Community Awareness
Through an active Community Awareness Programme, girls
participated in voluntary service and fundraising activities
that supported a range of organisations. Student-run
committees are at the heart of this programme and the
girls choose to support a wide range of causes relating to
medical research and social services.
Students have confirmed their generosity and commitment
to helping those less fortunate through doorknocks.
Approximately 40 students gave up their Sunday morning
to doorknock around Kew and Hawthorn on separate
occasions for both the Red Cross and Salvation Army Red
Shield Appeal. Over $4000 was raised to help finance their
vast network of social and community services.
In March, on Community Awareness Day, the Senior
School supported two notable charities, Destiny Rescue
and Friends of Nepal. These organisations were brought
to our attention by members of the Ruyton community.
Destiny Rescue is an organisation that liberates children
from horrendous circumstances and empowers them to
achieve their full potential. Mrs Janine Power from Ruyton’s
Music Department works with liberated and at risk girls in
Chiang Rai, Thailand for this organisation. Friends of Nepal
aims to improve the lives of impoverished Nepalese and
particularly assists children in getting a comprehensive
education. A remarkable $2978.75 was shared between
these two charities. Our funds enabled the construction of
a library and the purchase of reference materials.
The Xavier Maytime Fair was another instance where
students gave up their time for a worthy cause, making
connections both locally and globally. In May, at the fair,
Ruyton held their Fairy Floss Stall. Over 60 girls participated
in the making and selling of fairy floss and, even with the
miserable weather, we were able to raise $1597.65 for the
Jesuit Mission. Ruyton also participated in the Fashion
Parade, wearing superhero themed outfits, made by some
of our Year 12 students. In addition, another group of girls
from various year levels were involved with the interschool
drama games competition.
Eliza Shallard and Janet Davey from Year 11 generously and
courageously participated in theWorld’s Greatest Shave.
With the support from the Ruyton community, these two
students were able to fundraise $1572.90 for the Leukaemia
and the Alopecia Foundations. The girls’ sacrifice and
commitment was inspiring to all.
Semester 2 proved to be a busy time for the Community
Awareness calendar. Students actively supported theWorld
Vision 40-Hour Famine by giving up technology, furniture
and food to raise money and awareness for those who
go without on a daily basis. This year, projects in Ethiopia,
East Timor, Nepal, India, Laos, Tanzania and Kenya will
help families gain better access to food and clean water,
give people the chance to increase their incomes through
training and microfinance and help farmers get the tools
and training they need to grow more food. Ruyton girls this
year were able to donate an incredible $5000 for such a
worthy cause.
Our final Community Awareness Day was held at the end
of August, and yet again, girls flocked to Hiscock Court
to purchase a sausage, pizza slice, and lollies or to enjoy
the variety of games and activities. All of the money
raised on the day went towards Beyond Blue and the
Collingwood English Language School. Beyond Blue is a
national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working
to address issues associated with depression, anxiety
and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. Our
connections with the Collingwood English Language
School have been established over the last few years, and
money raised has allowed the school to continue the fruit
programme for its pupils.
The library this year held an Indigenous Literacy Day
book swap. This aimed to help raise funds to increase
literacy levels and improve the lives and opportunities
of Indigenous Australians living in remote regions. Our
support helps to raise funds to buy books and literacy
resources for these communities.
To finish off a wonderful year, students donated stationery
and books to the Smith Family for their Christmas hampers,
as part of the Kids Helping Kids programme. TheWesley
Mission food drive, the badge selling for Legacy week and
ANZAC Day were also well supported by the School.
Participation in these activities ensures the girls have
an active and direct role with others in the community
and fosters awareness of current issues, both local
and international. In so doing, girls gain valuable skills
and qualities, such as resourcefulness and a sense of
responsibility to others. My thanks for the enthusiasm of all
students and staff in supporting our activities.
Miss Maria Di Vitto,
Community Awareness Co-ordinator
Annual Report 2012
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