Community Links
We are most fortunate to be at the heart of an active community who are keen to support our school. We feel it is also crucial that the support is a two-way process, as the following information will demonstrate:
Asda: We are hugely fortunate that one of our governors, Lisa Kirkpatrick, is the Asda Penryn Community Champion. We benefit greatly from food donations for events, opportunities to visit the store and supported activities at school (such as the Early Years’ Teddy Bears’ Picnic). Our keen school choir, led by music maestro Jo Champion, have been singing in the entrance area in order to raise school funds and money for The Mermaid Centre (see below for more detail).
The Mermaid Centre: Our wonderful Puffins teacher, Mrs Ruth Fisher, has been undergoing treatment for cancer and we are passionately raising money in order to thank The Mermaid Centre for their first class ongoing care.
We have arranged a programme of events, including a pyjama day, sponsored coastal walk, big community breakfast, an Asda day and the sale of mermaid themed tea towels (using images created by the children themselves).
The Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage
The Ferry Boat Inn have been most supportive with regard to our fundraising quest. They are allowing us to use their venue to celebrate the completion of our Ramble for Ruth. We are able to sell our own cakes and place fundraising buckets within the premisis. We are very grateful for their positivity and supportive nature. The use of their fantastic inn will help us raise yet more money for the wonderful Mermaid Centre. In the summer months, the Ferry Boat is a great location for Mabe parents to spend time whilst their offspring are sailing around the Helford River.
Penryn College: We have strong links with Penryn College, who this year have provided specialist input for PE and music. Pupils have this year taken part in a collaborative performing arts project (Wind in the Willows) at Penryn College along with other Penryn Partnership schools.
Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank: Our school has supported this vital community organisation in recent years by donating all of our harvest festival contributions. Donations like this help to keep the shelves of the Foodbank well stocked so that they can help members of our community in times of crisis.
Mabe Luncheon Club: The school choir entertains the club (comprising of retired residents) with festive favourites each Christmas.
St. Laudus Church, Mabe: Rev Steve Smith and Rev Amanda Evans regularly join us for assemblies. They are also keen supporters of the Brownie sessions.
Mabe Brownies: Approximately 15 of our children attend Mabe Brownie sessions each Thursday at the village hall. The girls are encouraged to wear their Brownie uniform to school on Thursdays in order to promote the group. Members of Beaver, Cub and Guide groups are also encouraged to wear their uniforms.
Cornwall Music Service Trust: An increasing number of our pupils are receiving musical instrument tuition through the CMST. As they continue to develop their playing, there are opportunities to build on this later through county wide ensembles and performance opportunities.
Flicka Foundation: The donkey rescue centre is located within a mile of the school. There are opportunities to visit the sanctuary, which will help the children to understand the importance of treating all animals with care and respect.
Mabe Matters: Mabe Matters is a monthly community newsletter funded by Mabe Youth and Community Project and Mabe Parish Council to provide news, share views and publicise events. Virtually every edition features at least one article about Mabe School. It is a great way of sharing our experiences with the community and a way in which the school can learn about its village community. Local parents will receive the newsletter automatically and those out of catchment are given a copy via ‘book bag post.’
Helford River Sailing Trust: A group of up to 15 children from Years 4 – 6 head down to the Helford Passage each Wednesday from April to October. The children are involved in an innovative programme of accelerated learning, designed to build confidence and self-esteem which, in turn, has proven to accelerate academic learning. The fact that it also happens to be great fun is an added bonus! The Trust provides the opportunity for every child in the schools they serve to:
- learn to kayak and sail single-handed
- discover love and respect for the sea
- gain confidence for life
- accelerate academic learning
Mabe Youth and Community Project: The MYCP provides some of Mabe’s best recreational facilities. It owns and runs the Community Hall, the newly developed children’s play area and the skate park (all located in Cunningham Park, next door to the school). Together with the school, MYCP also owns and runs the playing field. MYCP is a registered charity. We are fortunate to be able to use the MYCP car park as a drop-off base before and after school. This allows for safer, off road parking.
