CLC

30+ Year 9s in our C.L.C (Community Leadership Challenge) program spent yesterday at Carraragarmungee Primary School and Everton Primary School, for the 2nd time this year.

Our Year 9s did a superb job “giving back” - completing Working Bee jobs around the grounds, cooking a BBQ lunch for the youngsters, organising games and generally being “Big Buddies” for the day.

At Carraragarmungee P.S, our crew spread truckloads of gravel and bark chips around the yard, creating much improved walking areas and garden beds in high traffic areas, which made a huge difference. They were so committed, that when morning Recess came, we noticed a number of them (Milly O'Kane, Casey Sheppard, Jedda Driscoll, Archer Wilson) "continuing" through the break when they didn't need to.

Erin Collins was a standout, taking charge of the "Lunchtime Games", and instructing over a dozen juniors. She also taught 3 tiny girls how to make a Daisy Chain, and then those made her one which she wore around the rest of the day.

Milly O'Kane and Jedda Driscoll took charge of the BBQ without being prompted, cooking and serving up almost 100 sausages to the entire school. along with Casey Sheppard and Lily Byrne. Milly and Jedda then handled all of the clean up of the BBQ plate afterward.

There is always certain C.L.C students that the youngsters gravitate to, and at Carra it was Harrison Kelly,who was swarmed and followed by a posse of the senior boys. Cooper Lack struck up a relationship with a young boy who in the afternoon Circle Reflection, cited "making friends with Cooper" as his highlight of the day.

Everywhere we looked there were heartwarming scenes and smiling faces from both cohorts. Our kids even sang along with, complete with actions, an Auslan song at the end of the day. It was something else.

At Everton P.S, it was Indi Elliott who shone in the "Games" department, taking control and organising her own games for their kids. Amelia Harding also was highlighted for working like a Trojan.

Thanks to our kids, and the wonderful staff & students at both schools. We can’t wait to visit again in 2025 to continue this rewarding partnership.

The crew is now set for their Term 4 Volunteering every Wednesday.

Jud Mullins

CLC Coordinator