Local schools were given more than $17,300 of school supplies this week as part of a campaign launched by Support Public Schools Bermuda.

In addition to the new supplies, schools also received an array of good-quality second-hand office supplies from “wish lists”, provided by teachers, of items to improve the classroom experience.

This year’s wish lists included items such as fidget chair bands, electric sharpeners, board games, Stem kits, geometry sets, laminators and sand timers.

Juliana Snelling, SPS founder and main organiser, said this week’s deliveries were the second of the 2025-26 school year and thanked those who have supported the initiative to help the schools.

She said: “Our motivation in founding SPS, and a mission to which our entire team remains committed, is to ensure that Bermuda’s young students have the instructional resources they need to thrive in a stimulating, creative and fun school environment.

“The entire community has a vested interest in putting education first and providing every opportunity we can to help shape our future leaders.

“Our twice-yearly deliveries contribute to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes, and we are always grateful for the many letters of thanks and appreciation we receive from principals, teachers and students.”

Butterfield Bank was highlighted as the most generous supporter of SPS since its inception, purchasing $10,000 of goods to fulfil public school teachers’ wish lists.

The Bermuda Bar Association has also pledged to step up to support the drive, announcing that its annual walk on June 11 will help to raise funds for SPS for the third consecutive year.

Richard Horseman, former bar association president, said: “Many law firms and lawyers have their own charitable programmes and give back in their own way, but the members and the Bar Council felt that it was important to organise this event to recognise the bar association’s commitment to helping those in need, particularly Bermuda’s youth.

“Support Public Schools is an extremely worthy recipient of this year’s event. A quality education is critical in preparing Bermudian students for future success, and SPS is assisting this need by providing resources teachers and students need for a well-rounded education.”

The Bermuda Monetary Authority was also highlighted for its donation of 12 cases of paper for public schools.

Mesheiah Keane, the BMA’s chief operations officer, thanked the SPS for its work helping schools and their students, stating: “It is truly our pleasure to continue supporting this important work.

“We value the collaboration and the positive impact that SPS has in strengthening public education. We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to continue making our contributions in a way that helps in advancing these efforts.”

Other generous supporters this year include a repeat $5,000 donation from Deloitte, as well as donations from Argus, Butterfield & Vallis, Legal & General Re, Challenger Banks Ltd, the Bermuda Public Services Union, Belco, Catalina Holdings, EY, Expertise Group Limited, MS Reinsurance, Catalina Re, Canterbury Law Limited, the BEDC, Chubb and Everen.

Sport in public schools was promoted by a repeat gift of footballs by Frankie Jr and Susana Brewster, of the ProShop, while Chubb donated coffee mugs for public school teachers.

Gladstone Thompson, principal of St David’s Primary, thanked SPS and its donors for helping to uplift and strengthen public education in Bermuda.

He said: “Through your advocacy, resources and generosity, you help ensure that our public schools remain places where children can learn, grow and thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.

“We are deeply thankful for the role you play in championing educational equity and excellence. Your efforts not only enhance learning opportunities for students but also inspire educators to continue their work with renewed purpose and confidence, knowing that our community stands behind us.

Todd Fox, principal at Francis Patton Primary School, also expressed his gratitude for the donations, saying: “Your kindness and continued support to provide valuable resources that enrich our students’ educational experiences are truly appreciated.

“We are grateful for your commitment to our school community and for making such a positive difference. The teachers and students of Francis Patton School sincerely appreciate your generosity and ongoing partnership.”

• For more information, including how to donate, visitSPS.bmor email spsteam@sps.bm