Service at Korowa

BY IAN ROBERTSON, ALUMNI MANAGER

Kathryn McCormack from the Class of 2003, who is a palliative care nurse at St John of God in Frankston, contacted Korowa in March with a request for assistance. She had a young patient with a terminal illness who had dreamed of going to Japan, and wondered whether the School could make 1,000 origami cranes, traditionally believed to make a wish come true. They have also become a symbol of hope and healing.

Kathryn had remembered that when she was in Year 9, with other students, had made origami cranes for a teacher who was unwell.

With the assistance of our Chaplain, Reverend Kirsten Winkett, the School community of staff and students responded to this request and their collective efforts over three days resulted in more than 1,500 cranes being made. Some students also wrote letters of encouragement and support. This spontaneous response was testament to one of Korowa’s core values of real service through action.

Alas, as the cranes were being made, the young patient passed away peacefully before they could be delivered, but her family were aware of Korowa’s heartfelt gesture. Recently the School heard from the Director of Clinical Services who conveyed their grateful thanks to the staff and students for their amazing response. The paper cranes are now adorning the patient lounge and palliative care corridor at the hospital, and are hopefully providing comfort to people at a challenging time.

I think I have never been prouder of the School community who responded so splendidly to help someone that they did not know and whom they would never meet.