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
As conservation work continues on the Radcliffe Observatory, we were delighted to climb to the very top of the impressive scaffold and enjoy a unique perspective on this iconic landmark.
Along the way, we uncovered some fascinating details—and a few cheeky surprises—carved into parts of the stonework. ✨
These hidden marks offer a glimpse into the stories, craftsmanship, and personalities that have become part of the building’s rich history. Stay tuned as we continue to share more behind-the-scenes moments from this remarkable conservation project.
Congratulations to all of the @gtcball2026 survivors 🪼🫧🪸🧜🌊✨
From the ocean floor to the dance floor 🌊🪸🫧💙🧜 🐙🪼
We had an incredible evening at the Nautilus Ball! @gtcball2026
The Radcliffe Observatory is having a conservation makeover...
Behind the printed wrap is a complex network of poles and platforms, giving specialist teams access to every part of this remarkable building.
The Observatory is now undergoing a new phase of work that combines careful conservation of its historic fabric with major environmental upgrades.
Protecting one of Oxford`s most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 🏛️
Over the past week, we have celebrated the extraordinary Green Templeton community through events, volunteering, competitions, challenges and fundraising for student support. It has been wonderful to see alumni, fellows, supporters, friends, staff and students coming together to show our support for students.
From the Garden Party and the Photography Competition, to the Memory Wall and Biscuit Decorating Competition, the week has been filled with moments that reflect the warmth, inclusivity and spirit of our college.
Thank you to everyone who made a gift, attended an event, volunteered their time or followed along throughout the week. Together, we have raised over £65,000 for student support. These gifts will help students pursue opportunities, navigate financial pressures, participate fully in college life and thrive during their time at Oxford.
#ThankYou
#GivingWeek
#Fundraising
#StudentSupport
#Oxford
