Last term, the Year 9 level were involved in a fundraiser for Saltbush. This organisation provides accommodation for respite and those experiencing family crisis and hardship, support for employment and programs for families from refugee backgrounds. Individuals are given an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have, or be able to afford, in tranquil surroundings over at the Peninsula. A space is provided to rest, recharge, and regain the strength needed to navigate life’s challenges. We were lucky enough to have some of the volunteers from Saltbush come to Clonard and talk to the year level to explain what they do.  

In groups, students created an Awareness Campaign, that focused on the impacts and possible actions for different social issues that Saltbush deal with through their referral partners. We also analysed the catholic social principles, gospel values and Bishop’s statements. We began to understand the importance of what we referred to as “spirituality of responsibility” in the unit. Students created many different stalls such as bake sales, lolly jars, raffles, a photo booth and a sausage sizzle. There were 36 stalls at the fundraiser on the last day of term. We sought donations and created checklists to organise our stalls and highlight the campaigns we created. With help from the Clonard community and staff, the Year 9 students were able to raise almost $5000 from this initiative towards the total of $10,000 that Clonard raised overall to support Saltbush.

On the day of the stalls, the atmosphere was great. It was sunny, and there was music bringing a fun vibe. Students enjoyed the festive atmosphere and had many selections to choose from. The afternoon brought the whole Clonard community together. Overall, this day was an exciting way to help people in need and bring Clonard students and staff together.

Well done to all the Year 9 students and the staff involved. It was an amazing result.

Poppie M and Ava H – Year 9