Cultivating Compassion: Service Initiatives

maze, obstacle course, water slide, swimming, and running. The House with the lowest combined time was the winner. Cargill, who hadn’t won since 2009, was a meritorious second, but the victory for the first time went to Wilson House.

Thank you to the dedicated team of staff who worked so hard and to the parents who came to supervise the activities in the afternoons. Our students’ excellent conduct matched the superb weather, making the week a delightful experience for everyone.

Written by Kevin Taylor, Head of Year

7 the urge to give up, summon the strength to push harder, for that extra effort often leads to the most remarkable achievements.

The overnight tramp through the wilderness was another highlight for many campers. Problem-solving and improvisation became trusted allies, and some groups managed to catch fish! The bountiful supply of peaches and chilled chocolate drinks offered a heavenly breakfast that revitalised everyone before they packed up and prepared to return to Orama.

Camp not only allowed us to bond with our friends, but also provided an opportunity to get to know the other students on a deeper level. Through card games and random questions, we discovered surprising things about each other. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and parent helpers, especially my tutor teacher Mr Cowley for his encouragement and efforts to find my lost jacket! We are incredibly fortunate to have such amazing teachers. Without them, camp wouldn’t have been possible.’

Written with help from Year 8 student Liam Hurley of stepping beyond comfort zones and embracing novel experiences.

To anyone heading on a camp next year, Luka offers sage advice: seize every opportunity that comes your way. Trusting classmates, pushing personal boundaries, and fearlessly embracing the thrill of the unknown are the vital ingredients for personal growth and the creation of cherished memories. Adventure beckons those who dare to take that exhilarating leap into the great unknown.

Written with help from Year 9 student Luka Purchase

AtSaint Kentigern College, fostering compassion and instilling a sense of service are cherished values deeply embedded in our community. Our students actively engage in impactful service initiatives, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Let us take a closer look at two of our service drives: our annual Blood Bank day, and the food bank which takes place each term.

The Blood Bank drive, a one-day event, saw a collaboration between Saint Kentigern and New Zealand Blood. By hosting the drive on-campus, we eliminated accessibility barriers and provided a convenient opportunity for our students to contribute. The response was overwhelming, with a staggering 86 blood donations, 64 from first time donors. With each donation split into three, our donations will reach 260 recipients. Another initiative is the termly food bank collection which also serves as an opportunity for friendly competition, with House points up for grabs.. Our students eagerly participate, donating as many targeted non-perishable food items as possible for our food box programme, known as ‘The Shed’ initiative. In both Term 1 and 2, Cargill emerged as the frontrunner, showcasing their commitment to service and community. Together, our students have donated almost 11,000 food items which go into 70 food boxes that are packed and distributed each week. The food boxes, which are valued at approximately $73 each, also contain perishable items that are purchased on a weekly basis from parent donations and an annual Trust Board grant. We are grateful to the tutor groups, Bruce House students, and parent helpers who pack the boxes each week, and to our social work partners who distribute them to families in need. In 2023, we are on target to deliver almost 2200 boxes valued at a total of $160,000.

As we continue to cultivate a culture of service at Saint Kentigern College, we are immensely proud of our students’ efforts and their unwavering dedication to making a positive difference. Together, we strive to create a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time.