Boarding Update
Mrs Jeri Matheson, Head of Miller House
Boarding Update
Mrs Jeri Matheson, Head of Miller House
This term, our Boarders have embraced the spirit of giving back to the community through a diverse range of meaningful service initiatives. These opportunities not only allowed our Boarders to support those in need but also helped to reinforce the values of respect, courage, inclusiveness, resilience and commitment that are central to our Boarding culture.
Being a Boarder at Kinross Wolaroi School is a unique and enriching experience, one that our students recognise as a privilege. As a result, they are always more than happy to offer their time to give back to the broader community. These recent initiatives reflect just a few of the ways our Boarders are actively working to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and we are incredibly proud of their generosity and commitment to service. Their actions this term have not only supported important causes but have also helped to shape them into compassionate young people who understand the value of helping others.
The first initiative involved participation in the Red Shield Appeal through the annual door knock campaign. Our students formed small groups and were assigned designated areas within the local community. This experience gave the students a real sense of purpose and allowed them to actively contribute to a national cause that supports vulnerable Australians. It was also a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence, engage respectfully with members of the public, and work together as a team.
The second initiative focused on supporting a domestic violence charity, an organisation that is particularly close to our hearts, as it was founded by one of our former Girl Boarders. Students raised money through a Netball charity event to fund this initiative. The money raised was divided out between groups and students were provided with a list of essential personal care items to purchase, including toothbrushes, sanitary products, deodorant, and a handbag to package the items into. In small groups, our Boarders walked into town to purchase these goods, ensuring that the items were practical but also thoughtfully chosen. The students took great pride in their efforts, knowing that these items would go directly to individuals in need.
The third service engagement is the Hot Meals Outreach Program, a year-round service opportunity that our boarding community are committed to. Every few weeks, one of our boarding houses invites students to volunteer their time to serve hot take-out meals at the Orange Uniting Church. These meals are provided to members of the community who are experiencing hardship or disadvantage. This initiative is an incredibly humbling experience for our students. It not only allows them to engage directly with people from different walks of life but also fosters a deeper understanding of compassion and gratitude. The simple act of offering a warm meal and a kind word leaves a lasting impression, helping our Boarders grow into thoughtful, empathetic individuals.