Service and Social Engagement

Redlands School Sleep Out

A very big thank you to the parents and students of Yr 10 for their generosity towards the organisations we have supported this year through participation in the Redlands Sleep Out.

Hopefully students had a fun night to finish off Term 2 and most importantly had a chance to broaden their awareness of the social issues associated with members of our community living at risk or experiencing the isolation and vulnerability of homelessness. There were so many examples of students thoughtfully engaging with the stories shared by Taldumande, Orange Sky and the Salvation Army (Oasis). 

The very impressive final tally:

  • Over 300 pairs of warm socks for the Matthew Talbot Hostel run by St Vincent de Paul in Woolloomooloo 
  • $4043.29 donated to Orange Sky Laundry, far exceeding our target
  • $3862.49 donated to Taldumande, again, well exceeding our target
  • $1399.20 donated to Oasis – Salvation Army.

Thank you also must go to the dedicated staff who gave up their time at the end of a very busy term to sleep rough for the night so that students could have this valuable experience. Their dedicated Year Advisors, Sarah Matthews and Nick Walker, were so impressed with the conduct of students. Ms Lihou, Mr Atkins, Mr Auzins, Mr Hemopo and Ms Allen also braved the conditions on the night and their Tutors ran the workshops on the following morning. 

Jeans for Genes Day Friday 2 August

On Friday of Week 2, students and staff are encouraged to wear denim for the day and support the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Jeans for Genes is an opportunity to teach students about science and compassion for others. The $2 donation for participation will help scientists cure genetic diseases and other serious conditions affecting 1 in 20 children in Australia – that’s nearly one child in every classroom.

The Peru Expeditioners Return

Our team of 11 Yr 11 students, along with Mr Gray and Ms Richardson, have safely returned from their expedition to Peru. After careful planning and organisation over the course of this year, meeting regularly to develop their itinerary, plan their fundraising and prepare for each leg of the trip, students and teachers have returned with wonderful stories and valuable memories. The project work they completed on a small island in Lake Titicaca saw them make a meaningful contribution to developing accommodation that will enable the local community to sustainably continue their traditional way of life. Working alongside this community, students have developed an awareness of a unique culture while learning new skills and applying some of their academic studies to the experiences they had at every stage of the expedition. 

Ms Kria Coleman
Service Coordinator
kcoleman@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9892