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Over half-term, Year 8 pupils went out of their way to make a difference to their neighbours, their community and even to complete strangers, contributing to the wave of kindness generated by a campaign led by CSV UK.
Dragon pupils were all over the globe during half-term and acts of kindness were recorded in Vietnam, Japan, New York and Bermuda (one of our pupils gave muffins he baked himself to a homeless man named Johnny Barnes who has devoted over a quarter of a century to spreading goodwill and cheer - see a picture of them both in the gallery above) as well as closer to home.
In uncertain times the need for community spirit is greater than ever and being kind is a proven way to improve well being.
Thank you and well done to all who did make a difference.
Read some of their stories below:
Muffins in Bermuda
For my Make a Difference project I baked muffins and gave them out to builders, to homeless people, to fishermen and to post office employees in Hamilton, Bermuda. Most of all I gave some muffins and a drink to Johnny Barnes who has done so much to make a difference to people. Here's what one website said about him:
From experiencebermuda.com: "Beloved by tourists and locals alike, Barnes has devoted a quarter of a century to spreading goodwill and cheer at the Crow Lane roundabout outside of Hamilton. Here, the octogenarian icon of Bermuda hospitality stands five days a week, waving and blowing kisses at drivers and pedestrians. "Good morning!" he calls. "God bless you!" Also known as "Mr. Feel Good" and "Happy Man," Barnes has gained international fame for his friendliness. His portrait adorns Hamilton's Visitors' Service Bureau and he has been honoured by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. In addition, acclaimed local sculptor Desmond Fountain captured Barnes's spirit in bronze in 1998. Today the 6-1/2-ft.-tall statue of Barnes, commissioned by the Spirit of Bermuda Trust, overlooks the entrance of East Broadway. "
I talked to Mr. Barnes about the Dignity workshop and told him about the Dragon. He is a very intelligent, interesting and inspiring person. He gave me a poster to give to the school and a postcard to send to the Crown Prince of Norway.
I had an amazing experience doing this activity.
Bulb Planting in Kidlington
For Make a Difference Day, I dug up some plants and bulbs from the garden that my mum said I could dig up and delivered them to a local school, North Kidlington School. The school recently acquired some land which they are going to use to make a garden for the children to play and help in. We chose some spring bulbs, some cyclamen and two different coloured buddleias which attract butterflies and bees. We also gave some pink geraniums, some golden rod and some purple chrysanthemums. None of the plants will need a lot of pruning or tending.
Street Children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
 Please click here to read a report written by one of our Year 8 pupils.
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