Students raised more than $500 over several weeks, which translated to 65 presents for the Salvation Army appeal, handed over to Salvation Army Major Greg Saunders at an assembly on Tuesday.

“The school participates in Red Shield Appeal and things like that, but this is the first time we’ve done this,” Miss Hiscox said.

“Every day, students had the opportunity to donate money in roll call, even if it was 10 cents, and there was a container at the canteen for spare change. On Friday we had our annual Christmas drive, and so we raised money from a Christmas clothes day then.

“There were two students who pretty much emptied out their piggy banks, and staff donated presents too.” 

The idea to participate in the appeal came from teacher Jemma Kenneally and was put into action by the school’s Positive Behaviour for Learning committee.

Miss Hiscox said it was important students participated in charity work like the appeal, as it opened their eyes to the disadvantage in the community.

“It’s a locally-based wap of helping out the community, especially someone like the Salvos who support so many people in the community; we don’t know if there are kids at the school who receieve help from them,” she said.

“It’s about making kids aware that there are people and families out there who don’t have a lot.”

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au