Brighter Futures, Summer 2022

Back to school in 2022

Tangible and intangible support

Every student gets practical help, like books, uniforms, school fees, technology, tuition, camps and extra-curricular activities. Just as important is the support you can't hold: building confidence, developing organisational skills and strengthening family wellbeing.

For tertiary students living away from home, we also help with accommodation, utilities and food, and our team checks in with each of them four times a year.

Putting theory into practice

The importance of work placement

Marcus has been supported since 2019, the first year of his Paramedicine and Nursing double degree. Our work placement grant covered his ambulance and hospital placements, his uniforms and a stethoscope, so he could focus on learning instead of lost income.

On placement he responded to a cardiac arrest, and his preceptors said they could see a glow in his eyes when he talked about his work.

I have definitely chosen the right career pathway.Marcus, Paramedicine and Nursing

Student engagement

Build it!

With five sheets of paper, sticky tape, scissors and a ruler, students set out to build the tallest tower they could. Joe, in Year 6, built one 253cm tall, so tall he had to send us a video. Siblings Taylor and Dee built the most creative tower out of playing cards, and brothers Alex and Tom said it brought them together to "gather ideas and respect each other's ways".

Kindness from our community

Thank you

Lorinda Logaraj from District 70 Toastmasters presented our team with the District's 2020-2021 Leadership Award. We have also received research help from the Actuaries Institute, sponsorship from Ritchies Stores, support from Masonic Lodges, a bequest from Stanley Pendall and gifts in memory of lodge members.

Student achievements

The value of increased confidence

Fifi, in Year 8, started speech pathology sessions to help her talk with teachers and classmates. She now speaks up in class, her grades have improved, and her Science teacher wrote to her mother to congratulate her.

Eve, in Year 5, wanted to be less shy. She practised reading aloud and asking for help, joined gymnastics and her school breakfast club, and received our Significant Acts of Community Service Award.