Community Event

On Thursday, 1st December, we held the HHS Community Event. The idea for the event arose through discussions during the VCAL 'Pay It Forward' topic, as students wanted to provide our community with an opportunity to come together and have fun. 

This coincided with Freedom Healesville contacting Mr Rennick, offering to work together to do something to celebrate the life of Cheryle Carr, one of our beloved canteen mums. The Year 11 Business Students class also wanted to raise money for a plaque to commemorate Cheryle. 

With the support of Cheryle’s family, and the blessing from Jo, our canteen manager, the decision was made to plan and run a community event, to celebrate Cheryle's life.

The VCAL students, with Mr Rennick's support, were able to book an outside company to provide a series of 'rides' to complement the event.

 Daniel Cuthbertson, and his team from the Talbot Room, were in charge of making popcorn and fairy floss. Jo, and her amazing Canteen team, all volunteered their time and provided food and drinks, as well as a place to reflect upon Cheryle’s contribution to our community. 

 Monique, Lucas and Mrs Schoch met with Amy and Marley from Freedom and brainstormed some great ideas for setting up the event, and how we could commemorate Cheryle. Freedom then offered the use of their coffee van. 

The Business Studies students, under the guidance of Mrs Plunkett, organised donations from the local community, and along with the VCAL students they designed and organised the stalls. 

Daniel Glenn, Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Schoch did the paperwork and bookings necessary for the event, and Maddy and Karyn ensured the bills were paid and the posters and floats were ready to go.

The students worked hard to finish off the VCAL mini-golf course and assisted Danny and Mr Cross in building and decorating the chocolate toss, and make T-shirts for student helpers.

 Numerous balloons were blown up and boxes of prizes were sorted and organised. Permission was given by Andy for us to borrow Vera’s pool for the Lucky Duck stall, which didn’t have ducks.

 Wrist bands were designed and distributed, with Ms Yates dropping them off at Freedom and Healesville Primary School.

Ms Evans organised the rostering of the staff and students onto the events, ensuring the dunk tank was staffed. Many staff contributed to making this event a success, and we thank you for volunteering. 

As with any big event, the best organisation can be undone by factors out of your control. We made some pretty big changes at the last minute, moving most rides and stalls outside, and although this created a lot of last-minute work for the students, it worked out well in the end. 

The event was a huge success. There were many smiles and laughs, particularly at the Dunk Tank! As a bonus, we raised a substantial amount of money to donate to the Cancer Council, as well as funds for a plaque.

 I am extremely proud to have been able to be a part of our community coming together, as it was heart-warming to see local businesses, staff, students, a church group and primary school all celebrating together.

Mrs Schoch