Bishop Challoner Catholic School in Tower Hamlets hosted a heart-warming Advent celebration on Wednesday, 4th December, with two very special guests—Rocky and Taffy, the donkeys. Organised by Sixth Form students with support from the chaplaincy team, the event brought together pupils, local schools, and the wider community to share in the joy and hope of the season.
Children from the St Francis Family Centre and students from St Mary and St Michael’s Primary School delighted in meeting the donkeys while enjoying hot chocolate and mince pies. Christmas music filled the air, with the parish church serving as a beautiful backdrop symbolising the unity of this East London community.
The Advent season at Bishop Challoner has also been marked by meaningful acts of service. Staff have continued their tradition of donating Christmas presents for children at the St Francis Family Centre, a local charity supporting families in need. These gifts ensure no child goes without on Christmas Day. The Centre works tirelessly to provide outstanding early years education for disadvantaged children, and many of its long-serving staff are proud alumni of Bishop Challoner.
In addition, the school has partnered with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Wapping, collecting essential items such as clothing, food, and toiletries for refugees without access to asylum support. Students have also been writing Christmas cards with messages of hope for individuals in detention centres, underscoring the school’s commitment to compassion and inclusion.
'Advent is about joy, generosity, and hope,' said School Chaplain James Johnston. 'Bishop Challoner has been a proud part of the East End for almost a century. This event, and our wider advent appeals each year give our young people the chance to demonstrate the power of community during this special season - just as the Sisters of Mercy, who founded our school did for so many years.'
For more information regarding Bishop Challoner Catholic School, please contact the main reception on 020 7791 9500 or visit www.bishop.towerhamlets.sch.uk. For more information on the St Francis Family Centre visit www.cathchild.org.uk/st-francis-family-centre and for more on St Mary and St Michael's Primary School www.st-marymichael.towerhamlets.sch.uk
