Vinnie's Sleepout

By Mrs Rebecca Hunter, Head of Year 8

Last night, with the weather being a chilly -3 degrees, approximately 55 Year 8 students and some very kind staff gave up their time and comfort for the Vinnies School Sleepout. We were fortunate enough to have an excellent speaker join us from the St Vincent de Paul Society, Sharkie, who works directly in the space of supporting our homeless individuals and families in the Canberra community and its surrounds. He spoke to our students about the everyday struggles faced and that homelessness is not often a result of the person or family choosing not to work or to find safe shelter. Our homeless community are often predominately women who have faced domestic violence situations or men that become homeless due to mental health issues. Another key demographic are families, who made up the highest percentage in the last ACT census from 2022.

As such, it is important that we as a fortunate community who have comforts and support, give our time to learn more about the significance of how we can help to change the homelessness situation in the ACT.

So, with hot soup in hand for supper, the students set off to make their comfort zones in the Collegians Centre. A nice hard floor for the evening, much like those who sleep on our streets. The staff anxiously hoped there would be some sleep during the night. This morning, with bleary eyes we ventured for some bacon and egg rolls, along with a nice hot coffee for staff to keep them going. Students gradually made their way home before a long day of learning ahead.

A massive thank you to all the students who supported this cause and our staff who enabled the whole event to proceed: Mrs Sam Lonsdale, Mr Jeremy Hawkes, Mr Liam Braithwaite, Mrs Catherine Gibson, Ms Lauren Heyward, Ms Sarah Radford, Ms Jane Smith and Mrs Erica Whitby.

To donate to this worthy cause, click here.