Our SSLC were inspired to support a charity which has a personal connection to our community.

Supporting a charity for the year
Each year, our Student Service Leadership Council (SSLC) have the opportunity to select a charity to support through various fundraising and awareness initiatives. Students are encouraged to nominate charities they believe align with the values of our school community. We aim to support a local Adelaide-based charity—ideally a smaller organisation—where our contributions can have a meaningful impact.

Once nominations are submitted, students come together to learn about the charities, discuss their missions, and reflect on how the school community might support them. A voting process then follows to determine the final charity our school will support for the year.

Their chosen charity – Lion Hearts Learning
This year, students chose to support a charity that holds deep personal significance within their cohort, Lion Hearts Learning.

It is an Adelaide-based charity dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by cancer, as well as children with low immunity due to serious health challenges. Founded in 2017 by Jo Phillips and Matthew Townsend after their daughter Codee-Jo was diagnosed with leukaemia, the charity provides a safe, germ-free, and nurturing space for children aged 2 to 5 to learn, play, and grow while undergoing treatment.

For our school community, this charity is particularly meaningful. Maddie, one of our students, attended Lion Hearts Learning when she was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma – a rare childhood cancer. During her countless hospital visits, surgeries, and treatments, Lion Hearts Learning gave Maddie the chance to experience some normality, socialise with other children, and continue learning in a safe environment. It also provided her family with respite and the understanding support of a community who had walked the same journey.

Maddie’s mum Monique, describes Lion Hearts Learning as “a club that no one wants to be in, but no one else understands what you are going through quite like the people who created it.” She shared that it not only supported Maddie’s learning and social needs during treatment but also made her eventual transition to school much smoother.

Today, Maddie continues to inspire others. Recently, she was invited to speak at the Blood Donor Centre, where she confidently shared her story and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Her strength and positivity are a testament to the difference Lion Hearts Learning can make.

Maddie was the one who suggested the SSLC choose Lion Hearts this year, remembering fondly how much it helped her and how much it meant to her family.

When her classmates heard her story it made a powerful impact. It helped students truly understand how meaningful a charity’s work can be in the lives of others. Motivated by this personal connection and inspired by their friend’s courage, the students were united in their decision to support Lion Hearts Learning throughout the year.

 

Developing skills to fundraise
Through the planning and organisation of charity events, students gain a wide range of valuable, real-world skills. They work collaboratively to decide which activities will best suit our school community, helping ensure the success of each event. Along the way, they develop marketing skills by creating promotional materials and advertising events across the school.

Students also learn the importance of communication and teamwork as they work closely with Mrs Ramsay, meet deadlines, and follow through on their assigned roles.

Taking the lead to gain support
For our recent Bingo Night and Silent Auction, a small group of students took the initiative to visit local businesses along Jetty Road to seek donations. This experience allowed them to develop outstanding communication skills and personal confidence. From walking into a shop and asking to speak with a manager, to explaining the purpose of their visit, responding to unexpected questions, and handling polite rejections—they embraced every part of the process with maturity and resilience.

 

Fundraising Events
So far this year, we’ve enjoyed three fun-filled fundraising events in support of Lion Hearts Learning.

• Pyjama Day – the whole school kicked off the fundraising effort dressed in cosy pjs for the day. Warm and toasty for the winter weather, together the students raised an incredible $770!
• Bake Sale – this ever popular event was a huge success. As usual, we were overwhelmed by the number of generous donations of baked goodies. Students and staff alike indulged in a sweet treat—or two, or three!—raising a fantastic $879.
• Bingo Night – a brand-new event for the SSLC this year was our much-anticipated Bingo Night and Silent Auction. Families of all ages arrived with platters of food and snacks to share, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The room buzzed with excitement as our fabulous Bingo caller, Mr Mesecke, got everyone playing. Meanwhile, the Silent Auction sparked some friendly competition, with families outbidding one another in an effort to secure highly sought-after prizes. Altogether the night made an astounding $7500.  
• The Plunge – Four fearless teacher, one towering building and one giant leap to support kids with cancer. Our brave staff are stepping up to be suspended in the name of charity. Each staff member needs to raise $850 to take The Plunge. Donate here.

 

Thank you for your donation
Thank to those who have donated across the various fundraising events, including those business who contributed to the Bingo Night silent auction. If you would like to make a contribution you can donate to our latest event, The Plunge. 

By supporting Lion Hearts Learning, the SSLC hope to help more children and families find the same sense of safety, belonging, and hope that Maddie experienced.