Can the Chapel

‘Develop partnerships with Anglican agencies and schools’: This is number two on the Tasmanian Anglican Diocesan vision statement. It places the importance of these entities and their relationship to the forefront. To this end, the Hutchins school actively looks for opportunities to partner with Anglican agencies across the state.

One way we partner is with Anglicare Christmas Appeal. Having families doing without can be a hidden issue in our school and so it is not readily thought of. Traditionally the appeal was a slow process, taking place late in the year with some students unable to participate. Last year we decided to make some strategic changes, illuminating the issue earlier and beginning the appeal in Term 3 and throughout term 4 to collect food items for Christmas.

In 2022, it was decided rather than use the Anglicare Christmas Appeal title, we would call the appeal ‘Can the Chapel’, and we allocated sections of the chapel wall to the various School Houses. With a new name and the added dimension of interhouse competition, we saw a greater number of items from across the school being donated. The visible piles of foods that appeared seemed to spur groups forward into increasing their own giving.

This year the School stepped this up a notch. When she began in her role, Principal Helen Finlay started a new tradition with the annual Christmas on the Green. Last year more than 600 people attended the outdoor event.

The evening features Christmas Carols, performances from the School Choir and bands, a visit from Santa Claus and of course the sharing of the Gospel message. Last year students decided to also include a new toy drive, placing a trailer for donations at the gates that was quickly overflowing with brand new toys.

The children and community felt great satisfaction at the thought of happy smiling children on Christmas day as they opened their gifts. Giving is such a wonderful representation of Christianity in Action as we strive to never forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Anglicare Care public liaison Margaret Savage assisted us in our venture and visited multiple times to speak to each of the Houses and to the various sub schools showing stories of the plight of Tasmanians doing it tough. She also had the students complete an interactive task of pricing a collection of groceries to highlight the costs that some people face everyday, and especially over the Christmas period.

These stories from local people were important to help develop the understanding of the issues for many. In the end, it was the biggest donation of goods we have made for this event.