COMMUNITY SERVICE

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Underpinning the School values of Excellence, Belonging, Authenticity and Imagination, St Hilda’s develops habits of mind, courage and character that empowers students to become passionate advocates within their local communities and abroad.

Sharne Clayton Head of Community Service

Sponsorship of PCH Room

St Hilda’s was excited to sign an initial three-year agreement to sponsor one of 14 Ronald McDonald House Charity rooms at the Perth Children’s Hospital.

St Hilda’s and RMHC have a strong relationship following past fundraising events and service volunteering at the

Home for Dinner Programs. These rooms cater for parents of children in intensive care who need to be on the hospital premises. On top of the sponsorship, each new parent or family using the room will be provided with a St Hilda’s care purse, consisting of a notebook and pen, coloured pencils, lip balms, mints, chocolate and a hair comb. These items were recommended by the House to support parents who typically find themselves in these rooms without prior warning. Principal, Fiona Johnston, Head of Community Service, Sharne Clayton, and students Matilda Finlayson, Mille Honnens, and Sophie Boxshall were invited to attend Ronald McDonald House for a tour. On this tour, they gained insight to how the House runs, how their sponsorship will make a difference at PCH and concluding this, St Hilda’s presented RHMC with their care purse.

Thanks to the 2021 Year 6 $2 Project and 2022 fundraisers including the Year 7 and 9 lap-a-thons, the second year of sponsorship has already been settled with fundraising to continue to ensure St Hilda’s ongoing commitment.

Anglicare Sleep Out

In August, a handful of St Hilda’s students and hundreds of other students from across the metropolitan area swapped their school bags and beds in support of young people experiencing homelessness. Year 11 student Busola reflects on her experience at the 2022 Anglicare Sleep Out:

“Participating in the Anglicare sleepout this year was an unforgettable experience. As I took on the challenge to sleep out at Optus Stadium with only cardboard and a sleeping bag, I experienced only a fraction of the struggles that many young people are faced with each night. Participating in a real-life simulation taught me the neglect and isolation homeless people are subject to despite trying to seek help.

I managed to get about 2 hours of sleep as barking, yelling and siren sounds were played throughout the night. Although this may sound dreadful, it truly was a significant reminder about the reality of what over 3000 young West Australians face as they sleep rough each night.

The work of Street Connect is to be commended. They work tirelessly to get many young people’s lives back on track. They are actively involved in the community as they provide various support programs to improve the lives of marginalised young people. I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this ‘eye-opening’ experience at least once in your life.”

Busola Oyewopo (Year 11) 2022 Anglicare Ambassador Team St Hilda’s raised $7,039 in support of Street Connect, with Busola Oyewopo and Huldah Nwoko in the Top 5 Fundraisers and the annual event raising a total of $159 463.

Lap-a-thons

The Chidley Lap-a-thon was back after many years with all students from Junior Kindergarten to Year 6 participating on a beautiful day. The students ran alongside Gus, the Director of Hugs and Pats at Ronald McDonald House, raising money for the House and both the Shenton Park Dogs’ Home and Cat Haven.

The day was supported by a team of parent volunteers who prepared a delicious sausage sizzle thanks to a generous donation and $19 594.05 was raised.

Our Year 7 Lap-a-thon was a fun event run for Ronald McDonald House, Shooting Stars and Anglicare’s Foyer Oxford. The girls wore their tutus and enjoyed the great music and atmosphere, raising $3951.80.

Our Year 9s ran for Anglicare’s Foyer Oxford, Ronald McDonald House and Shooting Stars. The girls were enthusiastic and enjoyed the event raising $5139.50.