On Wednesday 14 July, we will be celebrating Caroline Chisholm Day.   Caroline Chisholm was the daughter of a pig farmer and was born in Wootton. She was a pioneering humanitarian who worked to support immigrant female, and family, welfare. Before starting her charitable work in Australia, she accompanied her husband to India where she established the Female School of Industry for the Daughters of European Soldiers. This provided the daughters with education in practical subjects, as well as reading and writing.

Following her endeavours in India, the work led by Caroline Chisholm in Australia was centred around providing shelter and support for the young female immigrants who struggled to find employment when they arrived in Australia. During the time she worked in Australia, she placed more than 11,000 people in housing and employment. I think you’d agree that this shows ambition, confidence and success!

This Caroline Chisholm Day, we are inviting our students to attend school in themed outfits on Wednesday 14 July (Monday 12 July for Year 6 students only) in exchange for a minimum donation of £1 to be paid via ParentPay. The mufti theme is connected to the countries Caroline Chisholm supported – Australia and India – and can be displayed through the colour of clothing they wear, or themed fancy dress. 

To tie in with Caroline Chisholm's links with India, all proceeds raised by the contributions of our parents and carers will be donated to CoLive, a coalition of major Indian charities aiming to provide support packages to villages, as well as creating hospital infrastructure and providing healthcare equipment, such as ventilators.