From the Chaplain
September 1, 2026 – Edition 11
The Challenge is ON!
Students across Senior School have been busy challenging themselves to raise money for the 40 Hour Challenge (formerly 40 Hour Famine). The tasks don’t have to be limited to 40 Hours; students can choose projects that may be achieved any time over the month of August.
In a definite highlight, students from Years 7 to 12 ran fundraising stalls selling a variety of items to our Senior School students. Activities like this provide a wonderful opportunity for student initiative and teamwork. Through planning, organising, purchasing and sometimes cooking, the students develop real life skills while working hard for a worthy cause.
It made me feel really proud of each student who stepped up to host a stall. They ranged from a bedazzling craft session to a barbecue and stalls selling chocolate dipped strawberries, drinks, cookies, icy poles and nachos. Casey Common was full of students of all year levels enjoying the food and atmosphere. We were also delighted to welcome Tony from World Vision, who joined us for the barbecue to see our students at work on their fundraising.
Another feature of Casey Common is our new Challenge Wall. Students have used it to outline their challenges and a reminder that fundraising is about providing an opportunity to others who do not have it based on factors outside of their control, including their birth location and country’s circumstances.
At the time of writing, we have raised more than $2,200, which will increase once the stall funds are added. Sometimes it’s easy to think that it’s ‘just money’, but this money provides funds to purchase food that keeps people alive.
We all know that money enables us to purchase the seeds to plant the crops, to create safe spaces for children in refugee camps, or build a school. Our students can’t get on a plane to deliver seeds or protein rich sachets to children living in famine (at this point in their lives anyway), but we can support organisations that do.
And maybe, in time, we will have students in various parts of the world doing this work. Right now, it is our privilege to support those who can.
Thanks to all the students taking on challenges, the families and friends supporting them and the students who joined us at lunchtime last Tuesday. If you would like to support their efforts, please click here.
Year 1 Chapel Services
We are delighted that our Year 1 class Chapels will be held in the final two weeks of term. Families, including siblings and grandparents, are welcome to join these services. A letter will be sent soon with additional details, but the dates and times are below.
- Year 1G: Class Chapel, Thursday, 10 September 10:00am
- Year 1B: Class Chapel, Wednesday, 16 September 11:15am
- Year 1RD: Class Chapel, Wednesday, 16 September 2:45pm
Every blessing to you and your families.
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
