Giving

It is important for our students to be aware of their place in the local and global community. 

Consideration for others is fostered through our Christian values-based teaching.  It is acknowledged in the way we show appreciation for each other – in actions as simple as saying thank you and holding open doors. Students give their time to others within the school, through peer support, peer tutoring and in the many activities that are arranged by older students for their younger peers. 

The Year 9 Service Shield – an initiative of the student Head of Middle School, has involved Year 9 form classes involved in acts of service at home and in the community.  In 2011 these form classes worked in the SPCA, the local swimming pool and nearby rest homes.  The award of the shield makes this a competitive and fun way of introducing younger students to the idea of service.  It strengthens links with our community and gives students a great sense of satisfaction gained from making a small difference for others.  The student-led Charities Committees, Houses and Head Girls Committee all work actively to support a range of charitable organisations.  Students organise fundraising and associated activities for World Vision and the Relay for Life. 

The Kindness Cup, the highest character award in the school, recognises these important personal qualities and is held in high regard by our senior students.

Our major projects however are the Fiji and Samoa service trips.  These outreach trips are now annual events. Groups of senior students and teachers travel to each of these destinations to actively serve in the schools of the small communities of Safotu in Samoa and St James School in Levuka Fiji.  In the term-time leading up to the visit, the students fundraise for resources to take with them to the schools.  Students at Marsden have made resources and used creativity and ingenuity to think about what would benefit the students of Safotu and Levuka.  The real connection between our two communities makes this a highly sought after and invaluable exchange.  Our students give financially but primarily of themselves.  In return they are humbled by the experience of spending time with such warm and generous communities who have so little material wealth.  We look forward to strengthening our commitment and personal ties to Samoa and Fiji through these service trips.