RotaKids club launched at Lower Heath CE Primary School

On Monday, January 27, members of the Whitchurch Rotary Club made a visit to the school to conduct a RotaKids Charter Presentation to pupils in Years 5 and 6.

RotaKids is a Rotary Club backed initiative which encourages children to get involved with important activities, allowing them to make a difference in their local community and further afield.

These clubs bring a practical approach to supporting citizenship, while allowing children to learn about the impact of their actions and helping them build confidence in the process.

The formal charter presentation commenced with president of Whitchurch Rotary Club, Peggy Mullock and Rotarian, Mike Valentine presenting headteacher, Deborah Sadler and teacher Jonathan Holt-Williams with a framed RotaKids welcome letter, for display within the school.

This was followed by the presentation of induction certificates to the pupils nominated to join the school's first RotaKids Committee.

Pupil Freya George was named the club's charter president; she then helped to induct the first and second vice presidents, Honey Tranter and Daisy Westwood, club treasurer James Hartley, assistant treasurer Beau Bowers and secretary Sophia Bell.

Pupils from Owl Class were then presented with their certificates and badges to acknowledge them as charter members.

The morning then concluded with Mr Valentine and fellow Rotarian Howard Jones welcoming the pupils to the Rotary community.

"RotaKids is the youngest part of Rotary International throughout the world," said Mr Valentine.

"The idea is to help children develop a sense of service within school, within the local community and to help them build an understanding of the wider world.

"The scheme is not focused on fundraising but instead is intended to develop the Rotary International motto, 'service above self'.

"The initiative is also very fun for the children and a great way for them to build on their teamwork skills.

"We are pleased to be supporting the new club at Lower Heath."

Meanwhile Mrs Sadler added: "Setting up a RotaKids group here at Lower Heath CE Primary School is an exciting opportunity for us.

"We will be holding monthly meetings going forwards with support from the Rotary, which our RotaKids Committee members will chair.

"Our pupils are really excited to get involved and are looking forwards to making a difference through the various projects.

"It has been a really enjoyable day witnessing our charter members be formally presented with their roles – they are all very keen and will be a fantastic group."