Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner announces winner of his Christmas Card competition at Pinewood School

‘Kindness at Christmas’ was the theme of Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards annual Christmas card competition this year.

After an inspiring visit to Pinewood School in Ware, the Commissioner decided to partner exclusively with Pinewood School, which is a specialist SEN setting, for pupils with Learning Difficulties, Autism and Speech, Language and Communication needs.

The competition invited students to create artwork on the theme of Kindness at Christmas, celebrating compassion, community and the small acts that make a big difference during the festive season. Over 100 thoughtful and creative designs were submitted, with four exceptional entries shortlisted for the final decision.

Jonathan visited the school again this week to surprise the winning artist, and the runners up, with a prize and to thank everyone who took part in the competition.

Jonathan said he chose to work solely with Pinewood School this year after being inspired by his visit in the summer:

“The ethos of Pinewood School is that every pupil is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and aspirations and during my visit to Pinewood School, I was struck by the warmth, creativity and enthusiasm of the students. The school has worked hard on creating a learning space where pupils feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn and the sense of community and kindness I felt when visiting this year made partnering with them for this year’s Christmas card competition an easy choice. The theme of ‘Kindness at Christmas’ reflects the values they live every day and something we can all be inspired by.”

The winning artwork, designed by Drew, will feature on the PCC’s official Christmas card, sent to local partners, charities, community groups and policing colleagues

across Hertfordshire. The runners up, Sophie, Lady-Tyra and Punandi, were also presented with a certificate and prize.

Jonathan added:

“The entries were truly fantastic, and I’m grateful to every student who took part. Their artwork captures the spirit of Christmas in a way that is uplifting and heartfelt, and choosing a winner was incredibly difficult. All the entries were outstanding, and 4 really stood out. However, Drew’s artwork really caught my eye. I’ve included the runners-up on the back of the card because I wanted to share their talent as well. My thanks also go to the staff at Pinewood School for supporting this festive tradition.”

For more information please contact:

Rachel Stone, Hertfordshire PCC

Tel: 07949279782 Email: [email protected]

Please visit our website at: www.hertscommissioner.org