Putting Service into Action

As the end of term approaches, the spirit of giving is spreading throughout campus.
 
Christmas trees decorate many corners of the School, surrounded by an ever-growing collection of red bags. This cheerful sight has marked Wenona's annual Red Stocking Christmas Gift Drive, a tradition that directs our students’ generosity towards children across Sydney who need it most.

This year, each sub-School contributed to different charities. Junior School students gathered items for Barnardos, while Upper School focused on The Starlight Foundation. The red bags, supplied by Wenona, were filled with everything from paint sets and craft supplies to books, games, and Barbies. What started as a trickle became a flood as students brought in their contributions, the bags piling up beneath the trees until collection day arrived, making Christmas a little brighter for children facing difficult circumstances.

Meanwhile, another recent initiative had a more sobering impact. Members of the Amnesty International Club led their peers in the annual Sleepout for Youth Homelessness, transforming the Big Gym into temporary accommodation for one night.

The event supported Taldumande Youth Services, which provides crisis accommodation and case management to vulnerable young people aged 12 to 24 and their families across Greater Sydney. The statistics are confronting: on any given night, more than 70 children and young people are housed in Taldumande's care and demand far exceeds capacity. In 2024 alone, Taldumande had to turn away 427 children, young people, and families seeking help.

Every young person currently supported by Taldumande is experiencing family breakdown as a result of violence, abuse, and a lack of family or community support. All are navigating mental health challenges, often whilst facing barriers to accessing the assessments and services they need.

For students spending the night in Big Gym, the experience provided glimpses into this reality. They participated in games designed to deepen their understanding of homelessness, shared a soup kitchen-style meal, and bedded down on pieces of cardboard rather than mattresses. It was deliberately uncomfortable, offering a small taste of what it means to lack permanent shelter.

Both initiatives embody the School's motto, Ut Prosim, that I may serve, connecting students with real needs in their local community and putting Wenona’s values into action.