On Wednesday May 14, fourteen committed and courageous Year Nine students volunteered to sleep rough in a bid to develop their awareness and show support for the issue of homelessness in our community. This experience was an extension of their Year Nine RAVE study into Faith in Action.

After school, students discussed the challenges people face such as lack of security, loneliness, vulnerability, violence, and hopelessness. They played a game to illustrate the importance being resourceful, sharing knowledge, skills and showing support for one another. To pass the time the students sang songs, played games, and searched for materials to make their sleep more comfortable. Over a simple meal of bread and pumpkin soup, students shared their thoughts on the causes of homelessness. Later, the students listened intently to guest speaker Mark Strack, a member of the local Night Shelter Committee, as he shared his motivation for getting involved. Mark spoke of the evolution of the Night Shelter Program and the importance of Zac's Place in providing a place of care and connection for those in need, as well as, discussing ways we as a community can help. The students' questions on this topic showed maturity and a strong desire to respond in a practical and meaningful way. I look forward to seeing how they choose to support this issue in the coming weeks - watch this space! Finally, I would like to thank the students for giving up their time, to Mr Chynoweth and Ms Pascall for helping to supervise, and to Sandra for her support with the food.

As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded of the ongoing need to show compassion, love, respect and dignity all people regardless of their circumstances. I am also encouraged and hopeful that there are young people in our midst that are willing to make a difference in the lives of others.

- Mr Adam Graham

STUDENT REFLECTION

By Rhylee Turner & Lily Radnor (Year Nine)

Overnight on Wednesday the 14th of May, Year Nine Students had the opportunity to participate in a school sleepout to raise awareness and gain understanding of homelessness on a local scale. We learnt about the effect of homelessness on mental health, with some preferring to sleep on the streets then under at local shelters, as the deem it safer. Guest speaker Mark Stark, from Night Shelter Wangaratta spoke about the overwhelming effect of homelessness on the community, with over 850 people homeless (2023) in Wangaratta, with 1 in 10 of them living it rough, on the streets with barely a form of shelter. This was disturbing to hear and shone a light on the problem of homelessness so close to home. Mark spoke about personal connections that encouraged him to help others battling with the struggles of homelessness. He sparked incredible conversations about what volunteers do for the homeless as well as what we can do to help in the future. Starting from the 1st of June, homeless shelters will open each night for those without accommodation, providing them with a warm meal and roof over their head. Venues include Zac's Place and a range of other churches.

Year Nine students will continue to plan ways to raise awareness and make a difference by making cookie dough and donating it to the homeless shelter, organising fundraisers, helping to put together ‘sleeping rough packs,’ (which are packs with sanitary items, clothes, handwarmers and food), and also donating sanitary products and other necessities.

Our night was filled with interesting conversations, plenty of games, laughs, lots of music, and memories made. We bonded over rummaging for our cardboard beds, singing by the chapel piano and listing what we were grateful for over a dinner of bread rolls and pumpkin soup. It was an incredible, eye-opening experience that was incredible to be apart of. Thank you to all teachers who organised it and made it a memorable experience for all of us, namely Mr Graham and Ms Pascall who slept with us on the hard floors, ate our dinner of champions and played along with us.