A wonderful time was had by all who attended and supported this most enjoyable of fundraisers last Saturday 14h May in our new College Gymnasium. More than 180 guests arrived for an afternoon of fun and fabulous food accompanied by copious cups of tea and coffee. The high tea was beautifully presented, and served by the students with a little help from their parents and siblings who manned the kitchen. The fathers of Timor 2016 were very impressive with their work in kitchen.
All food was donated by the families and friends of the students going to Timor. Mrs Anne Parker, past Principal and the person responsible for planting the seed of this ultimate immersion Service experience who accompanied the first two groups to Baguia, was one of the special guests. Mr Tony Papasergio Head of Senior School, who has been to Timor twice and is going again this year with Miss Kathy Jackson and Mr Michael Bradley, spoke about the inspiration for the teacher Professional Exchange Programme and the relationships, meaning and transformation that TPE (2015) and the Timor immersion experience (since 2004), provide for our students and Staff and for the people of Timor Leste.
College students Ashleigh Eades, Milena Gelbke, Bettina Newton and Dominic Depiazzi provided a musical welcome as the guests arrived, and Miss Kathy Jackson kept our guests entertained throughout with her calling of the numerous raffle winners and of course the major raffle which first prize was won by Mrs Josie Criddle, second prize by Mrs Val Lowe and third prize by Angus Johnston-Walker. Many individuals and companies contributed prizes for raffles held on the day, and we thank and acknowledge the invaluable support given by them all. Enthusiastic support for the High Tea and the many raffles and silent auctions on the day meant that $8,800 was raised – every dollar of which will go directly to the people of East Timor and to our long standing commitments to assisting where needs have been identified by the local people – building or rebuilding schools ( this year we have promised significant support to Bubuha community who lost their school to a storm),an organ for the church/school community in Haeconi, teacher training and the education of poor students in Baguia, and a donation to the education and health projects of the Sisters of St Joseph through the Mary MacKillop International - Timor mission.
The ‘High Tea’ for Timor has become an annual fundraising event, one of the highlights of the social calendar that is not only a great celebration of community but also a significant contributor to the funds raised to make a difference for those in need. The students of the Timor 2016 group (Morgan Armstrong, Gabrielle Baxter, Madison Davies Ashleigh Eades, Bethany Good, Ella Lowe, Keely McClurg, Jack McMinigal, Marie-Luise Sleegers and Elias Van Herwaarde,) who will travel to Timor in their July holidays, and their parents (and other family members) who worked tirelessly for the High Tea and a multitude of other fundraising endeavours have been truly inspirational and are to be commended on their commitment and example of service. Thank you. Congratulations and well done!
Sherry Walker – Head of Ministry