Students from Mosman Preparatory School raise money for Aboriginal preschool

A group of Year 5 students from Sydney’s Mosman Preparatory School have raised more than $2,500 which will be put towards equipment for Kulai Aboriginal preschool on the New South Wales North Coast. 

 

The fundraising efforts came as part of a week long camp which saw the boys visit NSW Coffs Harbour region, where they learnt more about the Gumbaynggirr First Nations people of the region. 

 

Books, blankets, basketballs and bike helmets were provided, part of an effort by the school’s principal, Mr Peter Grimes, to develop authentic connections between the First Nations people of the region and the school. 

 

“During the week, the boys met and interacted with Aboriginal children and adults, learning about the history of their land and their culture, and how to care for the land more responsibly,” Mr Grimes told local news source Mosman Collective.

 

The camp was designed to conceptualise the school motto of Non Nobis Solum (not for ourselves alone) and to remind the students of the importance of personal and social responsibility, and showing care and compassion for others. 

 

“Along with powerful life and team-building skills, the boys developed some incredible and genuine relationships with the Aboriginal students which was wonderful to witness,” Mr Grimes said. 

 

The boys visited the preschool to present the result of their efforts, with one student telling the paper that the visit was a highlight of the camp, during which the boys spent time with the preschoolers, taking part in their language and music lessons. 

 

Given the success of this year’s camp, a first for the school, Mr Grimes says it will now become an annual fixture in the school calendar. 

 

Learn more about the school here. For the original coverage of this story please see here.