Spinifex State College Residential Campus has won the Most Innovative Australian Boarding School Award.
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The award was presented to Spinifex State College by the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) after being nominated by Cath Jeffery.
“Many of our students come from remote and rural communities which lack significant services that many take for granted.”
“I believe it is important for the students to develop their community mindedness.
The campus in Mount Isa had been undertaking community service projects for the past two years.
In 2016, the students were involved in Clean Up Australia Day and spent time assisting the owners of a local animal refuge and also volunteered to participate in the Clean Up Gorge McCoy Park and Clean Up Pioneer.
In 2017, students took on a variety of activities to support not only the Mount Isa community but also those within a 200km vicinity.
“They conducted three sausage sizzles outside Bunnings during term 2 with the money raised donated to several different individuals and organisations:
• Abbey Stewart a local girl who was in need of an insulin regulator machine
• Mount Isa Special School to purchase eggs and beans to help feed the competitors in the Variety Bash car rally.
• Mount Isa Wild Life Carer, Joyce Brogden to buy food for animals she cares for
• Cathy Freeman Foundation
• Golden Octopus Foundation for cancer patients
Students participated in the Cancer Colour Run with the entry fees going to the Cancer Council.
“During term four the students spent a day in Camooweal to play soccer and cricket with the students out there who had no one to play against,” Ms Jeffery said.
“The day ended with a BBQ where we fed the students and their families and made great connections.”
This year students travelled to Camooweal and Dajarra to play sports and enjoy a BBQ with the local students.
“Our boarders are learning to value the importance of living the words of John F Kennedy when he said ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.