Tag Archive for: Yearbooks

Celebrating World Religion Day

World Religion Day will be observed this year on Sunday 18 January. It is a wonderful opportunity for schools across the country to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and encourage respect for different faiths and beliefs. In today’s multicultural society, helping children and young people appreciate the richness of world religions is an essential part of fostering empathy and inclusion.

 

What is World Religion Day?

World Religion Day was established in 1950 by the Bahá’í community to highlight the common values shared by all religions and to promote unity among people of different faiths. The day encourages dialogue and learning, reminding us that while beliefs may differ, principles such as kindness, compassion and respect are universal.

For schools, this day offers a chance to introduce pupils to the fascinating traditions, festivals, and practices of major world religions in an age-appropriate way. It’s not about teaching doctrine—it’s about nurturing curiosity and understanding.

 

Why is it important in education?

Children encounter diversity in their classrooms and communities every day. By learning about world religions, they can develop cultural awareness and tolerance—skills that will serve them throughout life. Discussing similarities and differences between faiths can also spark meaningful conversations about shared human values.

World Religion Day aligns perfectly with the RE curriculum and supports the broader goal of promoting British values such as mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

 

Student Planners: Helpful Resources

Boomerang’s Primary Planner includes a dedicated World Religions quick reference information page. This section provides concise summaries of the major faiths—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Judaism—along with key festivals and symbols.

Key dates for all the major faiths are included on the relevant diary pages in our Academic and Pocket Planners.

 

Final Thoughts

World Religion Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to celebrate unity in diversity. By incorporating activities and using resources like the Student Planners, pupils can develop understanding and respect for all faiths. Classrooms where curiosity thrives and every child feels valued.

 

Yearbooks

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Organise Your Leavers’ Yearbook

Now it’s the beginning of a new year and the academic year is moving on, it’s time to start planning one of the most treasured keepsakes for students: the leavers’ yearbook. Whether you’re a head student or part of the school staff, organising a yearbook now ensures you have plenty of time to create something truly memorable.

 

Why Start Now?

Yearbooks take time to design, gather content for, and approve. Starting early means:

  • no last-minute stress: collecting photos, quotes and messages can be time-consuming. Beginning now gives everyone time to contribute.
  • better quality: early planning allows for thoughtful layouts, proofreading and professional printing.
  • inclusive contributions: students and staff can share their memories without feeling rushed, ensuring the yearbook reflects the whole school community.

 

What to Include in a Great Yearbook

A yearbook should capture the spirit of the year and celebrate achievements. Below are some suggested sections.

  • Class and Year Group Photos: these are the heart of any yearbook, giving everyone a place in history.
  • Personal Profiles: short bios or fun facts about each student make the book personal and engaging.
  • Messages from Staff and Head Students: inspirational words and farewell notes add warmth and meaning.
  • Highlights of the Year: include photos and write-ups of key events – sports days, school trips, performances and charity fundraisers.
  • Awards and Achievements: celebrate academic successes, sporting triumphs and unique talents.
  • Fun Extras: maybe include “Most Likely To…” awards, memorable quotes, and candid photos for a touch of humour.
  • Looking Ahead: a section for future aspirations or advice for the next year group can make the yearbook forward-looking and inspiring.

 

Make It Special

Consider adding interactive elements like QR codes linking to videos of school events or digital photo galleries to make the yearbook even more engaging.

 

Start planning today to ensure your leavers’ yearbook is a cherished keepsake for years to come. It’s more than just a book – it’s a celebration of friendships, achievements, and unforgettable moments

 

Yearbooks

International Volunteer Day 2025: Celebrating the Spirit of Community and Kindness in Schools

Every year on 5 December, the world comes together to celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD)—a day dedicated to recognising the incredible contributions of volunteers and encouraging everyone to make a positive impact. For schools, this is a perfect opportunity to inspire students to embrace the values of kindness, community, and responsibility.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving time: it’s about building character and creating connections. When students volunteer—whether through charity events, peer mentoring, or environmental projects—they learn empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills that last a lifetime. These experiences shape confident, socially aware individuals ready to make a difference beyond the classroom.

 

Why Schools Should Celebrate IVD

International Volunteer Day offers schools a chance to showcase the amazing efforts of students and staff who go above and beyond. From organising food bank donations to supporting local causes, these acts of service deserve recognition. Celebrating IVD also encourages more students to get involved, fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration.

Ways to Mark the Day

  • Record your Work: use your student (and teacher) planners to track volunteer hours and achievements.
  • Yearbook Highlights: dedicate pages in your yearbook to feature inspiring stories of student volunteers and their impact.
  • Custom Hoodies for Helpers: order personalised hoodies for teams of volunteers, making them stand out even more in the community.
  • Organise a Celebration Assembly: this not only celebrates volunteers and their work but also makes them feel valued. Peers and colleagues can be motivated to follow their example.

The Lasting Impact

Volunteering teaches students that small actions can create big changes. By integrating volunteer recognition into school traditions—through planners, yearbooks, and hoodies—you reinforce the message that giving back is something to be proud of. It’s a simple yet powerful way to nurture a generation that cares.

This International Volunteer Day, celebrate the everyday heroes in your school and inspire future ones. Because when students learn the joy of helping others, they’re not just shaping their own future—they are shaping a better world.

 

Link to:

Primary Planner

Academic Planner

Yearbooks

Hoodies

Oodles