ARTIST Dale Connelly has helped pupils in Colchester create a very special art exhibition this week.
Youngsters from Prettygate schools worked with teachers and Mr Connelly to create unique pieces of art for the exhibition while also being encouraged to use the experience to have conversations about kindness.
The art classes, which received funding support from Colchester City Councillors Claire Osborne and Sue Lissamore, are part of the schools’ commitment to being compassionate and marked the schools’ recognition as Compassionate Community Champions earlier this year.
Mum Gemma Boud nominated Prettygate infant and junior schools in Colchester to thank them for their support after her husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. As a result, the schools were celebrated as Compassionate Community Champions at a ceremony at Colchester Town Hall in January.
Compassionate Community Colchester is the first Compassionate City in the East of England and offers kindness and support to people as they face dying, death, loss or grief. Overseen by St Helena Hospice, it is made up of a network of people and organisations who want to help and support others.
Mrs Boud said: “Both of my children have or are attending Prettygate schools. In 2021 my husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma. I advised the school straight away and they were supportive from the start. In November 2022, my husband was transferred to St Helena Hospice for end of life care. To allow my daughters to spend as much time as possible with their dad, they went to school part time.”
Mrs Boud added: “I’m so thankful for all the staff at the schools as they made our lives just that little bit easier when we were going through the most traumatic experience of our life.”
Headteacher Mark Millbourne said: “Being named as a Compassionate Community Champion was a very special moment for us as a school community. We want to support everyone connected with the school and provide the chance to be more open in their conversations and feel free to show compassion or ask for help.
“Dale’s time with the pupils provided a great opportunity for children and staff to understand themselves and others a little bit better, which we believe is hugely important for the wellbeing and learning of our pupils.”
Art teacher, Charlie Isgrove commented: “It was really great to have Dale with us leading the sessions. The teachers were able to help and learn too, and have quality time with the students. We were able to build positive relationships through lots of calm conversations. The pupils painted the murals on day one and then pulled them together and created the exhibition on day two.”
Mr Connelly, an artist and founder of Emotionally Well Communities, commented: “We are aiming to show this work in the community too to help start compassionate conversations – possible locations include Prettygate Library, Firstsite and an unused unit in Culver Square.
Other organisations named Compassionate Champions in Colchester include Greenstead Community Centre and Thompson Smith and Puxon solicitors.
