Coronavirus: Chichester secondary school ‘shines a ray of light into the virus-ridden gloom’

With all UK schools closing, teachers and the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) wanted to ‘shine a ray of light into the virus-ridden gloom’, on Friday. Calling on the school's PFA, a plan was 'hastily hatched' and, within 24 hours, local businesses had been approached and had donated or 'heavily discounted' refreshments, Easter eggs, gifts and books. The books each featured a school bookplate book inscribed with an inspirational quote, handwritten by a PFA mum. A local magician performed and a parent with a teddy bear mascot came to applaud the children as they collected their gifts. Every member of staff at school – from the kitchen team to teachers – received an Easter egg. PFA chairman Susie Cooke said the school's closure had been 'very distressing' for students and headteacher Austen Hindman 'felt they really needed a good send-off'. She added: "All this took place thanks to the stunning generosity of people in the area. It’s a fantastic school with an inspirational head who passionately believes in supporting the community. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, students were piling up mountains of donations for the local food bank and writing pen-pal letters to self-isolating over 70s”. Parent and PFA member Vicky Barkes said the kindness and generosity was 'absolutely inspiring', adding: "I think the kids will treasure both the memory and the weird and wonderful books for a long time to come. Sending pupils off with some sort of celebration – albeit a hotchpotch affair – was done with great love and monumental support."