Empowering students @ Northcote

EMPOWER and CONTRIBUTE

In recent editions, we’ve introduced the Northcote Thrive Fund, which consists of five elements which help us to improve school spaces and resources, fund innovative programs and provide students, including those in need, with opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. In this final article for the year, we’d like to tell you about our EMPOWER fund, and in the spirit of our CONTRIBUTE element, recognise the team who have helped put this fund together.

We’re proud that as part of the Northcote Thrive Fund, we’ll be able to EMPOWER students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford basic education resources and that in doing this, we’re the first government school in Australia to approved by the Australian Taxation Office, for a tax deductible necessitous circumstances fund. Although the overall socio-economic status of our school community has increased, many families need assistance to pay for basic school items. Tax deductible donations to this fund will allow the school to purchase uniforms, books and travel cards for students in need, so they can participate equally at school and not be disadvantaged by financial status.

“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world for one person.” Paul Shane Spear

We all know that financial contributions allow schools to improve amenity and services for students. However, there are equally important non-financial contributions that many make in terms of time and effort. We’ve acknowledged this by adding a fifth element – CONTRIBUTE, and will be recognising community members’ voluntary contributions via our new school website coming in 2018, and upcoming newsletters.

A very special thank you to our Principal Kate Morris, who created and launched the Northcote Thrive Fund, supported by her leadership, admin and finance teams at Northcote High, Martin Hughes (school council president) and many of our school council members, and talented parent contributors including Liza Grage-Perry (school council vice president) who achieved ATO approval for our EMPOWER fund.

We invite you to DONATE to Northcote Thrive Fund when making your annual ESLI (Essential Student Learning Items) payment, and you can also make Ad Hoc donations via our school web page. Please contact our Finance Manager, Richard Wang, to set up ongoing or specific purpose donations. Donations to our EMPOWER Fund are tax deductible.