Raising money and awareness for those less fortunate

Every day in Middle School, we are reminded of the remarkable efforts of our students. Whether it's a teacher, mentor, Head of House, admin staff, canteen worker or maintenance team member, someone is always noticing and celebrating the great things our students are doing. Staff are endlessly proud of the incredible actions these inspiring young people take daily. In this newsletter, I want to shine a light on the selfless initiatives each House has undertaken to raise awareness or funds for causes close to their hearts.

Bill and Melinda Gates are often acknowledged for their substantial charitable contributions, yet they also face criticism, as high achievers sometimes do, for not giving ‘enough’. The truth is, they have changed the world – and they didn’t have to. They could have simply enjoyed their success. Similarly, our students are busy, vibrant and involved members of our community, they are not required to raise money for charity, host bake sales, organise events or sell goods for a cause. But they do – because they want to, and because they care.

In Middle School, we support a wide range of meaningful causes, from Pride Week to the recent R U OK? Day. At the end of each school year, we bring in gifts for Baptcare, write cards for those who may not receive presents and volunteer at aged care facilities. At our various sporting events we cook barbeques, sell drinks and most recently, at Athletics, raise money for Guide Dogs Victoria (pictured above). Each House is connected to a specific charity, and our annual Chapel Services in Term 1 and 2 offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase and highlight these important causes.

Dunshea has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Cancer Council and Baptist World Aid, while Fullard has partnered with the Stroke Foundation, not only raising money but also raising awareness of stroke risk factors. Gadsden has continued its long-standing relationship with Baptcare, and Hickman has encouraged support for Homie, a not-for-profit clothing brand that aids young people affected by homelessness and hardship. Moore has remained committed to building houses with Habitat for Humanity, proudly carrying on Mr Warmbrunn’s legacy through their ongoing work in the Philippines. Newnham has focussed on raising funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Foundation, and Sutton has partnered with other Houses to support the Afghan Women’s Organisation, while also continuing their efforts with the Hwange Schools Project in Zimbabwe. Steele draws inspiration from Save the Children, and Tranter has highlighted the ongoing impact of Leprosy on marginalised and impoverished communities.

All of our Houses have worked tirelessly and selflessly to nurture strong, positive relationships with their chosen charities. However, I want to highlight the outstanding efforts of Cartwright in support of the Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria. The Cartwright students and staff organised numerous charity events with the goal of funding a three-day camping adventure at Toonallook for a group of newly arrived Afghan girls and women. Not only did they raise the necessary funds, but they also profoundly impacted the lives and futures of these girls and women. The trip was a great success, and we are incredibly proud of the remarkable work achieved by Cartwright’s staff and students.

The Middle Schoolers continue to surprise us and inspire us. What will they do next?

Harry Dendle
Deputy Head of Middle School – Student Wellbeing