Community and Service
ARAFMI
Scotch has had a long partnership with ARAFMI - the organisation that provides support to family and carers of those experiencing mental illness. Houses in the Senior School take turns to run recreational activities during one day of the holidays - as a way of giving back to the young people who provide support to their relatives. In some cases, the young person has a great deal of responsibility as a carer and this greatly restricts opportunities for enjoying recreational pursuits.
In the week prior to the activity day an ARAFMI Education Officer addressed Anderson House at tutor period. From there 16 Anderson House boys from Years 9 - 12 volunteered a day during the last holiday to assist young mental health carers between the ages of 8 to 12 in an active, fun way. The associated purpose was to raise awareness of mental illness amongst the Scotch boys and to increase empathy for those whose lives are touched by it.
The activity day began with a lesson on making animals from balloons - this involved much laughter (and accidental popping of balloons). (ARAFMI organised an outside person to run this session for an hour.) The boys then organised a game of soccer before the lunch break - pizzas in the Residence. After lunch there were some more outdoor games including sack races and touch rugby on the Chapel oval. The day concluded with a game of dodgeball in the Memorial Hall before goodbyes were said.
It was a very rewarding day for the boys - some of whom had participated in a similar day in 2014. The children left tired, but happy!
The Matipwili Project
During the July break, a group of architects, teachers and other adult volunteers ventured to Tanzania to work on the Matipwili Trade Training Centre build. This is a joint project by Scotch / PLC and CEFPI (Council of Educational Facility Planners International). Students from both schools and the architects venturing to Tanzania have raised funds for the project and further financial assistance has come from the Federal Government through the Direct Aid Programme. Following collaboration with the village on first adult trip in 2013 the outcome was a professionally drawn plan for a vocational training centre to add to the other educational facilities funded by Scotch and PLC. The overall concept is one of a 'Learning Village' where children and adults alike can engage with learning. The student trip in 2015 assisted the village to start the building project as reported previously. The most recent visit to the site enabled some of the more technical aspects of the build to be completed - again in collaboration with the village. The water collection roof structure, pictured below, was built. It is hoped that the student group going in July 2016 will witness the Trade Training Centre officially opened by the Australian High Commissioner.
UnitingCare West Winter Appeal
UnitingCare West is once more asking for assistance from our community. Winter clothing is required for homeless and needy families this winter. A collection is already under way in Junior and Middle Schools. Boys in Senior School should bring in clothing and give it to the Community and Service Committee Representative in their House. Announcements will be made in House meetings this week and next. There is a special request from UnitedCare West for jeans. Men's jeans are a priority; however, ladies' and children's jeans will also be greatly appreciated. Please ensure jeans are clean and of a wearable quality.
Mr Bill Cordner
Director of Community and Service
