Battlefield Primary School’s Primary Five organised this year’s Harvest Assembly, resulting in eight carrier bags and a box full of gifts for the homeless. 

In the week leading up to the Friday assembly the P5s toured the classes explaining that homeless people often have bad teeth, as they cannot register with a dentist without an address. Everyone was asked to donate a toothbrush, toothpaste, or a Mars Bar, ‘for a special treat and an energy boost’.

On the day of the Harvest Assembly the P5s dressed up as farmers and explained to the rest of the school that Harvest was a time when Christians thanked God for all that they have and think about others less fortunate than themselves. The children each composed a message of thanks and then shared them out.

Speaking after the assembly, P5 pupil Alannah Fairley said, ‘I felt helpful and very proud to be helping the homeless.’ Classmate Hana Duleric admitted a bit of stage fright speaking at the assembly, saying, ‘I felt nervous going into the assembly but soon I felt happy.’

The toothbrushes, toothpaste and sweet treats were taken to the Lodging Mission House, near the Barras market, for distribution to homeless people who are fed there.

Principal Teacher Catriona Brown said, ‘The response was overwhelming, with all the children getting behind the project. Normally tins and food are collected, so this was a change from our usual Harvest Assembly.’