On 9^th – 10^th September a group of Year 11 students opted to experience sleeping rough to support the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Collectively the group raised about $600 in sponsorship that will go directly to Vinnies. After some work in appreciating the reasons that lead to homelessness and night prayer, it was on to the experience of the Ballarat night. The morning reflection process was profound and students were pleased to be collected by their families, knowing that they are well looked after and have achieved hours toward their Christian Personal Development Awards Community Service / Action for Mercy and Justice.

– Student Reflections

During the sleep out experience, we found that being on the school grounds brought a sense of security, where, homeless people in our surrounding community would not be able to feel that type of protection. – Grace O, Eden B and Lily K

During this experience, you are more grateful for the things you have such as a bed. While sleeping outside with a sleeping bag I was warm. However, I have realised that some people out on the streets don’t have the opportunity to have these things to keep them warm in Winter. – Carina

After participating in the sleepout, I feel more compassionate to the people doing it rough on the streets during cold nights – Jack M

When the alarms are blaring and you’re told to move, that feeling of ‘where do we go?’ was eye opening. When people sleeping on the streets are told to move, they do not have the same security as we did, yet that feeling was still resonating amongst us, privileged. -Sara A

Sleeping out in the cold and in the rain was confronting but made me much more aware of my privilege. I had the option to sleep rough when I had a warm, dry bed at home, although people who are living on the street do not have this option at all. – Ava S

Although in the safe confinements of the school grounds it was still a very vulnerable experience and to think that people must do it every night on the streets is eye-opening and makes me want to get involved and make a difference to those who aren’t as privileged. – Liana C