Each of the students we have supported will be positively and, in some cases, deeply affected by the assistance they have received. We'd like to share their stories with you...
State Schools' Relief would like to say a big thank you to Blake's mum for permission to use his beautiful letter and picture.
Ms XXX has been keeping her child at home for months and months. She has finally brought the child to school - his clothing is in a poor state. To help get him into school again we are trying to support him and his mum. Thanks for your support.
A year 9 girl was a "school refuser" and would not come to school as she did not have a school uniform. The school coordinator called State Schools' Relief and we arranged to have a uniform sent to her within 24 hours. She went to school the following day...
XXX is being raised by her grandparents who are both on a pension. Her dad died when she was one day old and her mother has not been located since leaving all financial responsibilities to the grandparents.
I had the pleasure of distributing your uniforms to a family this morning. All of the students were very excited and pleased with their new uniforms. One of the younger children was looking at herself in a mirror admiring her new uniform when she started to cry. Fearing something was wrong I went to her and asked what the matter was. She chocked back tears and said nothing it was just that her uniform was the most beautiful she had ever had. Her tears were tears of joy.
...Thank you. XXXX (grade 3) received her parcel and thought it was Christmas. She loved her shoes so much she wanted to sleep in them. Thank you, thank you, thank you very much.
...I am writing to thank you for all your support with our refugee students. Your prompt and professional service assists more than 60 new families each year who have recently arrived in Australia.
...their house was burnt down just before the holiday and the response from SSR was so quick I was able to pass on to the family not only the items requested, but all the other wonderful things that were sent for the two girls before Term Two started. When we opened the box and saw the extras, it brought tears to our eyes.
...XXX has proudly worn his new uniform to school each day. It's really nice to see him in a good fitting, decent pair of shoes. If you have ever worn a pair of uncomfortable shoes for just a few hours you might have a small insight into what this little boy experienced every single day. It makes all the difference to have the right gear. He's so much happier.
...we greatly appreciate the speed in which you processed our applications. XXXX was very excited opening the box and he had a big smile on his face when he saw his new clothes. He immediately put on his new shoes and coat, then carried the box with the other clothes back to his classroom. He loved showing his teachers. Our school is witness to the wonderful work that SSR does and the positive impact if has on families. Thank you so much.
...the following family have only recently arrived in Australia from Iraq. Mum and the two girls only, while the other family member are missing. This family is at high risk and requires urgent support.
...these two children lost their father to cancer last week. The mother has only just realised the financial debt the father left behind and has had to move out of her rental accommodation and is in need of support.
...just wanted to send everyone a very big "thank you" for all the support you gave our school in regards to the bushfires. It made such a difference to the parents of our fire impacted families to know there was one thing LESS to worry about. SSRC was wonderful in supplying families with all sorts of uniform; from jackets to shoes, socks and other essentials. Your support to our community has been sooo much appreciated.
...(from a mother) On behalf of XXX and myself I would like to thank you for your assistance in helping XXX in regards to her school uniform. Your help is very much appreciated. I have explained to XXX how expensive these items are and to look after them. Thank you.
Examples of school support:
Brighton Secondary College
In our school the State Schools' Relief is one of the very few organisations that we specifically fund-raise for due to the outstanding work they do to support children in our Government Schools. It is also the organisation we are able to turn to for the students in our school who need support in the provision of uniform. This year our students were very proud to know they had assisted in the provision of uniform of over 8000 students in Victorian Schools. They also took great pride in knowing that their special contribution, which was in excess of $9000 in total, would benefit children affected in the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
State Schools Relief works tirelessly to ensure every Victorian child has access to opportunity. They do this fostering a sense of participation in education.
Our school community applauds SSR for the outstanding work they do for children in our schools, and we will continue to support them with our fund raising efforts.
Julie Podbury, Principal
Surrey Hills Primary School
Returning from a trip with their Assistant Principal to King Lake to present fund raising cheques to schools following the bushfires, the School Captains at Surrey Hills Primary School paid a visit to the State Schools Relief office. David and the staff provided a great tour and explanation of the service provided and outlined the means by which State Schools Relief receives funding.
As the priority had been set by the captains to direct their efforts to supporting children this year they decided to organise a day to raise awareness and funds for State Schools Relief. Many lunchtimes were spent brainstorming ideas and marketing strategies for the school wide effort. Finally a Wacky Wednesday Crazy Catwalk Competition was chosen.
The project was launched at assembly by the School Captains dressed in wacky ways to provide ideas and explained the day. A gold coin donation entered a student into the class catwalk parade. Two students from each class were then chosen to parade in the lunchtime Crazy Catwalk Competition. The next day a Guess the Amount Raised was held to add to the funds.
The School Captains invited David Schmidt to assembly and presented a cheque for $465. Once again children at Surrey hills Primary School connected to raising funds for children.