Sleep Out Results

On Friday 6 September we had a record number of students participate in our simulation of “sleeping rough” to gather a deeper insight into the plight of people experiencing homelessness. 72 students gathered for a night of games and activities in amongst the serious side of the overarching purpose. The night was a mild and balmy one with the wind picking up later. Everyone was safe and sound on the deck area. We were able to listen deeply to a presentation of the facts of this social justice issue and realised that it is an extremely complex issue. It was important to identify stigma and stereotypes and to learn ways to break these down. Ms Carolyn Collins generously shared her knowledge regarding the Bacolod Kinder School in the Philippines and how the money raised is life changing for so many people in that community alone. Money raised by Stella has gone directly towards the purchase of a minivan through which the Sisters of the Good Samaritan give out the nourishing meals to people.

The night would not have been such a success without the integral help of key students and staff. A big thank you especially goes to Olivia S, the incoming Duke of Edinburgh Prefect who led the group with entertaining ice-breaker activities and camaraderie building games. Current Social Justice Prefect, Belle C and incoming Social Justice Prefects Ruby A and Audrey H did amazing work to build a fun atmosphere with music and games. Year 11 student Caitlin T was instrumental in helping to ensure the night ran smoothly with her technical support and initiative.

A big thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Gallagher and her Year 11 Hospitality students and to Nora Daly for prepping and cooking the delicious pumpkin soup, to which one Year 8 student commented:

“I don’t usually like pumpkin soup – but this was yum!”

A big thank you to the supervising staff on the night, Ms Laura Manson, Ms Margaret Heraghty, Ms Christina Burke, Mr Phil Nicotra and his young daughter Aurora, Ms Amy Smith and Ms Karen Dennison and of course to Miss Collins.

Despite the creaky bones, bleary eyes and delirium due to the intermittent alarms and sensor lights breaking our sleep, everyone’s spirits were bright and cheerful. One student commented to me that:

“Even though I had fun being here with my friends, I can’t imagine having to do this night after night”.

Finally, through the excellent fundraising efforts of the whole of Year 10 and supported by their Head of Year, Mrs Mia Callanan, the students were able to raise a tidy lump sum of $1425.10 through their chocolate raffle. The lucky student was Leyla O from Year 8.

The money raised contributed to the overall total of the Sleep Out fundraiser to be an amazing amount reflecting the generous spirit of the Stella community!

We managed to raise: