Service Learning

Standing tall  for Service

It has been an incredible three weeks for Service Learning events and activities.  Service remains a central pillar of our school’s identity, closely aligned with our motto of Wisdom, Grace and Service. 

On St George's Day, students were provided with opportunities to develop empathy, awareness and a strong sense of community, while contributing in both practical and impactful ways. From raising awareness to hands-on initiatives, our students embraced the opportunity to give back with enthusiasm and care.

St Bart’s Homeless Appeal

Our Year 7 students engaged in a meaningful and hands-on introduction to service through their partnership with St Bart’s Homeless Appeal. Students rotated through a range of activities, including a homelessness awareness quiz, the creation of awareness posters, and writing thank you cards for volunteers. These activities encouraged students to reflect on the realities of homelessness and the importance of compassion within our community.

A key component of the day involved students sorting and organising donated items for the St Bart’s Homelessness Appeal, including toiletries, bedding and essential household goods. This hands-on experience allowed students to see the direct impact of their contributions and understand the importance of providing dignified support.

It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and care shown by the Year 7 cohort as they began their service-learning journey.

Foodbank WA Donation Drive

Our Year 8 students participated in a highly engaging and impactful Foodbank WA Donation Drive, combining both education and action to support those experiencing food insecurity. Students completed a Foodbank quiz, building their understanding of the challenges many Australians face due to the rising cost of living. This was followed by a Foodbank WA overview session, where students explored real statistics and stories that highlighted the importance of food support.

Students then applied their learning in a practical way by sorting and organising donated food items, preparing them for distribution. In total, the cohort collected an impressive 69.78kg of food (as well as more items donated later on the day), making a meaningful contribution to those in need.

In addition, students created thank you cards for Foodbank volunteers, recognising the vital role they play in supporting the community.

The Year 8 cohort demonstrated excellent teamwork, awareness and generosity throughout the day

 Anglicare WA visit

Our Year 9 students participated in an engaging and thought-provoking session with Anglicare WA, focusing on advocacy, charity and service learning. Students heard from guest speakers, gaining valuable insight into real-life experiences and the work Anglicare does to support vulnerable members of our community. These conversations helped build empathy and encouraged students to think more deeply about social issues.

In the second half of the session, students worked collaboratively on an advocacy-based group activity, exploring how they can raise awareness and contribute to positive change.

Alongside this, students supported a Sock Drive, donating new socks to Anglicare WA – a simple but highly needed item that provides comfort and dignity to those experiencing homelessness.  It was fantastic to see the Year 9 cohort engage with maturity and curiosity, demonstrating a growing understanding of their role in creating change.

Lapathon for Starlight

Our Year 10 students brought energy and enthusiasm to their Lap-a-thon fundraiser in support of the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Held at Wellington Square, students walked, jogged and ran laps to raise both funds and awareness for seriously ill children across Australia. The event was filled with encouragement, House spirit and a strong sense of community. The highest number of laps completed was 30 laps by Leo Busch, while the event also saw outstanding participation across the entire cohort.

Funds raised will go towards supporting Starlight’s programs, which bring joy, laughter and hope to children during difficult times. Our Anglicare Ambassadors will continue to follow up with families to finalise donations so we can have a final tally by the end of the term.

The Lap-a-thon was a fantastic example of how physical activity, teamwork and service can come together to create a meaningful impact.

Gratitude and service in action

Our Year 11 students engaged in a reflective and purposeful Service-Learning experience centred around gratitude and everyday acts of service. During Period 5, students took time to write heartfelt thank you cards to individuals who have positively impacted their lives, including family members, mentors and role models. This provided a valuable opportunity for students to pause and express appreciation in a meaningful way.

Students were then dismissed to complete a self-selected act of service at home or within their community. These acts included supporting family members through tasks such as cooking, cleaning and assisting with daily responsibilities. This approach recognised the busy nature of Year 11, while reinforcing the idea that even small acts of service can have a meaningful impact.

Self-led service learning

Our Year 12 students concluded their St George’s Day experience through a self-led Service-Learning activity, taking their learning beyond the school environment and into their own communities.

Following an early dismissal, students completed a self-selected act of service, contributing positively within their homes or local communities.

This initiative encouraged independence, responsibility and initiative, allowing students to reflect on how they can continue to embody service in their everyday lives as they approach the conclusion of their schooling.

It was fantastic to see the Year 12 cohort embrace this opportunity with maturity and a strong commitment to giving back.

We are incredibly proud of all students from Year 7 to 12 for the enthusiasm, compassion and generosity displayed throughout St George’s Day. These experiences not only provide opportunities to give back but also play a vital role in shaping students into empathetic, community-minded and socially aware individuals. 

Thank you to our staff and families for your continued support in making this day such a meaningful and successful celebration of service within our school community.

Pilgrimage Walk of Joy 2026

Yesterday, to conclude another meaningful period of Service and Reflection at St George’s, a group of 40 students and five staff members took part in the Pilgrimage Walk of Joy 2026 – a powerful experience centred on connection, faith and community.

Our students and staff joined the pilgrimage at Christ Church Grammar School, walking the final leg of the journey alongside Bishop Hans and other Anglican school communities across Perth. This year’s walk covered approximately 15 km, requiring both physical endurance and a strong sense of commitment, as students walked together along the river into the city.

Throughout the day, students were encouraged to reflect on the purpose of the pilgrimage, not just as a physical journey, but as a shared experience grounded in service, unity and faith. Walking side by side with students from other schools created a strong sense of connection, highlighting the wider Anglican community of which St George’s is a part.

Upon arrival back in the city, students gathered at 441 Murray Street for a well-earned break before making their way through the school to the William Street rooftop, where Bishop Hans led a final reflection. This moment provided a meaningful opportunity to pause, take in the experience, and consider the significance of the journey they had just completed.

In addition to the daytime walk, three of our students represented the school at the evening service at St George’s Cathedral, joining other Anglican schools to mark the conclusion of the pilgrimage. This service served as a fitting end to the experience, bringing together all participants in a shared moment of reflection and celebration.

What stood out most throughout the day was the way our students approached the experience – demonstrating resilience, respect and a genuine willingness to be part of something bigger than themselves. The positive attitude shown across the group, particularly over such a long distance, was something to be incredibly proud of.

The Pilgrimage Walk of Joy continues to be a significant and meaningful part of our Service-Learning program, offering students a unique opportunity to reflect, connect and grow. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, faith and shared purpose within our school.

Miss Sadie Yoxall

Head of Service Learning & Camp Programs