‘Flamingo Friday’ Fundraiser
Staff and pupils celebrated the life of Rachel Parks
James Calvert Spence College (JCSC) staff and students held a day of flamingo-themed fun on Friday, 28 May in aid of HospiceCare North Northumberland.
The day was organised in celebration of the contribution to JCSC of Rachel Parks, who taught at the school from 1993 until 2020.
Mrs Parks held several roles during her time teaching business, health and social care, PHSE and food technology. She particularly enjoyed the time she spent working as the pastoral support for Year 11 and Sixth Form. She sadly died peacefully at home on 29 April 2021, aged 51.
The Parks family were supported by HospiceCare North Northumberland and the staff and students at JCSC were keen to raise funds for the charity.
It was important to all that the humorous and vivacious character of Mrs Parks was also celebrated.
On ‘Flamingo Friday’ the school community came together to stand proud and raise money for the hospice.
The day was filled with fun and laughter thanks to activities including a flamingo derby, fla-min-bingo, a quiz, and flamingo-themed arts, crafts and PE.
At the end of the day, Mr. Parks was presented with the gift of a Flamingo Willow tree and a matching tree will be planted on the school grounds.
In total, £1,375.83 was raised for HospiceCare North Northumberland.
Janice Bailey, Director of Science and chief organiser of Flamingo Friday, said: “It has been a glorious day. It was fantastic to see the students smiling after what’s been a difficult year for everyone. There has been silliness but also creativity, lots of energy and it’s been a day that Rachel would have loved and would have made her laugh. I’d like to thank everyone for making today happen and showing what JCSC is all about – the level of generosity and care shown by our wonderful students was heart-warming.”
Mr Parks said: “It was lovely to see the staff and students getting into the spirit of today. My wife dedicated her teaching career to JCSC and both of our children have attended the school. It’s been a day she would have truly appreciated. I plan to find a special place for the tree in our garden, and it’s nice to know the other tree will remain at JCSC to mark her time here.”
Mr Parks is completing a charity run, organised by HospiceCare North in September and would love others to join him in “Team Flamingo”.
The run will take place on Sunday 5 September around Druridge Bay Country Park and on the beach. There will be a 10k race and a shorter junior run.
