Social Justice Team’s Winter Sleepout

Our Social Justice Team had a busy but fabulous week, putting on a lunchtime bbq for staff and students, followed by the annual Winter Sleepout on Thursday night.

In the lead-up to the sleepout, the team organised a bbq and raised $400 for Hope Street Melton and St Vincent de Paul.

We had 27 students from various year levels participate in the sleepout event and nine staff. Everyone was eager to learn more about the issue of homelessness and the organisations assisting the Melton community.

We heard insightful presentations from Gary Humphrey and Kylie from Hope Street Melton, Stephanie Payne from 6801 Youth Outreach/Melton City Council and Maureen Mohr President of the St Vincent de Paul Melton Branch.

Students then moved to the food room for a dinner of warm soup, sandwiches and a muffin to replicate the Soup Van scenario.

The delicious dinner was prepared by Margaret Rowe-Watts, her Senior VCAL class, Joanne Tissera, Joanne Boyd and Kylie Nicholl.

Later in the evening, the students enjoyed a reflection of thanks by Andrew Sciberras and built their cardboard shelters to sleep in (which displayed such creativity and a lot of tape).

A big thank you to students and staff for their fantastic support of the Winter Sleepout and to all in our College community who donated socks, scarves, beanies, and blankets - a truly magnificent collection of supplies that will go a long way.

Below are some thoughts from students who attended the Winter Sleepout.

"I liked the soup and the sandwiches that we had for dinner. I also liked it when we wrote down our gratitude cards. I really enjoyed that we got to build our cardboard shelter, my group built a fort. Lastly, I liked it when we got to light the candles on the cross for our reflection." Lexie - Year 7

"I liked learning about what homelessness was all about. I also enjoyed feeling like a homeless person and seeing what they must go through. I also liked the soup that was made for us." Amelia - Year 7

“I was shocked to learn that 1100 people sleep rough every night in greater Melbourne and I was surprised to learn about the factors that can lead to homelessness. It was great building shelters with fellow students, but it made me realise how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in every night.” Alannah - Year 8

“The Winter Sleepout was a very educational and beneficial evening that raised awareness of homelessness in Victoria, particularly among youth. Throughout the night, we heard from representatives from organisations such as Vinnies and the experiences faced by the homeless. We engaged in activities such as building a shelter for ourselves and having to sleep in them afterwards. Overall, the night truly opened my eyes to the struggles homeless people endure every day and hopefully helped us all to want to do our part - small or big, to help those in a similar situation." Deputy Social Justice Captain Ashok - Year 11

"It made me reflect on what I had been taking for granted." Shanessa - Year 10

"This was my fifth and final time participating in the Winter Sleepout, and I am glad it could be held in person. The night itself was a great experience that furthered my knowledge and understanding of homelessness and how it affects the people of Victoria, especially the youth. My favourite part of the night would have to be the cardboard fort building and seeing everyone’s creations, although my group had the greatest one." Social Justice Captain Darcy - Year 12