Published on: 15 August 2024




Last Friday night, 18 Senior School students and 3 staff members participated in the Anglicare WA School Sleep Out at Optus Stadium. The student group was made up of Anglicare Ambassadors, of which there are three per House. The Ambassadors nominate themselves to participate in various Anglicare initiatives throughout the year and the School Sleep Out is always a well-attended – this year saw more than 500 students from over 20 schools at spend the night at Optus Stadium.

This meaningful annual event not only raises funds but increases awareness by simulating some of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Our students have raised an impressive $7027.00 that will help to fund Anglicare WA Street Connect youth workers.

Director of Activities Mr Neil Saggers said the students got a lot out of the event. “The anecdotal feedback I’ve received from the boys is that the event was fantastic. They managed to get some sleep and found the evening’s activity that Anglicare WA organised quite demanding but eye-opening,” he said.

“The activity involved getting split into groups with peers from other schools, and going around to Government and charity agencies, such as Centrelink. It mirrored the struggles that people experiencing homelessness have to go through to get ‘boxes ticked’.”

The event and its simulation activity were highlighted in the Channel 7 Friday evening broadcast (at 12 minutes and 33 minutes). Our Anglicare Ambassadors who volunteered to do the Sleep Out are reflective of the School’s emphasis on service learning, where we encourage students to become engaged and considerate members of their immediate and broader community by serving others. Participating in the Sleep Out is one of many opportunities to engage in service learning – others include our Cadets program which sees students participate in Army, Surf Life Saving or ENCOMM (environment and community) activities, Service in Action Tours, and community and fundraising events. We would like to commend the students on their participation in this initiative.