Resources for bushfire affected schools volunteer group
Students and staff from the School of Education (Melbourne Burwood Campus) have joined together to provide assistance to victims of the recent bushfires in a way that reflects their mutual passion, education. At their first working bee, over forty volunteers arrived eager to provide some tangible assistance to the bushfire affected schools. With materials generously donated by local businesses, volunteers produced many high quality teaching resources which, have been donated to the schools. In addition to the working bee efforts, teams of pre-service teachers have travelled to bushfire affected areas to assist teaching staff 'hands on' with their recovery process. Many valuable relationships are being developed with our rural colleagues through this project with very positive feedback flowing from both the schools and our volunteers.
Although the devastation of the fires is no longer making headline news, these school communities have only just begun their long journey of recovery. Please contact Liz at emby@deakin.edu.au to find out more about upcoming volunteer efforts. New volunteers are warmly welcomed, with flexible participation options available.
The efforts of the volunteer group have been made possible through the generous support of: the School of Education, Deakin University (Melbourne Burwood Campus), The Australian Education Union, Caffeine Internet Cafe, Officeworks, HungryJacks, Genie Educational, Hilton Laminating, Deakin Print and Mail Services, Servico Bess, Fry Library & School Supply, Thermal Laminating Co. and more!
Around 50 volunteers helped out across the two days and as you can see from the photo they were extremely busy bees! There were also many individuals who assisted in the preparations for the day and others who helped out from home.
I am pleased to report that Lizzie Marshall and I have delivered the resources to the staff at Marysville P.S., Strathewen P.S., and Middle Kinglake P.S. Needless to say they were thrilled to receive them, commenting on how much time we have saved them and sending their thanks to all the 'Deakin volunteers'.
Staff and students at the three schools have welcomed the fresh start that term two brings for them. The schools are making the most of their temporary premises and classrooms are now filled with colourful students' masterpieces.
The principals at the three schools have welcomed our volunteer group's continued support. This may take the form of further production of teaching resources, assistance at the schools in various ways and an 'all hands on deck' effort next year when they relocate premises. Currently we have 115 members and have made a real difference to these (and other) schools.
Liz Connolly
