Congratulations to our Confirmation candidates

Community Fete

Stage One investigated the elements which make a strong community, the history, the participants, the groups within – charitable, sporting, friendships, Arts, families and interests. The realisation occurred that communities don’t just happen - they take ongoing time, love, sharing of resources, sharing successes and celebrations, grieving losses and sadness together, providing kindness and thought for all those within the community. In fact, some communities do end because they don’t do these things. Jesus and his disciples worked to build a strong and lasting community, and now that they are no longer on Earth, it is our turn to be disciples and spread the LOVE of God. Our Stage One students wanted to put this into action, to build our local community and to serve others, without personal gain or
reward.
By immersing ourselves in existing local charity groups, with guest speakers, volunteers and excursions, the students identified a need to help those in our community. The students decided to have a Fete to raise money to give to The
Cootamundra Red Cross Food Bank and the Cootamundra CanAssist organisation because “these groups know who really needs the help the most!”
The Fete was added to the school diary and work began. The students formed teams, planned an activity and submitted a proposal for approval. Once approved, the teams set to preparing resources, equipment, posters to entice
the audience, define the rules of the activity and create posters to educate others about the wonderful work of CanAssist and Red Cross. Everything was crafted and directed by the students.
A school uniform-free day was held in conjunction with the fete, with a gold coin entry from all Sacred Heart Central School students to gain entry to the Fete. Parents and community members were invited to attend with a gold coin donation for entry.
The Fete was a resounding success with the students feeling empowered to be able to provide for those in need. It was a fun and engaging way to build our Sacred Heart community, our local Cootamundra community and experience the sense of fulfillment through service. Rave reviews were received around the students’ enthusiasm, ownership, reasoning for the Fete, accessibility for all ages, energy, community spirit and for seeing a need and doing something about it! “These kids really just get it… a new generation of volunteers offering love to those in need! They just get it!”
Congratulations to the Stage 1 students! Thank you for taking action, serving those in need and working to build a strong and loving community!