News Round-up

Date posted: 22nd December 2011

FAME! .....SLC student, Pearson Mwanyongo (BTEC First in Creative Media Production), and player (winger/striker) for St Neots Town FC made it onto the cover of The Saints publication (The Matchday Programme for St. Neots Town FC) as well as the pull-out poster.

The college is very proud of Pearson’s achievements and we look forward to seeing more of Pearson in the future.

THE SALVATION ARMY - FESTIVE HAMPERS

With the festive season upon us, attention turned to those in need within our local community, who are struggling to celebrate Christmas during these difficult times. 

The students of  SLC were asked to choose a local South Wigston charity and think of ways in which everyone could contribute a little something whatever their budgets. The idea to donate food hampers to the Salvation Army was first suggested by Sophie Louise Finnerty, a trained mid-wife and DTLLS student, who felt that this “would help build strong relationships with the local community and send out a positive image for SLC.”

Thanks to the generous nature of students, staff and local businesses, 9 Christmas food hampers were created for distribution by the Salvation Army.

Major Lin Herbert of the Salvation Army Leicester South, gratefully received the donations and thanked SLC for their generosity, explaining that, “these food hampers will help make all the difference this Christmas which is a difficult time for many. This year alone, we have seen a 25% increase in the number of people, most especially young families, who need support.”

The Salvation Army work in partnership with other local agencies, such as Home Start, Connexions and schools, who make referrals to ensure that their help reaches the right people.

SIX BOOK CHALLENGE

The library was buzzing on Wednesday 14^th December when we launched The Six Book Challenge. Students and staff were enticed in by sweets, crisps, mince pies and drinks and were able to browse a selection of the books. A total of 77 people joined on the day and the Library had to place an emergency order for reading diaries because they ran out of stock due to high demand.

In case you have missed the publicity, the idea of The Challenge is to read 6 books over the next 6 months. The books can be any sort, except textbooks, and must be borrowed from our library. The Library has a wide range of fiction,  some graphic novels, and they are adding to their small collection of biographies and non-fiction. Staff will be happy to help you choose something suitable.

It’s not too late to join – just pop into the library for a form.

JAMES DELA CROZ WINS ART COMPETITION

Whilst looking for an appropriate college christmas card, the college turned to their students and asked them to submit a winning design.

James Dela Croz has won the SLC Christmas Poster Competition and his work has been used on the SLC e-card that has been sent out to college partners and business associates.

The Principal, Jim Aleander also wanted to take this opportunity to support a local charity, and LOROS was specifically chosen for this purpose. To help contribute in a small way to the fantastic support that LOROS provide to so many families, SLC donated £100 to the charity.

GIFT OF HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS FOR TEENAGE CANCER SUFFERER

Last month over 2,000 people attended an event at the Tigers stadium in Leicester to find potential donors for Bethany Mickleburgh. Since SLC has been involved in raising awareness of this event we thought we’d give you an update.

Bethany, a cancer sufferer from Leicester has been blessed with the best gift this Christmas, hope.   Bethany Mickleburgh, 14 from Western Park, Leicester, is fighting her third case of leukaemia after battling the disease twice before.  Bethany had the surprise of her life when visiting Birmingham’s Children’s hospital, where she was told that a potential donor had been found in Germany after a “million to one shot.”

Beth’s Mum Veronica, who works at LOROS, said “It’s wonderful news. The donor still needs to go through some test, but it’s looking good.” The family will find out in January whether the transplant can go ahead.

NEW YEAR, NEW START

The college’s winter campaign has recently been launched to promote the part-time courses that start from January 2012.  The campaign uses real learners and staff members to promote the different subject areas in which courses are offered. 

Whilst you are on your Christmas break you will see adverts and leaflets in the local press, on the new college website and social networking pages.

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