Festive cheer filled the air as children from a Walker school joined residents of a nearby care home for a Christmas singalong.
Key Stage 2 pupils from St Lawrence’s Catholic Primary visited Lawson House on Monday 15 January, accompanied by Head of School Charlotte Robson and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator Helen O’Hara.
“The 17 children in the choir performed a variety of Christmas carols and songs to the residents,” said Mrs Robson.
“We provided song sheets, and lots of the residents joined in with the singing.”
Children and residents also shared hot chocolate – along with some meaningful conversation.
“Afterwards, the choir handed out Christmas cards which they made, and spent some time with the residents,” continued Mrs Robson.
“They discovered that one resident had been a pupil at St Lawrence’s when she was a little girl.
“Other children across the school made cards too, and they were left to give to the other residents, who aren’t able to leave their rooms easily. We made 50 cards in total.”
It was the first time the event had taken place, after Irene Ryder from Lawson House invited the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
“Irene explained that many residents don’t have visitors over Christmas, so seeing the children, and receiving Christmas cards from them, was incredibly special,” added Mrs Robson.
“It was incredibly moving to see the pupils go up and speak to the residents, and share stories with them about school.
“It is important for our pupils to be out in the community wherever possible, and for them to see the positive impact they have.”
