National Volunteer Week

This week is National Volunteer Week, where we say thank you to the millions of Australians across the country who volunteer in a range of different contexts. It is a timely reminder to say thank you to our multitudes of volunteers across the Churchie community as well, who lift and inspire different parts of our school every day.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’. Across the country, we are hearing key messages that reinforce the benefits of inclusion and diversity. These messages certainly resonate for us at Churchie, where so many members of our community volunteer their time, knowledge, passions and skills to create a stronger, more vibrant and resilient community. Finding ways for parents to connect to their sons, growing friendships between families in a range of contexts, and often developing bonds that extend across generations—all this is enormously enriching and worthwhile.

We extend our thanks to all our volunteers for the vital role they play across our school. To parents, Old Boys, staff and students who already volunteer through various charity efforts and service activities—the spirit of volunteering is at the heart of a Churchie experience.

We also acknowledge the work of volunteers in our broader community as well, in a range of community organisations across Brisbane and beyond. According to Volunteering Australia, our peak body for volunteering in the country, around 25 per cent of Australians volunteer their time in formal ways (through various groups and organisations) while almost half provide more informal volunteering support in their community.

In a world that is often marked by division and conflict, it is certainly heartening to acknowledge the many remarkable efforts, both near and further afield, that are much more about building connections and showing a selfless commitment to the greater good.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers.

Dr Alan Campbell
Headmaster