Announcements

Dear Parents, Carers, Academy Staff and Students,

I am writing to ask for your support for a cause that is very close to our school community.

As you may be aware, Hurricane Melissa has caused serious damage in parts of Jamaica, and many families are now without basic essentials. Viv Robinson, my Carer, who many of you will already know through the summer school and holiday clubs, is coordinating a shipment of barrels to be sent directly to those affected. Viv will supply the barrels and arrange the shipping; we are simply asking for your help to fill them.

Time is important, and we need to get what we can to Jamaica as soon as possible.  We will be collecting for one week.

Collection period: Monday 10 November 2025 – Monday 17 November 2025

Drop-off Point: Outside my office.  Principal’s Office – JG 09

What we are collecting

We are asking for donations of the following:

Food (non-perishable): tinned food, rice, pasta, noodles, oats/porridge, powdered milk, baby formula, sugar, cooking oil, snacks for children

Clothes and shoes: for babies, children, teenagers, and adults

Items can be new or good-quality second-hand

Please no dirty, ripped, or overly worn clothing

Children’s items: toys, games, books, colouring books/pens to help children feel settled again

Basic household and hygiene items: towels, washcloths, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary products, baby wipes

Practical items/tools: basic hand tools, work gloves, torches/flashlights (with batteries), power banks, tarpaulins if available

I have also attached a separate, comprehensive list of useful things we can send. Viv has let us know that anything that you can contribute from the attached list will be gratefully received. These items will be going to people who have experienced loss and disruption, so we ask that donated items be clean and in good condition, to keep dignity at the centre of our giving.

If you cannot donate an item

We understand that not everyone will be able to bring in goods. For that reason, there will be a cash donation box in my office. Any money collected will be used to purchase the barrels themselves and to help with shipping costs.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our school to show compassion and global citizenship in a very practical way. A single bag of rice, a pair of children’s shoes, or a small toy can make a real difference to a family rebuilding after the hurricane.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Kind regards,

Mr P.V. Sutton OBE

Principal

Greig City Academy

On behalf of Viv Robinson, my Carer