Girls at St Augustine’s Priory collected over 1400 tins of fish this week in support of the volunteer-led charity, Calais Kitchens, which feeds thousands of refugees every day.

Sixth Form student, Rebecca Shoesmith, coordinated the collection across the school, in response to an emotive presentation in a school assembly, delivered by charity founder Leon Aarts.

Rebecca, aged sixteen, commented: ‘I had to act. No matter how small an individual’s resources, collectively we can make a big difference. I’m delighted that girls have shown such generosity; we’re a small school with huge community spirit.’

The idea of collecting tinned fish in particular was inspired by the Gospel of Jesus feeding 5,000 with loaves and fish. Pupils gathered at lunch time to place their tins in front of the school’s rose garden, creating a symbolic fish shape. The acrostic ichthys has been a symbol of Christianity for almost as long as the Christian faith has existed.

The charitable collection was supported by a significant donation by contract catering firm, Holroyd Howe, which manages the school’s catering operation.