Junior Deans use Annual Fund support to spread cheer to students and host art competition
Student welfare was front and centre of recent Annual Fund awarding which spread cheer over the festive period and beyond with a range of creative initiatives, including a winter art competition that attracted stunning entries.
Through the generosity of donors to Green Templeton College, the Annual Fund provides grants for academic-related activities and support for college life.
Funding was awarded to the Junior Deans – Hettie Davies, Charlotte Lee and Carlos Outeiral – to brighten up the holiday season, particularly for those students unable to take part in household group activities through reasons such as COVID-19 isolation, health or availability of others, and for those remaining in college accommodation over Christmas.
The Junior Deans put together bags of festive decorations to deliver to students in college accommodation over the festive period.
Bags of festive decorations and craft kits were delivered to students’ front doors to ensure those remaining in college accommodation knew the Welfare Team was looking out for them, and were available to be contacted at any time, and to increase festive spirit for those unable to see family or friends.
There was a further treat on Christmas Eve for students in college accommodation, with Carlos baking several festive treats that were delivered to students’ doors.
In parallel, funding was used for a complimentary candy cane service to allow Green Templeton students to send each other candy canes with randomly generated compliments, which were placed into pidges at The Lodge. The aim was to increase the sense of community and communication within college and instil a ‘check on your neighbour’ mentality.
Annual Fund support also helped towards the Junior Deans’ winter art competition, open to all current students. The prize was a hamper of self-care items sourced, where possible, from local shops.
The winner was Thomas Gordon-Colebrooke, who produced a series of four wildlife photographs, including the beautiful images on this page showing a festive robin and a pair of swans on the Thames.
Thomas Gordon-Colebrook won the winter art competition with a series of four photographs, including this festive shot of a robin
Another of Thomas Gordon-Colebrook’s winning photographs was this beautiful image of swans on the Thames
Finally, the financial aid allowed the Junior Deans to buy nearly 100 desk plants for GTC students in both college and private accommodation, which were either delivered to front doors or placed on a COVID-secure outside pick-up stand for people to collect.
The plants, purchased from a family-owned garden centre, originated from sustainable sources, and came in fully recyclable postage and packaging. The Junior Deans said they chose to distribute plants because plants have been shown to increase mental health and ‘self-care’.
Praise for the Junior Deans!
More than 360 students were involved in and benefitted from the initiatives all together, with some participating in multiple activities. Anonymous feedback included:
“This is so sweet. It really means a lot for us staying here in the holidays. I appreciate it a lot.”
“I’ve had a really stressful term and I really appreciate you giving us the chance to get involved with student activities again.”
“How sweet and thoughtful this is… Thank you for looking after us and all that you do.”
“As I’m remaining in Oxford last minute, I really appreciate the team thinking of those left behind unexpectedly after believing I’d be with family for Christmas.”
More information
Find out more about the Annual Fund.
The Junior Deans have undergone training in crisis control, pastoral support and confidentiality. They are a good point of contact for students unsure who to contact about specific college or university queries, and are often the first point of contact for students experiencing issues that affect their welfare. Contact the Junior Deans via jd@gtc.ox.ac.uk or +44(0)7868 185963.
More entries from the winter art competition
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- Submitted by Alexandra Pavliuc
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- Submitted by Greco Malijan
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- Submitted by Janina
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- Submitted by Rosemary Walmsley
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- Submitted by Thomas Gordon-Colebrooke
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- Submitted by Thomas Gordon-Colebrooke
🏅Beyond Gold four years running!
Green Templeton is delighted to have received yet another Beyond Gold in the Green Impact Awards. A true testament to the dedication and action of the college’s Sustainability Working Group 🌱
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Just one week to go until Community & Giving Week 2026.
From 20–26 June, we`ll be celebrating the people, generosity, support and sense of community that help students thrive during their time at Green Templeton.
Throughout the week, we`ll be sharing opportunities to join in the celebration along with challenges and highlights from across college on our stories.
Whether you`re a student, alum, fellow, staff member or friend of Green Templeton, there are plenty of ways to take part.
Follow along next week as we celebrate our global community and the difference it makes to student life.
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The college hosted some very exciting guests last week! @gtc_gcr invited some Alpacas (and a Llama!) to come in for a student wellness event. They were indeed a welcome distraction for all!
A huge congratulations to everyone from @greentempletonboatclub who took part in Summer Eights 2026.
The club fielded an impressive five crews across four days of racing on the Isis, demonstrating commitment, teamwork and determination in one of Oxford`s most iconic rowing events.
📸 Gareth Ardron Photography
