SCHOOL NEWS
Local man recognised by Dorset’s High Sheriff for his youth work On Tuesday 18th January the High Sheriff of Dorset Mr Michael Dooley MMs. FRCOG visited Sturminster Newton High School (SNHS) to present a High Sheriff’s Award to Shaun Weeks for his long-standing support of the young people of Sturminster Newton and the surrounding villages. Shaun is a huge asset to the young people of the area and despite having a family himself he donates significant proportions of his time to local young people in a number of ways. In 2001 Shaun started up Sturminster Newton Boxing Gym; it has since produced several National Champions and currently has one boxer on the England pathway (14yr old Ruby ‘The Pocket Rocket’ Else-White is crowned Two Time National Champion, BV Oct 21). A spokesperson for SNHS said “we are very fortunate to have Shaun supporting the school in many ways; Shaun has worked to support, mentor and guide students and their families and encouraged young people into youth sports. This has developed their confidence, trust and selfesteem which has in turn served to remove barriers within school and allowed them to be successful in their education.” Most recently Shaun has been one of the community volunteers as part of the high school’s enrichment programme, where he runs an introduction to boxing for beginners at the gym during school time. This has led to several students becoming part of the main club, as well as expanding the opportunities, expectations and horizons of a great deal more. In addition, Shaun has also sponsored a PSHE programme ‘The Fight Against Knife Crime’ aimed at our older students as part of the Sturminster Newton Boxing Club which is delivered during the PSHE lessons at school.
Washer goes to school... Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School was visited last week by Washer the 5 week old Friesian cow from Poppy Farm. The children from the Primary School and Sunbeams Day Care had the opportunity to see Washer up close and ask any questions. The children learnt he was bought from auction, which is why he had a sticker on his back. He had two tags on his ears which were like his passport, and he still drank milk twice a day. We learnt how tall he would get - and that cows cant fly but they can jump when this young. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to see a beautiful animal up close. 88
Shaun Weeks (centre) with SNHS Headteacher Mr Davis (left) and the High Sheriff of Dorset Mr Michael Dooley MMs. FRCOG
Shaun has also supported the local community in many other ways, being a key member of Stalbridge Youth Football Club. He regularly fundraises for the organisations he is involved with, and recently raised over £2,000 for Julia’s House by coming out of retirement himself and boxing two matches with local people. Headteacher Mr Davis said “We are extremely fortunate in this community to have so many local people who are prepared to freely donate time and effort to the school and local projects for young people. We hope everyone joins us in congratulating Shaun on his award.”
