Back to school bonus for local families

Stand Like Stone Foundation hands out a recor

For almost two decades the Stand Like Stone Foundation has been supporting education throughout the Limestone Coast with its Back to School vouchers.

Last week, a record number of vouchers were handed out, bringing the total since the program’s inception in 2005, to more than 12,500 vouchers totalling more than $600,000.

The 2023 allocation was 1000 vouchers at $50 a pop with 40 schools taking advantage of the program that is made possible through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and generous local benefactors.

Stand Like Stone Foundation CEO Roger Babolka said you could look at the record donation in two ways.

“It is good we have the capacity to do that,” Mr Babolka said. “But it is obvious there are issues out there the community is facing and they do rely on this type of support but we are pleased to be part of the process.”

The Back to School vouchers help students with the purchase of uniforms, books or other equipment needed to get students back to school, basically helping reduce the burden of costs associated with the commencement of a new school year.

The fifty dollar vouchers are distributed to school students, in partnership with local public schools and the program is unique, in that recipient families can choose what they actually need for their children.

“…it is important to feel a part of the learning community and gives them a sense of belonging …” Erica Hurley (Melaleuca Park Primary School principal)

Melaleuca Park School principal Erica Hurley said the Stand Like Stone Foundation was an amazing supporter of the school and had been during her time at Nangwarry Primary School as well.

“The support for families is amazing,” Ms Hurley said. “Families are really struggling at the moment, particularly our families.” Melaleuca Park has a high percentage of families on school cards and support like the Back to School vouchers are essential.

Ms Hurley predicts the vouchers will be spent on school uniforms. “We’ve just had a change in uniform and the vouchers will help families transition to the new uniform and increase school pride with everyone wearing the uniform.”

Ms Hurley said you can’t underestimate how important having the right uniform and the right school supplies is in a child’s learning.

“It is important to feel a part of the learning community and gives them a sense of belonging and to take pride in their school community,” Ms Hurley said. Of the 1000 vouchers distributed in the 2023 back to School program allocation, 240 were cofunded by the foundation and the support of benefactors.

Tax-deductible donations can be made and for every $50 the foundation receives for the Back to School program, FRRR will give two vouchers. This means the value of your donation is doubled and double the number of vouchers are available to support Limestone Coast students. The community can assist local children by making a tax deductible donation to the Stand Like Stone Foundation at any time during the year for the program – simply follow the links online at the Stand Limestone Foundation website.

Twelve schools were represented at the voucher presentation at Noel Barr Toyota last week with the rest set to be delivered across the seven council areas of the Limestone Coast.

“Noel Barr Toyota has been a support of the foundation since the beginning and that sort of support is greatly appreciated,” Mr Babolka said.

Allendale East Area School, Gordon Education Centre, Grant High School, McDonald Park School, Melaleuca Park School, Mil Lel primary School, Mount Gambier High School, Mulga Street Primary School, Naracoorte South Primary School, Penola High School, Suttontown Primary School and Yahl Primary School were all on hand to pick up their vouchers at the presentation.

Board members Kate Facy, Donna Jaeschke and Rhett McDinald were also onhand to be part of the voucher handover.

BACK TO SCHOOL ASSISTANCE: The school representatives, Stand Like Stone representatives and long time foundation supporter Noel Barr at last week’s Back to School vouhcer handover.