YEAR 7 STUDENTS EMBRACE COMPASSION

Year 7 students embrace compassion:  A heart warming experience

Our Year 7 students have spent the term embarking on a journey of kindness and compassion that has truly highlighted the spirit of giving within our school community. Over the past few weeks, Year 7s have participated in a series of thoughtful activities designed to spread goodwill and make a positive impact on those around them. One of the standout features of these activities was "Compassion Bingo," a unique game that swapped traditional bingo numbers for squares filled with compassionate actions. This engaging activity encouraged students to complete various acts of kindness, from writing notes of appreciation to helping others in need. 

In addition to Compassion Bingo, students engaged in several meaningful activities across the community. They hosted an afternoon tea for members of Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and our school Wellbeing staff, showing appreciation for their dedicated service. Students also contributed by washing a paramedic's car, an ambulance, and assisting Mildura Police with preparing showbags for a Police Careers Expo. These tasks not only provided practical support but also offered a chance for students to reflect on the importance of their contributions. Students also visited Jacaranda Village, where they participated in fun exercise games with aged care residents, fostering positive intergenerational connections. They also enjoyed time at Red Cliffs East Primary School, reading and playing games with Prep and Grade 1 students. Others reached for gardening gloves and visited Benetook Farms, supporting with the harvesting of their crops for an upcoming market and preparing garden beds for the next season, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.

This series of compassion activities has not only enriched our students’ understanding of compassion but also strengthened their connection to the community. Students took pride in their efforts to help others. "I felt proud when I was helping the little kids to read and play games," noted one participant. This sentiment was echoed by another who observed, "Even though it might be small to us, it can be really big for them (others), so just appreciate the little things." The genuine joy of helping others was a common theme, with one student stating, "It made me feel happy because I was helping others."

It’s inspiring to see how our Year 7 students have embraced the values of empathy and generosity, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. A special thank you to Mr. Dmitri Milde and Mrs. Stacey Milde whose organisation and co-ordination ensured our students were able to engage in such meaningful activities. Thank you also to all the students and community members who participated and supported these initiatives. Your contributions have made a significant difference, and we look forward to continuing this journey of compassion and care together. 

Mrs. Jennifer Chatfield

Junior School Leader