After what had already been a busy year for community related initiatives and events, our students, once again, proved themselves as considerate and passionate members of the local community during Term 4.
In October, our student-lead Sustainability Committee strived to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of commonly used household products and simple solutions that anyone can implement in their daily life. Following their ‘So, what can you do about food?’ campaign, they published a series of tips and tricks for minimising plastic in the home. The committee will continue to educate the community about sustainable practices that take place outside of the school grounds in 2022 through Clarendon’s social media and news and updates platforms.
Meanwhile, in the Early Learning Centre, students explored the interdependence of living things through the topic of water. Our 3-Year-Old students enjoyed using LEGO blocks to demonstrate their understanding of the effects of water and water shortages on the natural world. This task helped students to understand how they can better the world around them and share their knowledge with those close to them.
To further their relationship with the Australian Red Cross, Community Service Leader, Ruby de Voogel, arranged for some Year 12 students to donate blood. After sharing this initiative with the Clarendon community on social media platforms, Old Collegian, Alice Jasper (2000), felt inspired to share her own blood donation journey. Alice started giving blood whilst a boarder at Clarendon and was proud to celebrate her giving blood for the 60th time in November.
In the Middle School, Leaders from Years 5-8 organised a fundraiser for Backpacks 4 Vic Kids. This year, students donated baby, toddler, child, teen or school essentials that will be gifted as Christmas gifts. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of Clarendon students and families who will make a difference to children in foster or kinship care.
The Nine10 School held a fundraising event for Movember to prioritise funding for the three biggest health issues facing men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Students wore crazy socks and drew moustaches on their face masks in support of this important cause.
To cap off the year that was, our Junior School students participated in the United Care Christmas Appeal. Students, staff and families worked hard to make Christmas more special for Australian children who are unable to celebrate with gifts.
We are so proud of our students who continue to strive to make the world a better place for those less fortunate than themselves. Sometimes, equally important as monetary donations, is the awareness our students have spread throughout the school and wider community about these causes.
Thank you to all of the students, staff and families who participated in our community fundraisers and initiatives during Term 4.
