International & Regional Engagement

Round Square Community Service: Report from Camps Week

“We make a living by what we get but make a life by what we give.”

Winston Churchill’s quote strongly resonated with the members of our Community Service team, as we spent the week exploring ways to contribute to our community. It was undoubtedly a week filled with fun and joy, but most importantly, a sense of gratitude as we discovered the struggles experienced by many in society, and then the ways we can contribute to making a difference. Through a variety of activities where we were challenged to interact with members of the community, we realized that simply lending someone a helping hand is sometimes the best way to elicit a positive response and put a smile on their face.

We came to understand the importance of work that occurs away from the public eye, making a huge contribution to the lives of others. By putting on our aprons and (imaginary) chefs’ hats, Monday saw us partake in a variety of cooking activities, where we made a range of dishes that were packed and donated to the Hot Meals Outreach, an initiative that provides weekly meals for those less fortunate. With an upcoming visit to the Wontama Residential Aged Care in mind, we also prepared a delicious assortment of food to share with the residents for afternoon tea.

A break from the kitchen was very well deserved, as we split our team in half and took turns venturing downtown. We visited three of the local Op shops, and were fortunate enough to purchase an item, or an entire outfit for some, which were to be worn to our afternoon tea at Wontama the following day.

For the duration of Tuesday morning, we continued our cooking whilst also making our own candles, blocks of soap and lip balm, which were additionally gifted to the Wontama residents. We then spent the afternoon meeting the residents and learning small amounts about one another. It was lovely to have to opportunity to spend time with those who have already walked in our shoes, as we shared stories and listened to life advice which the residents were kind enough to provide.

The teachers challenged us on Wednesday with the schedule including a day in town, where we were given a budget from which we had to buy supplies that could be donated to the local Food Care facility. While some of us were slightly hesitant to participate in the next activity, we are proud to say we completed (and thoroughly enjoyed) random acts of kindness within the community. While it was initially uncomfortable to approach people who we were not familiar with, and offering to assist them in some way, our team eventually found a rhythm which allowed us to identify those who required help more than others, as well as how to provide it when they agreed to our assistance. Through completing this activity, not only were we able to brighten someone’s day, but we found ourselves realising just how fortunate we are and recognising how this fact should compel us to return the good fortune, at every opportunity. 

Personally, I believe the most important part of the entire week was on Wednesday afternoon when I returned home. I was greeted by a loving family and many items to provide me comfort. My week completing community service challenged me to see that the way I choose to live my life should be guided by my gratitude for what I have been, and continue to be, given. 

By doing something for another, at every opportunity, I can serve my community in some small way. This ‘call to service’ was heard very loudly and clearly during our week of Community Service and helped us all to appreciate Winston Churchill’s words that ‘…we make a life by what we give’.

Alice Scholte – Year 9

Round Square Dragon Boating

Students are required to register via the student emails on the flyer and following registration they will be given a permission note. 

With the addition that parents are welcome to stay and watch.