Hope at Marian College Ararat

In 2012 the Marian College Year 12 cohort took it upon themselves to look into the possibility of supporting an ongoing charity or foundation. From their research they came upon the Co-Id Foundation created by Fred Hyde, that builds and operates kindergartens and schools on the Island of Bhola, Bangladesh. This foundation is 100% not for profit with 100% of donations going to the operations of the schools and kindergartens. That year, the students raised the funds to have a kindergarten built and since then, the school has maintained the financial support to continue the operation of ‘our’ kindergarten. 

The funds were raised through what we like to call, ‘Fred Hyde Friday’. This day occurs in Term 3 each year where the current Year 12 cohort organise and run a Fete Day. 

The grand finale of the day ‘Marian’s Got Talent’ is always special.  Students from across all year levels perform acts of all descriptions from singing to comedy, dance to acrobatics.  There are two categories of winners; the judges' choice and the people's choice, voted by the crowd. 

Fred Hyde Friday has always highlighted the values of all Kildare Ministries schools, and in particular the value of Hope.  

Firstly, hope for the students of our kindergarten.  We as a school have travelled their journey with them through flood, drought and the pandemic that affected the world. We have received photos of students walking along flooded roads to get to school and heard stories of teachers walking from house to house to deliver school supplies during the pandemic. 

Secondly, hope for our students.  Fred Hyde Friday allows an opportunity for our school community to understand the value of supporting others that are less fortunate.  As many of you may know, Ararat is a low socio-economic area of Victoria. Many of our students come from low income families and yet each year they give so generously to raise the funds to keep their ‘kinder’ open. So much in fact, that we have a surplus of funds that has helped when outside influences have occurred causing the fundraising day to be cancelled, such as the pandemic in 2020. 

Each year, as part of our Year 12 Retreat in term one, the incoming cohort are challenged with finding a way to use some of the previously raised funds as an ongoing expansion of spreading hope to others. This year I am proud to say that the group unanimously decided that the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project was their choice.  After a conversation with Sr. Brigid earlier this year, a donation was made to support the continued works that BASP does. 

To say I am proud would be an understatement. Each year the baton is taken up by the incoming cohort with enthusiasm and a desire to help others. Next year the group will be encouraged to support Wellsprings for Women or Saltbush. This too fills me with hope. 

Matthew Summers 

Acting Principal 

Marian College