A newly developed curriculum option at Emmanuel Catholic College in Success has not only provided Year 11 students with the opportunity to assist children in crisis, but it has also united the school community.
Home Economics Co-ordinator, Mrs Deb Barraclough, told the eRecord that this year’s “Children, Family and the Community Course” included an opportunity for students to assist the work of Wanslea Family Services, which provides support for families and children experiencing difficulties.
In preparation for the course, Mrs Barraclough said the class had been investigating a variety of support agencies that were assisting families in need and students had agreed to focus their project on Wanslea’s work with foster children.
“The students were tasked to plan, design and produce a care package for a child in need or in a crisis situation,” Mrs Barraclough explained.
“They had to include three home-made items in their care packages, showcasing a wide range of skills.”
The assignment not only inspired the 17 students involved with a deeper understanding and empathy for those facing difficulties in life, but also harnessed the compassion of the wider college community, which embraced the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.
“We have been very lucky with the generosity of spirit of many people associated with the school,” Mrs Barraclough said.
“Not only did we have students spending their own extra money to plump up their packages, but we also had parents and grandparents knitting extra items, such as jumpers and beanies, for these beautiful gifts. And there were even students from other classes who wanted to contribute.”
While Wanslea assists children of all ages, it is often the teenagers who miss out on external attention which is why a number of Emmanuel students designed their packages for this age group.
One of the highlights of the project, Mrs Barraclough shared, was the visit last month of Lisa Martin from Wanslea’s Foster Care program, who came in to collect the completed packages and share aspects of the agency’s work.
“It was an emotional session with the girls hearing about children in crisis and realising just how lucky their own childhood has been,” Mrs Barraclough shared.
“But Ms Martin also stressed how the college community had contributed to the care of these kids by initiating a project such as this.”
The proud Home Economics teacher said that the project had been an extremely worthwhile and rewarding endeavour and that the students had loved the experience and were particularly pleased to have each received a hug of gratitude from Ms Martin.
“Ms Martin was extremely grateful and we were able to cement a relationship that the students can foster with this wonderful organisation,” Mrs Barraclough declared.
“As a teacher, I couldn’t be prouder of the effort of these students and the way they represented Emmanuel Catholic College.”