Alice in Wonderland tea party for staff in Forres Academy's library helped raise funds for Youth Philanthropy Initiative
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EMPLOYEES claimed “We’re all mad here” during a gathering in a school library on World Book Day (Thursday, March 7).
Forres Academy English and RME teachers helped library staff put on an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed lunchtime party to raise funds for this year’s Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) competition for S2 students.
Library and resource centre manager Shirley Munn confirmed the school is encouraged to raise £500 towards £3000 issued to the winning group’s chosen charity.
“Over the lunch period, about half of the staff attended,” she said. “We enjoyed an array of home bakes, sandwiches, sweet treats, tea and coffee.”
World Book Day was created by UNESCO in 1995 as a celebration of reading. It is now marked in over 100 countries.
The UK’s World Book Day was launched by Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Globe Theatre in London.
Several million schoolchildren were given £1 World Book Day tokens to be redeemed in any UK bookshop.
The event has grown to encompass more initiatives, such as Spread The Word, Quick Reads Initiative and Books for Hospitals.
World Book Day supports the Book Aid International and Readathon charities, encouraging schools to hold special fundraising events for less fortunate children.
Mrs Munn confirmed: “World Book Day helps promote reading for pleasure. Pupils talk to each other about their favourite books and use the voucher they’re given.”
Forres Academy’s School Book Group handed out books aimed at young adults at their Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to each of the attending teachers to promote reading for pleasure.
Mrs Munn said: “’Dreams from my Father’ by Barack Obama was adapted for young adults and ‘A Day at the Beach Hut’ by Veronica Henry features stories and recipes inspired by seaside life.
“Our reading group has 12 pupils who meet up with me on Monday lunchtimes. We’re currently reading the shortlist of books for the Grampian Children’s Book award.
“We’ll then read the Yoto Carnegie book awards shortlist which we plan to shadow as a group too.
“We judge them against each other for content, covers and enjoyment. We then vote as a group for our favourites and attend an award ceremony at Aberdeen University in May, where members can meet the authors!”
