There have been many wonderful activities happening around the school recently. I have enjoyed attending the Friends and Family Chapel service, Bands Concert, Year 3 History projects display, netball games and Years 3 to 12 School Chapel, amongst many others. This week, however, I would like to focus on recognising two of our students for an outstanding achievement in giving back to their community.
I was honoured to attend the Order of Australia Association ACT Branch Student Citizenship Awards ceremony last week with two of our Year 12 students, Anneliese and Lize, along with their families and the Acting Director (Students), Ms Samantha Newbond. These awards recognise the extraordinary contribution that school students in the ACT make through community service and other acts of good citizenship. Anneliese and Lize were awarded an Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Annelise actively exhibits humble servant leadership and currently volunteers on a weekly basis to help children with disabilities play and exercise at Malkara School, Garran ACT. She also actively offers her service through the Anglicare group, Caring Ministries, and demonstrates her care for others in the community through engaging in a four-day program each year at Woden School in an educational setting offering targeted care to young people who meet the ACT Disability Criteria. In Anneliese’s sustained commitment to community service, she also participates in Anglicare’s annual Crafts and Carols afternoon Christmas Service, where she crafts, wraps and delivers toys with other children so that the broader community can enjoy the holiday season.
Lize exhibits outstanding citizenship skills and is an active community member at CGGS through her leadership in the Duke of Edinburgh program. In the community, Lize organises donations for St Vincent De Paul. Lize has also successfully applied for and was appointed a reserved position on ACT’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The YAC is a platform designed for Canberra’s youth to take a leading role in raising awareness of the aspirations, needs and concerns of young people, and to facilitate interaction between young people, the ACT Government, and the broader community regarding issues that affect their lives.
Congratulations to Anneliese and Lize for this outstanding service and recognition through the Order of Australia Student Awards.
Ms Julie Jorritsma
Acting Principal
Photos
Ms Julie Jorritsma and Ms Samantha Newbond with Lize and Anneliese, Anneliese receiving her award, Lize receiving her award