Vice president of the Flinders P&C Leslie Reid and president Ally Campbell with supporter Lisa McDonald, deputy principal Peter Tarasenko, supporter Charlie Borg and fundraising coordinator Melanie White with Flinders Public School students at the launch of their new coffee cart. Photo: Natalie Olender.
If you think it’s hot when you step outside your air-conditioned home or office, spare a thought for the kids at Flinders Public School.
Despite the school being 22-years-old, the only classrooms with air-conditioning are the two demountables.
In NSW only schools with a mean maximum temperature of 30 degrees in January are eligible for Department of Education funded air-conditioning.
Flinders P&C branch coordinator Natalie Olender said despite this the school still got hot enough to make learning a challenge in the warmer months.
“It’s hot and uncomfortable,” she said.
“Kids are active and play outside during recess and lunch, then come into class hot and sweaty. It’s easier for them to calm down and get back to learning if they’re in a cool environment.
“We also have three support classes and it’s particularly important for children with sensory or emotional regulation issues to feel comfortable.”
The benefits are two-fold: air-conditioning units can help cool hot rooms in summer and take the chill off in winter.
The school hopes to install air-conditioning in all 20 classrooms over the next couple of years, but it will have to come out of the school’s individual budget.
The cost would be well in excess of $100,000, so the P&C has stepped up to help fundraise.
Their first strategy? To take advantage of every parent’s biggest vice – caffeine.
“We’ve launched the P&C coffee cart and have volunteers selling iced coffees at school drop-offs between 8:20 am and 9 am on Mondays and Tuesdays for $4.50,” Natalie said.
“They’re not just for parents, it’s open to Flinders residents, teachers and other members of the community – just not kids!
“Bing Lee, Lisa MacDonald at Ray White Shellharbour Village and Kim Breda from Sydney Compensation Specialists donated two brand-new coffee machines.
“All the beans have been generously provided at a discounted price by a local wholesaler.
“We’ll also be getting the cart out throughout the year at major events each term like Grandparents Day, the Easter Hat Parade, Book Week and awards ceremonies.”
Anyone who wants to grab a cuppa on a Monday or Tuesday morning is encouraged to park and walk to the school gate, with all proceeds going towards the air-conditioning fund.
The P&C is also continuing its annual end-of-year Christmas raffle with prizes donated from a wide range of local businesses.
The raffle will be drawn on the last Monday of the school term.
As if the team hasn’t gone hard enough, Comedy for a Cause will be hosted by the Flinders P&C members at Warilla Bowling Club on Friday, 21 November.
“We will have three comedians, with two short acts and one major act on the night,” Natalie said.
“Tickets are $40 per head with lucky door prizes available on the night.
“The event is open to the public but there’s a maximum of 200 tickets available, so get in quick.”
The comedy night will be headlined by Gary Eck and supported by David Williams and emcee Matt Wakefield.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Natalie said the school community was overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses that had backed the cause.
The team has already cracked $7000 in funds, but there’s still a long way to go, and Natalie said the group is keen to work with any businesses in the local community regarding fundraising ideas.
