The students of Ormiston Park Academy were out and about in the community again recently, this time giving a helping hand to the Aveley Village Community Forum. Reaching out and engaging with the community comes high on the list of school privileges at OPA, and, on this occasion, the students involved took to the task with impressive vigour and enthusiasm. The group of students attended the Community Forum Christmas lunch, where they served meals, sold raffle tickets and even put on a touch of entertainment to keep spirits high – with one student hitting the high notes, commanding an audience of over one hundred people with her delightful serenade. Lily Lashmar, a year ten student, who was part of the trip, shared a few words: “It was a really great experience for us all, not only was it a fun and novel experience, it gave us an opportunity to show our maturity, serving meals and attending to the forum members.” The student’s fantastic efforts were even rewarded, clearly impressing the forum members a great deal. A fortnight later, each student received a gift to thank them and recognise their hard work. Mr Canet-Espi, teacher at OPA, was also full of positive praise: “It was a pleasure to accompany the students on this trip and see them shine. They were a real credit to the school!” Community engagement is something the academy places great importance on, and with such a commendable team of students at the forefront of this task, OPA once again thrives at the heart of the local area! Written by Amy Devlin
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