On Friday 20 June 2014 more than 50 brave
young students from Years 4 -7, parents and a number of school staff faced the
challenge of sleeping at school in either the undercover area or school
library.
The aim of the St Joachim's School Sleep-Out was to provide students with a tangible
experience of what it would be like to be homeless as well as raising student
awareness about the realities faced by people considered to be homeless by
sleeping out in a simulated controlled environment.
The funds raised go towards
the building of a DVD library for residents of Brisbane Common Ground, Hope
Street, South Brisbane. Brisbane Common Ground is a sustainable housing
solution for people who have experienced chronic homelessness and people
earning low to moderate incomes.
During the night the students had the
opportunity to listen to presentations from Kristie McKean, St Vincent de
Paul, and Natasha Rodrigues from Micah Projects. The students reflected on what
they know and understand about those facing homelessness in our community,
participate in poverty and wealth distribution games and work in teams to
construct cardboard shelters.
Congratulations to all students, parents and
staff involved in the first St Joachim’s Sleep-Out.
Chris Thomas
Principal
June 2014