The craftwork of hundreds of Sheldon College students is currently headed overseas in the way of Christmas cards for those who won’t be making it home for Christmas. Additional cards have also been sent interstate to cheer up the farmers who have spent a disastrous year suffering through the dreadful and continuous drought.

The idea initially came about last year when Tracey Pollard, Manager of the Senior Learning Centre, was researching World Wars and landed on the Australian Defence Force website. It mentioned that personnel posted overseas for Christmas love to receive messages from Australia to help rid their feelings of homesickness. Ever since, students from Years 6 through to Year 12, and even some from Wonderland, choose to recognise the outstanding bravery of the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve our country.

This year, students also chose to acknowledge the many farmers suffering from the treacherous drought throughout most of 2019.

Mrs Catherine Heiner, Humanities Head of Faculty and Community Service Group organiser shared her opinions regarding the initiative.

"We felt it important to raise our students' awareness of the numerous Australian troops serving overseas. Given that we have just finished a unit of study on Water in the World, or more specifically, the problems associated with drought in Australia, we then thought we could help to spread some cheer to our farmers who are enduring significant hardship at this time. We have been quite moved by the heart-felt messages written by the children to both groups of people,” stated Mrs Heiner.

“They have shown real compassion and empathy.”

One of the cards, made by Year 7 student, Jacob, has already been received by two Cattle Farmers from Quorrobolong in New South Wales, Brian and Fiona Allan.

Upon receiving the card, Brian and Fiona tracked down the College to send in a special message of thanks.

“The past few years have been very tough, so the card really brightened our day,” they said in their email.

“Please pass on our thanks to all your students and let them know that the cards are appreciated and really do make a huge difference.”

(Brian and Fiona Allan with their Christmas card)

Sheldon College is incredibly proud of the many outstanding students who make up the College’s cohort. Each student’s ambition to show their support and compassion for those within the community is unparalleled and we are committed to supporting the children’s charitable mindedness.