I WRITE in response to the excellent article by Libby Purves (TES, March 12) on Red Nose Day. As head of a Catholic school in Birmingham I share Jim Caffrey’s concerns regarding the destination of some of the funding raised through Comic Relief.
We held a non-uniform day last Friday which was much enjoyed by the 1,300 pupils and their teachers. We told parents that every penny raised would be donated to our approved Lenten charities. It is possible to combine principle and common sense. I suspect that the vast majority of Catholic schools have done just that by allowing their pupils to join in the fun while ensuring the proceeds go to the right causes.
Jim Foley
Headteacher
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic school
Wychall Lane, Kings Norton
Birmingham