Across schools, many students are actively involved in fundraising or volunteering to support organisations and others in need. This demonstration of service leadership is at the heart of social responsibility and promotes human equity and wellbeing through empathy and compassion. Cultivating a global perspective for youth is a key building block for character trait development including self-direction, compassion, integrity in action and a proactive stance toward life. Our role as educators, with family support, is to develop the broad outlook that recognises that inequity exists and we all have a role to play to make a difference and support the community where possible.

Schools have the privilege of witnessing young people commit to service programs. At Bishop Druitt College, we see this through peer support, volunteering with groups like Surfing for the Disabled, assisting with World Vision fundraising, contributing to our Christmas Hamper drive for The Soupie and Warrina Women and Children’s Shelter, participating in our Human Rights Group or in Harmony Day, which advocates for peace. Our Goori Group also plays a vital role in advocating for reconciliation and celebrating our First Nations heritage. Additionally, our Year 12 students are currently raising funds to fight blood cancer through “Shave for a Cure”, with $7000 raised so far this term. This is service through action, made possible by the support of our community.

Service is a core value of our Anglican schools, one of the five marks of mission, and is reflected in our motto: Faithfulness in Service. We place it within themes for year levels, and extend this ethos to our international experiences, such as our service learning trips to Cambodia.

Kindness matters

We are all familiar with the saying “it is better to give than receive” and this is backed up by research. Engaging in acts of kindness, empathy and giving our time to support others can lead to greater happiness, reduced stress levels and may even lead to a longer life. There are some great reasons to volunteer and make a difference to someone else. If your child becomes involved in a bake stall or fundraiser at school, it is a good sign that they are aware of the importance of helping others.

Hope is powerful

Coffs Coast communities are well known for their generosity in times of difficulty: volunteering for surf patrols, the SES or rural fire service, and many locals have assisted in northern flood affected communities. It makes a difference when our children see family, parents and carers volunteer to help others - they are more likely to become involved themselves as they get older and this is a wonderful legacy to develop in a family.

What should I encourage my child to do?

Encourage them to do something they enjoy. Whether it’s being involved in the Environment Club, reading to younger students, helping new students, baking at home for the school cake sale or collecting cans to be recycled, our children will often find meaning in activities they care about. It is a great place to start, and they can also ask their teacher for some ideas.

Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to a hopeful future in our community and beyond. During December I saw this in some of the most difficult conditions of a country at war in Ukraine. Volunteering to provide meals and connection to hundreds of people each day was powerful for those communities to see that they were not forgotten and it made me more aware of how connected we all are across the globe. As the saying goes, “If you can be anything today, be kind” - Unknown.

Simon Doyle
Assistant Principal (Head of Secondary)