In a year that was like no other, it was unclear if we would be able to participate in the Operation Christmas Child program at all. But through God's grace and great goodness, all things are possible, and with very full and thankful hearts, Year 10 and the Year 6 leaders farewelled a massive load of 595 shoeboxes packed by our students and the wider school community.
As a cohort, Year 10 and their Pastoral Care teachers spent many lunchtimes planning, preparing, and at the packing event, filling over 350 boxes with donated items.
Here are some of the highlights:
- The whole of Junior School, from Prep to Year 6, coloured in a book cover with designs created by some very talented Year 6 students. Year 10 and Year 12 had a great time in the Junior School classrooms, encouraging the students as they completed their works of art. Year 10 Pastoral Care then covered over 400 exercise books which were included in every shoebox.
- Year 10 participated in a workshop run by Mrs Dipple where they learned the skill of creating beautiful handmade cards. All Secondary School students had the opportunity to write a personal message of encouragement to a child and these were put into each box.
- Year 7 Pastoral Care boys made wooden first aid and fishing kits. Using offcuts of timber and perspex, they fashioned some exquisitely assembled boxes, which they filled with either first aid items or fishing equipment.
- Year 7 boys also plaited paracord key chains with a d-clip on one end and key chain on the other.
- Year 11 Pastoral Care girls learnt the skill of braiding colourful friendship bracelets and then made many beautiful patterned bracelets, which they presented on card with a photo to place in each box.
- Many students and their extended families from Year 7-12 donated handmade items for packing. We have so many talented seamstresses, knitters and crocheters at our school.
- Mrs Lau, our TAS aide, made and donated 30 face masks.
- The Krispy Kreme donut drive raised over $2000 to fund the postage of the boxes.
- School stationery supplier Winc, who have supported the program for the last few years, donated pens, pencils, sharpeners and rubbers.
- The Base Warehouse at Menai offered substantial discounts on goods bought for the drive.
- The financial support of the wider Christian and non-Christian community who, knowing the outcomes of the program, gave with such generosity.
- Students dressed in giant shoebox costumes welcomed others as they arrived at school in the mornings.
- The large number of students, with such servant heartedness, that ensured that each box was thoughtfully and loving packed to the brim.
More than anything:
- A shoebox Is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ!
- A shoebox creates the opportunity for local pastors and leaders to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through the “The Greatest Journey” discipleship program, prepared in the language of the child.
- A shoebox multiplies the spread of the Gospel. Before the Greatest Journey course is over, students begin witnessing and sharing the Good News with others.
- The program grows congregations and plants new churches worldwide.
- A shoebox blesses children with joy, hope, and love. Their shoebox is the first gift many children have ever received! The treasures and personal letters inside communicate that someone cares for them and gives them an opportunity to experience the love of God.
It is with a very humble and full heart, I offer my sincerest thanks to the our school community, and the wonderful staff and students for their love, care and passion for this outreach.
What comes out of a box is eternal!
Mrs Lillian Corban
Back to All News