St Joseph’s School receives donation from Gilbert and Sons as students take part in pyjama day fundraiser

Students at one Waroona school had more than one thing to smile about on Thursday, with the school receiving a grant on the same day a fun fundraiser was held.

Representatives from Gilbert and Sons Fresh Food Market in Mandurah visited St Joseph’s School last week to hand over a $550 cheque as part of its Peel Schools Program.

Principal Michael O’Dwyer said they were amazed by the amount received.

“As our school is some distance from Mandurah, we did not expect such a large donation,” he said.

Mr O’Dwyer said there were many projects or items he could allocate the grant funding to, but had decided to let the students decide what it will be spent on.

“This links into our school goal of active student voice and child agency by empowering our students to have a say in decisions that affect their school and learning, promoting their autonomy and valuing their perspectives plus creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment,” he said.

As part of the decision making process, student representatives will survey their peers and review the suggestions, which will then be costed out using staff support and put to a vote.

The handover ceremony was far from formal, with the presentation coinciding with a student fundraiser.

Mr O’Dwyer joined students and teachers in dressing up for a pyjama day, where pupils could come to the school in their nighttime outfits for a gold coin donation.

Over $200 was raised by the Year 4 Mini Vinnies students, with all proceeds going towards the Waroona St Vincent de Paul branch.

A toiletries drive is next on the students’ list, to help out those in the community struggling with cost of living pressures.