On Friday 10 August a number of Year 12 students participated in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout at the College. The night included a simple soup dinner, a visit from guest speaker Brenda White, who is President of the Lilydale Conference for St Vincent de Paul, a Liturgy, some games and a movie followed by sleeping out in the McAuley Quad.
The night aimed to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in the community as students came together in solidarity to develop an understanding of what it is like to be homeless, while raising money for the St Vincent de Paul Society. I thank all the students for their participation as well as the staff who cooked soup and stayed the night.
Here are some student reflections about the night:
The Sleepout was a truly eye-opening experience. I now have a whole new appreciation for my bed, my family and my friends. — Ashleigh Clinton (Year 12 Orange)
While participating in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout, it made me appreciate now more than ever how lucky I am to be able to go home every night knowing I have somewhere safe to sleep. — Madi Poynter (Year 12 Red)
I learnt that to be homeless doesn't always mean you'll be homeless forever and that there are ways to help yourself and come back to having a home. I also learnt that there are so many places that help homeless people in need. — Gabby Shandley (Year 12 Silver)
The night was not only a great bonding experience for us Year 12s, but it really opened our eyes to how lucky we are to have a warm bed every night. Many of us have been inspired to look into community work that we can be involved in to help those in our community who aren't as lucky. — Erin Jones (Year 12 Green)
