A DESIRE to teach children about strength of community in the aftermath of Australia’s devastating bushfire season inspired school fundraising initiatives.
Currambine Primary School raised almost $800 for charities in fire-affected areas by holding a cake stall and cuddly toy naming competition this term.
Staff stepped into action to teach students about the strength of community as they returned from summer holidays marred by the catastrophic fires across Australia.
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READ NOWA concerned group of staff used their school holidays to forge a ‘fire support event team’, developing a series of age-appropriate activities to show children how they could help.
“We were concerned that children would be returning to school having been exposed to the media coverage of the devastation caused by the fires,” Pre-primary teacher Rochelle Froud said.
“Some students may even have family and friends in those areas.
“We felt it was important to empower our students and allow them the opportunity to feel the strength of community.”
Supported by principal Geoff Smith, they decided to hold the cake sale and bush fire baby naming competition to raise funds for charities, including Animals Australia.
“We live in a world where it’s difficult to shelter young minds from the tragedies that occur and children can feel worried and powerless during these times,” Mr Smith said.
“By giving the children practical ways to contribute in a meaningful way to the community, we hope they will gain valuable coping skills to be used throughout the rest of their lives.”
The school raised $472 at a cake stall on February 21 and has collected another $300 so far through gold coin donations in its bush fire baby naming competition, with more than 200 entries.