Bundaberg East State School students have turned their good behaviour into great community spirit by donating their accumulated reward tokens to help local charities.
Across the year, students compete in their sports houses to receive the most feather tokens for great behaviour at school, with each sporting house selecting a local charity to support.
The school mascot, BESS the Rainbow Lorikeet encourages the good behaviour choices and each week on parade a tally is shared by house captains as to which sports house has earned the most of BESS’s feather tokens.
Bundaberg East State School Deputy Principal Katrina Kruger said this year the students had selected Angels Community Group, Bundaberg RSPCA and Red Collar Rescue as the causes they would like to support.
“Students have stayed in touch with the charities during the year and they have visited the school to share with the students the purpose of their voluntary work,” Katrina said.
“This week, our Sports Captains were thrilled to be able to present cheques for $240 to each charity.
“All representatives of the local charities expressed their heartfelt gratitude and told students that their fundraising will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.”
Bundaberg RSPCA Animal Care Manager Natalie Hyde said that the children’s dedication to helping those that cannot speak for themselves was inspiring and thanked the school for being champions of our furry friends.
Dee Haggerty accepted the cheque on behalf of RSPCA and told students that the money would go towards animal care.
Lisa Marriott from Red Collar Rescue told students of their mission to find homes for unwanted dogs and reminded us how important dogs are in our families.
She encouraged students who have a dog to go home and give them a hug.
Angels Community representative Chelsea told the students that the money would go directly towards their Christmas hampers that are provided for families doing it tough.
She congratulated students on their charitable spirit and said that they will help make Christmas better for a lot of Bundaberg families.
Bundaberg East State School Principal Leanne Davis said it was very important to encourage empathy and social responsibility in the students.
“By allowing students to select their own charities to support, we give them agency in how they contribute towards our society,” Leanne said.
“On the outside, it might appear a small gesture but by starting in primary school, we are growing young people with a belief that they can make a difference in their world.”
Leanne said that the focus on local charities enabled students to actually hear and see the difference they are making.
