This year, our school has demonstrated a commitment to community, with the Student Service Leadership Council (SSLC) and Service Learning activities driving meaningful initiatives that support local causes.

SSLC
This year, the Student Service Leadership Council (SSLC) chose to support the invaluable work of the Adelaide-based HAS Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children with life-limiting illnesses. Established by the Stratton family after their own tragic loss, the foundation is named in honour of their late son, Hunter Alfred Stratton. The HAS Foundation offers both financial and emotional support to these children and their families, helping them create joyful moments and lasting memories.

Throughout the year, three incredible events were held to raise awareness and funds for the foundation: Pyjama Day, a Bake Sale, and the Colour Run.

Pyjama Day – Term 2
In Term 2 Pyjama Day saw all students and staff arrive at school in their comfiest pjs and slippers. Donations of a gold coin or a children’s storybook were given in support of the organisation, with the story books being part of care packages for the children made up by the HAS Foundation.

Bake Sale – Term 3
Our bakers truly shone at the annual Bake Sale, where delicious homemade treats were sold during recess and lunchtime. The event was a huge success, raising $1,105! Students and staff had a wonderful time choosing from the spread of tasty treats, all while supporting the HAS Foundation.

Colour Run – Term 4
The Colour Run, the biggest SSLC event of the year, brought together grandparents, parents, and students for an exhilarating obstacle course winding around the school grounds. Participants joyfully navigated hurdles, tunnels, flags, and sprinklers, as volunteers covered them in vibrant clouds of powder, filling the air with shrieks of laughter. A silent auction added even more excitement, with families eagerly bidding on unique experiences like Principal for the Day, Wilbur Walkies, Movie Time, and Chicken Run. This event not only filled our school with colour and joy but also made a difference by supporting the HAS Foundation, helping to brighten the lives of those in need.

Service Learning
Service Learning is an integral part of our Project RISE learning framework and takes many forms across the year levels. At the end of Semester 1, we reflected on the many ways our students have been making a positive impact on the local community. They have continued to be actively engaged in various initiatives throughout the remainder of the year, finding ways to make a positive impact on the world and we are so proud of their efforts.

Meals on Wheels
During Easter, our Year 2 students participated in a community project in partnership with Meals on Wheels. They wrote heartfelt cards that were distributed to recipients through the Meals on Wheels service and this initiative will continue at Christmas too, with students creating more cards for local community members. Rev’d Tracey and a local Meals on Wheels representative spoke to the students about the vital role the organisation plays in supporting our community. Additionally, Reception students are contributing by painting wreaths for Christmas Poinsettia plants to be delivered to local residents.

Schools Tree Day
Schools Tree Day was celebrated by the Year 4s where they propagated native seeds to plant in our local community. They have been nurturing the seeds to give them a good start before they are planted towards the end of term.

Jumble Sale for Cancer Council
As part of their Mathematics and Entrepreneurial learning, Year 6 students collaborated in groups to design market stalls for their annual Jumble Sale. With stalls selling milkshakes, pet rocks, games, and cakes, the event raised an impressive $3,815 for the Cancer Council—an extraordinary effort by all involved!

Sustainable Celebrations
Currently, Year 3 students are exploring the theme of “Celebrations Around the World” as part of their inquiry unit. They are investigating how communities can hold special events in environmentally friendly ways. Students are engaging in hands-on service activities aligned with sustainability, recycling, and reusing during celebrations. Their actions may include cleaning the school yard, designing eco-friendly decorations, creating educational posters, or running campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable practices in celebrations.

It has been an inspiring year of service initiatives, and we are so proud of the positive impact our students have made in their communities. As we look toward 2025, we are excited to continue our commitment to service learning and community support.

Article shared by Kerry Ramsay, Head of Primary and Lisa Harris, Head of Teaching, Learning & Innovation