“ It was a great opportunity to bring us all together in a hugely positive way, interacting with Hohepa residents and staff, and to live our College virtues. ” Dr Mike Field
“We intend continuing to build up our association with the Child Cancer Foundation year by year. The boys know it’s an expectation to get involved and are happy to do so. I really like this charity too; it has a good resonance for us. Jonty, who’s in Year 7 now, is one of the Foundation’s child ambassadors, and the connection Gus had to Harper and what he went through that year make the Foundation very real for us.” Deputy Housemaster Graeme Christie is continuing to drive the partnership and will be seeking more opportunities for groups of Harper boys to help with Child Cancer Foundation activities. Condell’s House has arranged to support Avonside Early Childhood Centre, and during the coming terms the boys will volunteer time to assist with cleaning, painting, gardening, making and repairing garden furniture and quite possibly reading stories to children. Housemaster Tony O’Connor says the House is looking forward to getting involved with the centre. “I think the whole process will be good for the boys themselves.”
and your team members who showed up ready and willing to help. The commitment from your community to partner with ours to make a difference is humbling. There were so many people happy to gift their time on a wonderful Sunday morning as well as startup chainsaws and literally dig in.” Julius will return in September for a repeat effort! Harper House’s service project had very sombre origins three years ago, when then Head Prefect Angus Gray’s young brother Jonty was diagnosed with leukaemia. Foundation and so we established a connection. Last year we helped with the street appeal, and this March we're doing the same, as well as adding more activities to assist,” says Harper Housemaster Matt Cortesi. “Gus wanted the House to work with the Child Cancer
Among them is coming up with really good jokes for a young cancer patient who is going to publish a book of great jokes. “Caleb has had a brain tumour since he was nine, but has found jokes really help him get through some tough times. So, as well as donating, all the boys in Harper submitted jokes, and the majority made the cut,” says Matt. “One of the best was ‘I wrote this great song about tortillas but actually it turned out be more of a rap’.” On Friday 15 March about 25 Harper boys worked in shifts throughout the day collecting at Ballantyne’s and South City Mall for the Child Cancer Foundation. Next term they will be holding a Wear a Wig day at College to raise the profile of, and funds for, the Foundation.
College Issue 36 2019
35
Made with FlippingBook HTML5