Students Awarded for Community Spirit
Glenwood Park (Palm Beach 12) NHW and the Clover Hill State School have developed a fantastic new initiative to award students who contribute to their school and the wider community.
The Community Achievement Award will recognise students who take an active interest in local issues and events and in helping their community.
NHW Secretary Robert Hitchon said he came across the idea at the NHW State Rally in Townsville last year. “People up there did a lot of things with schools involved, teaching kids about their community and the importance of keeping an interest in the community”.
Working closely with the school principal and student council, a criterion was developed to assess potential candidates. “We are recording who participates in which events, and have formed a sub-committee on the student council which organises community events. Often, it is more important to do rather than know about things – in the general community, it isn’t always the most academic person who makes the greatest contribution, and fostering community involvement with students is really important” says Steven Loggie, the principal of the Mudgeeraba school.
Clover Hill teachers are also encouraged to be active in community events such as the recent Clean Up Australia Day and Anzac Day ceremonies so that students can learn by example that it is rewarding to be community minded.
The name of the student who wins the annual award will appear on a shield and will also receive a certificate.
Ann and Robert Hitchon hand over the new award to Clover Hill students.
Article adapted from Gold Coast Sun Newspapers
Last Updated: 09/12/2005