Pastoral Care
This week I had the pleasure of spending quality time with our students volunteering for a range of activities that helped others within our local community.
On Wednesday over 30 students and 6 staff gave up their lunch time and recess to help cook for CAREVAN. This is the largest group by far that we have had and the enthusiasm of all involved is a joy to behold. We welcomed many volunteers for the first time and our younger students worked in small groups with year 10 and 11 C.AT members; having the opportunity to socialise and interact with students from other year groups whilst learning about a vital community service.
This small act of kindness was repeated today when 5 students joined me after school to complete a beautification of a garden for a family who were currently experiencing personal hardship due to illness.
This year changes in service provider processes unfortunately meant we have not been able to provide assistance with packing meals for “Meals on Wheels”. However, when their request came wanting assistance the students did not hesitate to volunteer; even though we were not fully aware of what was required. It was hoped that a garden makeover could be completed before the ill family member returned from extended medical treatment in Sydney and bring some happiness to what has been a dark period. Within a space of an hour we managed to level a backyard of soil, distribute and lay mulch as well as mow lawns; awesome effort indeed. The students enjoyed the chance to make a positive difference and opportunities such as this reinforces the connection to what they learn about faith and Christian teaching and values. The students were putting their faith into action by undertaking service for others; expecting nothing in return.
Not everyone has the ability to be neither an elite athlete nor an academic genius but within us all is the potential to be the best person we can possibly be…………………..and most of all, to be kind to others.
Happy holidays
Regards Sue Hone (Pastoral Care Worker)