By Meg Kennedy<\/p>\n
Students at St Brigid\u2019s Primary School in Ballan experienced \u2018sleeping rough\u2019 earlier this month to raise awareness for homelessness.<\/p>\n
Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 students conducted a sleep-out in the school\u2019s library on the night of Thursday, 5 September, sleeping on cardboard boxes to get a small taste of what it might be like to sleep rough for the night.<\/p>\n
Teacher Chelsea Brennan said the idea came about after the school\u2019s Social Justice student group wanted to raise awareness for homelessness, but through more than a standard gold coin donation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith some of my work previously with St Vincent de Paul when I was at university, I had heard of many groups having \u2018sleep-outs\u2019,\u201d said Ms Brennan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI brought forward the idea \u2013 not really knowing what it would entail \u2013 to the Social Justice group and they loved the idea, as it was more than just raising money; its main purpose was building awareness of homelessness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sleepout night included a film viewing that explored negative stereotypes of homelessness, a basic dinner of soup and bread, an information session on homelessness, card games that allowed the students to \u2018switch off\u2019 from technology and connect with others, and writing notes to accompany canned goods to be donated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so important to challenge our students beyond their own personal experiences and provide them with opportunities to put themselves in other people\u2019s shoes,\u201d said Ms Brennan.<\/p>\n
Doing so helps to build their understanding and empathy towards others, and they are more likely to be motivated to take action against social justice issues such as homelessness.\u201d<\/p>\n
In total, the students raised $1052.70 for St Vincent de Paul, as well as 123 cans of non-perishables and seven blankets.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Meg Kennedy Students at St Brigid\u2019s Primary School in Ballan experienced \u2018sleeping rough\u2019 earlier this month to raise awareness for homelessness. Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 students conducted a sleep-out in the school\u2019s library on the night of Thursday, 5 September, sleeping on cardboard boxes to get a small taste of what it […]<\/p>\n