C E L E B R AT I N G O U R V O L U N T E E R S
Michelle Birks Second-Hand Uniforms volunteer Michelle Birks initially started her St Michael’s volunteer journey as a Year Level Rep. “It was a great way to meet people, connect with staff and have fun. I also helped out at many Open Mornings and really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with families who were wondering about St Michael's. It’s funny, I enjoyed those mornings more than I thought I would and really missed them in lockdowns.” Coming from a family that has a long history of volunteering, Michelle believes that the need to help others truly runs in her blood. “Volunteering is something that had always been part of my life growing up. The enjoyment of volunteering has continued into my adult life – I’ve volunteered with a lot of nursing organisations, primary schools, basketball teams and now St Michael's – my family tells me that they think they’ll see me at the op shop next!” As it is with the St Michael’s community, families tend to be spread all across Melbourne and come from all different walks of life. Volunteering is one way in which Michelle sees and appreciates connections that can be made within the wider community. “Volunteering always involves working with other parents and you get to meet interesting people. I don’t think there are many schools that have the same diversity of postcode, and I love having fascinating conversations at the same time as making a difference.” Speaking about what she finds most rewarding about her volunteering roles at St Michael’s, Michelle says that it’s the 28
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The Crest Issue 7 2022
life lessons that she can pass on to her children that has the biggest impact. “Knowing that it really helps, knowing that it shows my kids what an important part of life it is, provides such a sense of fulfillment. I also love the feeling of having a real sense of belonging at the School. Whenever I am at St Michael’s it feels relaxed and a happy place to be – you can’t ask for more than that.” Michelle reflects upon her current volunteering role with great enthusiasm, having only recently discovered the Second-Hand Uniform (SHU) shop. “This has quickly become a definite favourite and I wish I had discovered it earlier! Everyone has a great time – we surprise each other with hidden skills, learn new ones and reduce waste at the same time, which is fantastic! I have to admit, I didn’t realise that SHU had so many really good quality garments – another thing I wish I had discovered earlier.” Looking back at her volunteer journey at St Michael’s to date, Michelle says she feels a great deal of pride and satisfaction from the role and has had some great experiences over her tenure. Her time with the PCA is also coming to a close as she sees the last of her family members go through the school gates for the final time in 2022. “I have been lucky enough to go to a few of the trivia nights over the years – which require a lot of volunteers – and they are fantastic fun! My son, Tom (12M), is in his final year, so after this year, I’m going to be stepping down. I feel as though our St Michael’s journey has gone by too fast – I’m really going to miss it.” We thank Michelle for her longstanding relationship with the School and wish her and her family all the best for the future.
