Carey students, in pyjamas, are coming down the stairs: 20 years of PJ Days in the ELC

In 2004, an envelope from Melbourne City Mission landed on my desk. They were launching an initiative called Homeless Not Helpless, aimed at kindergartens and lower primary schools to raise awareness and funds for Melbourne’s homeless community through a PJ Day for the children. It piqued my interest: Carey has such a strong commitment to social justice and many ways of supporting different causes and organisations throughout the School, but nothing yet in the ELC. It was a relatable and concrete way to bring the issue of homelessness to the children’s attention, and grab the rest of the School’s attention. So, we went with it, and this year marks our 20^th year of supporting Melbourne City Mission and educating our students about homelessness and ways they and their families can contribute to improving the lives of those less fortunate than them.

In the early years, we asked families to donate colour cash and we developed a money graph of how much we raised each year, encouraging families to contribute to the cause. As of this year, through the Kew ELC PJ Days alone, Carey parents and staff have contributed over $10,700 for Melbourne City Mission, which they have used to support the people of Melbourne experiencing homelessness through urgent housing, short-term accommodation, and youth and family support services.

Raising funds is of course crucial, but the message to the ELC children is equally important. The PJ Days have allowed us to raise awareness of those less fortunate and our responsibility to help. The conversations are concrete and relatable: if you didn’t have a home or a bed, you’re not likely to have pyjamas – what would if feel like to sleep on concrete or in a tree, or in your car or on a different person’s couch each night? It is a serious issue, but wearing your pyjamas to school is a fun and engaging opportunity to start talking about difficult ideas.

Over the years we were able to develop our days further with the help of our Junior School Chaplains. We explored the newer ideas of special backpacks that folded out into a waterproof tent where people could sleep and keep their belongings safe. The children understood they could help Melbourne City Mission purchase these through the donations of money. We have encouraged them to think about showering, washing clothes and cooking meals, and the questions the children ask are thought about and answered as honestly and age-appropriately as possible.

There is definitely a buzz of joy, excitement and anticipation as these days arrive every year, but the conversations that these days provoke are equally anticipated by staff. Through thoughtfully engaging our youngest minds at the school in social issues, we give them opportunities to become global citizens and positive change makers, who are equipped to make a difference in their own backyard.

As always, this is a team effort and I am very grateful to the ELC team of staff past and present along with the families and children who make this possible and support our commitment. I would never have imagined that we would still be going strong 20 years on. Life has changed in many ways – we now have QR codes for donations! – but the need for our support and developing our children’s understanding of social justice is stronger than ever.

Wendy Seidler
Director of ELC Kew