By Charlene Macaulay
Manor Lakes P-12 College year 9 students threw a lunchtime dignity celebration last week to raise money for those doing it tough.
The students have been taking part in the Learning for Life program, learning about accountability, resilience, independence, respect, safety and how to engage with the community.
Learning for Life curriculum leader Kate Goodwin said the program was targeted at year 9s because traditionally that is when, at most schools, engagement dipped and poor behaviours started to increase.
Ms Goodwin said each year 9 class had been given a demographic – the elderly, young men, young women, school-aged girls, school-aged boys, young mums fleeing violence and refugees – and asked to create a fundraiser plan.
All proceeds from the celebration event, which were still being tallied as Star Weekly went to print, will go to The Smith Family.
Students offered a sausage sizzle, raffle, ultimate musical chairs, whole school free-dress day, guess the lollies in the lolly jar, cream pie a teacher, caricature drawing, hot food, face-painting, busking, lolly bags, milkshakes, icy poles and carnival games as part of the event.
Students across the school were also invited to write a message of hope Christmas card for people who attend the local St Vincent De Paul soup kitchen.
“The aim is to promote the charity and the point of need within the community and raise funds for them coming up to Christmas,” Ms Goodwin said.
