Christmas is a time to give. In giving, we mimic God who gave his Son to us as Saviour. There are a couple of ways we can give as a School community this year. The first has already taken place.

Year 7 have participated in Operation Christmas Child this year. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It is a hands-on way to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. Shoeboxes are collected and distributed to children living in vulnerable situations. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way.

I am delighted to share the Year 7 have filled 75 boxes of items that will bring joy to children this Christmas. I want to congratulate Year 7 for their enterprise and generosity.

Year 7 will also be leading us in a further opportunity to give this Christmas. For many years now we have participated in Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker campaign. Toys ‘n’ Tucker presents a way for churches, schools, businesses, and community groups to share the joy of Christmas and demonstrate God’s love by providing food and gifts for those who would otherwise go without.

I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the School community in past years. Indeed, our generosity has been so great that we are considered to be one of Anglicare’s key partners. I hope we can maintain our reputation this year.

Year 7 students are currently visiting classrooms and mentor groups explaining what items are most appropriate to gift. It is exciting to see the donations already starting to come in. Donations can be brought into students’ classrooms in the Junior School and Mentor Groups in the Senior School. There is also a collection centre in the entrance foyer of the library. Donations will be open until the day of the Christmas Celebration – 6 December. In preparation for our Christmas Celebration, Year 10 students will be packing our donations into boxes to be put under our Christmas tree. We will present our donations to a representative from Anglicare at the Christmas Celebration event.

We are living in difficult financial times. Many will struggle this Christmas to give gifts to their children or put food on the table. I don’t want to presume we are unaffected by these difficult times, but if we can give again this Christmas, we will be bringing much joy to others. Ideas for suitable donations can be found on the banner below.