CELEBRATION OF GIVING

The CGS Foundation hosted a gathering of foundation members, donors and advocates together to raise a glass and say ‘thank you’ for all the support and commitment shown over the years. It was an evening filled with gratitude, celebration, and the power of philanthropy bringing together a remarkable group of passionate individuals who share a deep commitment to advancing education and empowering future generations through the CGS Foundation.

During the celebration, held at the Snow Concert Hall, we heard from James Willson, Chair of the CGS Foundation board as well as David Smart (Acting Head of School). Both touched upon the power of giving and the role it plays in positively impacting the lives of our students and the future of the School. But by far the true stars of the night were our students, Mikayla Helms (Year 12) and Deklan Barford (Year 10). Both indigenous scholars spoke from the heart about their experience as borders, scholars and being part of the CGS community.

They spoke of what the opportunity of a CGS education means to them and how it has changed their outlook and helped them work toward their dreams. Read more about their stories on the following page.

We were also in awe of the talent and confidence of our music students. Bothers Ben Monro (Year 12, Tim Murray Music Scholar) and Alex Monro, took center stage at the Snow Concert Hall as they each put on an inspiring performance, showcasing their skill and sheer love for music.

On 15 June CGS held its very first Giving Day in association with the CGS Foundation. By uniting students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, advocates and friends of our school around a common cause, we were able to support and advance the mission of our School and the CGS Foundation. The spirit of unity and shared purpose was palpable as we came together to make a lasting difference.

With the help of our matching donors, we were able to double the impact of all donations made on the day and smash our target! We received an overwhelming total of $120,417 which will go toward supporting our CGS Indigenous Scholarship fund, Talent and merit scholarship fund as well as other areas of need around the School. To read more about giving day and stories from our community about the impact of giving, visit: GIVINGDAY.CGS.ACT.EDU.AU

Yuma,

My name is Mikayla Helms and I’m a proud Ngiyampaa woman from the Dryland country of Central NSW. I am currently in year 12 and am doing the HSC. I have been privileged to grow up on Walbunja and Murramarang country on the coast and am now living on Ngunnawal Country whilst attending school. I would like to thank you all for being here tonight and for assisting me in achieving my dreams by helping me to attend this school.

I would like to begin by sharing my journey before applying for the Indigenous Scholarship at Canberra Grammar School. During my childhood whilst living in Batemans Bay, I faced countless challenges such as constant bullying at my school and family issues at home, both of which resulted in me developing anxiety up until Year 8. In 2018, I moved to Ulladulla for the start of Year 7 with my newly single mother and two younger brothers. During my time at Ulladulla High School, I was doing very well for myself despite what I had experienced. I found a wonderful group of friends and achieved very good grades. So, I am sure you can imagine my reaction when my mum told me I should apply for a scholarship for a school in another state, away from the beach, my family and my beautiful puppy Sadie. Attending a prestigious school like CGS, was never even a thought in the life path for me, due to the financial issues my family faced.

The next week, the heads of boarding came to our school and talked to all of the Aboriginal kids, encouraging us to apply for the wonderful opportunity. Even after I had found out that I was lucky enough to achieve this scholarship, it wasn't until I came and saw the school for myself that I was excited to attend CGS. Honestly, I was just so relieved that the boarding house wasn't at all like how my mum described it when she used to threaten to send me to a boarding school if I didn't eat my veggies.