lent. Some enterprises might work well at home, such as a bedroom cleaning service, a car wash firm, or a washing up business. Others might, with suitable parental support, extend to include the local neighbourhood, perhaps selling cakes or biscuits to neighbours. Alternatively children, particularly in the upper prep, might wish to spend time over Lent making things to trade at a special Bazaar, such as stationery, jewellery, bookmarks or badges. The school will host a market for such enterprises on the afternoon of Friday 14th March. These enterprises will, I hope, provide some insight into running a business for our pupils, as well as allowing the children to turn their time and talents into a generous donation to the appeal. I do hope I can rely on your support of your children in these activities, and would be grateful for any photographs and reports of home-based enterprises!