Thanks to the generosity of our Form 8 students and their families, Clippers in Motion has made a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of children and families facing challenging times.   Proceeds from the Form 8 Prom, held in July, enabled the donation of a PlayStation 5 to Casa Ronald McDonald at Hospital de São João, Porto.   Recently, Mrs Perdigão and Mrs Reis visited Casa Ronald McDonald to present the donation and learn more about the invaluable support the organisation provides to families of children receiving treatment at Hospital de São João and IPO. It is a small gesture that we hope will bring many smiles and brighten the days of those who need it most.   We extend our sincere thanks to all Form 8 students, now in Form 9, and their families for making this donation possible. Through their generosity and community spirit, they have helped bring comfort and smiles to children and families when they need it most. Together, we continue to make a positive impact beyond the CLIP community.

The 2025–26 academic year was another remarkable one for Clippers in Motion, as students, staff, and families came together to transform compassion into action, raising almost €29,000 through a wide range of fundraising initiatives and community projects.    The year's biggest fundraising milestone was the Christmas Bazaar, which generated an impressive €10,600. This was complemented by several other successful events, including Valentine’s Roses, Halloween Candy Boxes, the Form 8 Prom, Lower School plays, Pyjama Day, and second-hand book and uniform sales. Together, these initiatives demonstrated the strength of the CLIP community and its commitment to making a positive difference.    The funds raised supported several trusted charitable organisations, including ATACA, GASPORTO, Ajuda com Sentido, Ajudaris, Vivanimal, The Salvation Army, Porto Solidário, Fundação Alberto Canedo, IPO, and Mundos de Vida. During the year, Clippers in Motion also established new partnerships with Make-A-Wish, Casa Ronald McDonald Porto, Patinhas Sem Lar, and Fundação Allamano, further expanding its impact and reach.    Beyond fundraising, Clippers in Motion continued to promote active citizenship and community engagement. Students took part in volunteering opportunities with Ajudaris, gaining first-hand experience of the value and importance of giving back to others.    Another highlight was the continuation of the Intergenerational Project, which connects CLIP students with residents of Casa Maior (Porto) through handwritten letters. The exchange culminated in a special visit by students and the CLIP Harvest Band, allowing participants to meet their penfriends in person and experience the meaningful connections built through their correspondence.    These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of the Clippers in Motion team and the unwavering support of the wider school community. As the programme looks ahead to another year of service and solidarity, it remains committed to finding new ways to support meaningful causes and strengthen community connections. 

Despite significant disruptions caused by floods at the start of the academic year, the Kukula-CLIP programme has reported a successful return to activities, supporting dozens of children in their learning and development.    Between 30 March and 15 May, a total of 40 children attended educational support sessions at the Missionary House, where they received academic guidance, mentorship and access to a safe and stimulating environment. Programme coordinators highlighted the children’s strong motivation and enthusiasm to re-engage with learning after the difficult start to the term. Of the 40 children supported, 27 were girls and 13 boys, with an average age of 9.1 years. Over the course of the term, the programme delivered 32 educational support sessions and distributed 634 snacks, contributing both to academic support and student wellbeing. The initiative reported notable improvements in participants' academic performance, underscoring the value of targeted early intervention.  In Portuguese, the average grade rose from 6.23 to 11.1, while in Mathematics, it increased from 7.38 to 11.8. According to programme organisers, these gains reflect not only the structured support provided but also the sustained efforts of the children, their families and the educational team.    Coordinators emphasised that the programme’s impact extends beyond traditional academic metrics. At this stage of development, the focus is on building confidence, independence, and teamwork skills, as well as encouraging resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges.    “Learning at this age is about much more than grades,” the team noted, pointing to the importance of fostering personal and social development alongside academic progress.    Following the conclusion of the term, participants began a scheduled school break in line with the academic calendar. Activities resumed on 1 June, marking the start of a new phase of learning and continued support.    The programme also recognised the ongoing contribution of CLIP, whose support has been instrumental in maintaining access to educational opportunities for the children involved. Organisers expressed their gratitude, highlighting that continued investment in early education is critical to shaping future outcomes for young learners.