Schools unite to support our farmers

Catholic schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have united in their bid to raise much-needed funds for NSW’s drought-stricken farmers.

Chisholm Catholic Primary, Bligh Park will be hosting a Big Bush Dance on Thursday, September 27 from 6pm to 8pm.

Students from Bede Polding College, Windsor South; St Matthew’s Primary, Windsor; St Luke’s Catholic College, Marsden Park and Santa Sophia Catholic College have been invited to attend. Chisholm Primary Principal Michael Mifsud said this event will not only raise money for the drought appeal, but also help students to make a connection with some country schools.

“We are also getting in touch with school leaders in the Wilcannia Forbes Diocese with a view to setting up partner schools - so students can share their stories. This would be a great learning experience for our students.”

The Big Bush Dance at Chisholm Catholic Primary School will be held on Thursday, September 27 from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $25 and include a barbecue sausage sandwich and drink. The event will feature bush dancing, music by a great band of musical Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta teachers, a line dancing competition and prizes!

At St Andrew’s Primary, Marayong students held a “Fiver For A Farmer” fundraiser on Monday, August 13. This saw students dress up as farmers for the day, pray for rain and fundraise $3200. Students also held a cake stall and also raised $280 more!

Acting Principal Kim McDonald said the fundraising idea was brought to her attention by Yr 4 student Matthew Mackie who was inspired by a news story on the Sunrise program where school children around Australia were invited to join in the fundraising campaign in support of Rural Aid and Drought Angels.

Matthew Mackie said from watching the news it sounded like a lot of farmers were poor and needed a lot of food and water.

“I also didn’t like seeing all the sheep and animals dying,’’ he said.

St Andrew’s teacher Grace Tabone said she has noticed the concern of many children for the animals.

“As a result of doing this fundraiser we have been able to educate the children about how the drought is affecting the farmers, which has a roll on affect to the animals and also the food and goods we buy from the shops,’’ Mrs Tabone said.

St Canice’s Primary in Katoomba followed and on Tuesday, August 14, they dressed up as farmers too and donated a “Fiver For A Farmer”. They managed to raise a whopping $1216.15.

St Monica’s Primary, Richmond has initiated “50c Fridays” to help “Feed a Farmer’s Family”. For the duration of Term 3, families have been asked to donate as many 50c pieces as they can! The money will be sent to the Country Women’s Association who are are providing families with much needed support. The school is also selling showbags every Friday morning for the remainder of the term: so far they have raised $1065!

St Monica’s Principal, Cameron Lievore said it is an important cause and teaches students about outreach.

“Farmers are finding it very difficult to feed their animals and grow crops. Many are even struggling to buy enough food to feed their families,” Mr Lievore said. “This is about responding to those in need and teaching our students about the value of service and helping others.’

Our Lady of the Nativity Primary, Lawson decided to build on their annual Book Week Parade by offering a snack pack for the students to purchase for lunch with all proceeds towards the ”Buy a Bale” Aussie Farmers cause, raising $450.

St Bernadette’s Primary, Castle Hill held a “Help A Farmer Day” where students dressed up as farmers and donated to the Wilcannia Forbes St Vincent de Paul Drought Appeal. They managed to raise a fantastic $7215.85.

St Bernadette’s Principal Leanne Nettleton said that the school community is well known for generosity to those in need and asked students to reach out in support of families in Balranald, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cobar, Condobolin, Deniliquin, Forbes, Hay, Hillstone, Narromine, Nyngan, Parkes, Peak Hill, Trangie, Trundle, Warren, Wilcannia.