By Casey Neill
Endeavour Hills students raised almost $1000 for Very Special Kids.
St Paul Apostle South School started a Social Action Team (SAT) in the second half of the year.
“We feel that learning is strongest when learners are engaged within the community, so we asked the team what they would like to do to help those people in our community less fortunate,” well-being leader Sonia Nadalin.
“The students were guided to create a presentation to convince the teachers and the students to vote for the charity that they chose.
“From the six charities shortlisted, Very Special Kids won the whole school vote.”
The SAT met to decide what fund-raising would take place.
“Their capacity as leaders grew, as did their confidence,” Ms Nadalin said.
The fund-raising started in earnest in November. Each class had a money jar for donations.
“Homework activities were assigned for students to do jobs at home to raise money as we wanted the students to become totally involved through action,” Ms Nadalin said.
“We also had a free dress day for a gold coin donation as well as a guess how many jellybeans are in the jar competition.
“The whole concept of social justice became evident as did the idea that we can make a difference.”
The students handed $953.95 to Very Special Kids representative Dave at an assembly on Monday 11 December.
Ms Nadalin said he was “blown away” by their efforts.
