Learning to Give

Throughout Term 3 and 4, our Year 11 students were challenged to find time within their full schedules to give back to their community through an act of service.

Some girls coached a sporting team or took photos at a charity ball, often offering more than just four hours. Others knitted gloves or baked for the homeless, walked their neighbours’ dog or gave up their holiday time to assist at Sony Camp.

For Ally Thompson, sewing headscarves for local cancer patients was a commitment that was very close to her heart. 

“Cancer has had a huge impact on my family, and when I saw how that affects someone’s life, I wanted to give back,” she said.

Ally’s aunt was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and, through treatment, lost all her hair. She says seeing the change in her aunt’s outlook on life when she would get a new wig or cap was extraordinary.

“I wanted to create some normality for other cancer patients.

“It is always something people say they want to do but quite often never get the opportunity to; we were lucky we were given all the support and guidance to carry out the small service.”

Alongside their mentor, Ally and Ruby Wilkes presented over 20 scarves to St Andrews Hospital, and patient Jennifer Hall is already the proud owner.

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness and community spirit. Through your act of service, you will brighten the lives of so many people,” Mrs Hall said.

Head of Ministry and Mission, Catherine Butler, says, she hopes future graduates of Fairholme College will keep using the skills they learn.

“Too often, we think that ‘service’ is hard, should take a lot of time, or be an organised project. However, seeing the wide variety of service projects girls chose to engage in reinforced the idea that serving others can be about using our skills to do things that we enjoy and which can be incorporated into our everyday lives,” Ms Butler said.

Other students reflections:

Ruby Wright [Assisting with Activities at an Aged Care Home]

“From this experience, I have learnt patience, gratitude and respect for the aged care workers who do this every day. I am thankful I experienced this opportunity as it has opened my eyes to new possibilities of something I might like to do more of further on in the future.”

Katie McGrath [Fairholme Kindy]

“When I was helping at the Kindy, it was nice just to enjoy the present as none of the kids had phones or talked about social media or the problems in the world. They were just happy to be with those around them.”

Cosme McPhie [Knitting gloves/mittens]

“It made me feel very grateful for things I take for granted, like having warm clothes in Winter.”

Kasey Smith [Cleaning at the local Palliative Care Unit]

“I have learnt that devoting my time means a lot to those in need and the ladies that run it. I value that doing something without a reward is rewarding within itself.”