Service learning update
By Scott Corbett, Director of Service Learning
As we move into term with fewer restrictions, we have been able to engage in a variety of service learning activities, seeing our students make a positive difference across Canberra.
Grind to Ground
This term we have started a new partnership with local social enterprise Grind to Ground. They are a wonderful community organisation focusing on sustainably turning used coffee grounds into compost, as well as providing work for young adults who are living with an intellectual disability.
Our students visit once per week to provide support for all areas of the business. It has been wonderful to get to know the volunteers and help them in leading a successful social enterprise.
If you would like to support Grind to Ground, they are hosting a fundraising quiz night on Friday 3 June at the Canberra Labor Club in Belconnen. Tickets available here.
St John’s community lunch and storeroom packing
We have been fortunate to grow our relationship with St John’s Care, by now providing direct support to their community lunches and assisting in their storeroom. Once a month, students attend the pop-up restaurant community lunch, serving lunch to community members.
We also visited St John’s with a group of Year 7 students and some members of RAS (Radford Awareness and Service) to assist their volunteers in the storeroom. The students sorted and stored donations that have been made to St John’s for their emergency relief program.
Calvary art classes
A group of students, led by Eloise Flynn (Year 11), have been running art classes for residents at Calvary Haydon Aged Care. Eloise and her team lead the group of ten older Australians as they participate in the art classes. It is a joyous time watching both residents and students engaging with art and the joy that it brings. [See previous article about Eloise’s selection as a finalist in the Young Archies].
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Under the guidance and skill of Ms Cathy Jackson, Head of Design and Technology, Year 9 students volunteered to assist with the food preparation and service at the Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast event. It was a wonderful event with over 400 people attending. The students did an excellent job providing a high-quality service to celebrate the wonderful mothers and mother figures in the Radford Junior School.
We are thankful to all the staff, families and community organisations that make it possible to provide these rich learning opportunities for our students. Thank you for your ongoing support of service learning.
