Emmaus Christian School

EMMAUS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TURNS PINK IN SUPPORT OF TEACHER MS O’CONNELL

When Emmaus Christian School teacher Ms O’Connell was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was felt deeply through the whole community. Ms O’Connell is a beloved teacher who had been teaching at the school from primary to Year 10 for many years, when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in April 2022.

The school jumped at the chance to rally behind their teacher, hosting a Pink Stumps Day and head shave to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, after Ms O’Connell was supported by their local McGrath Breast Care Nurse. They hosted a whole school assembly attended by students and families where staff and students shaved their heads, this was such a fun and exciting event for the school community. They also hosted a SRC Pink Dress Day and a student’s verses teachers’ game of cricket. All of these events provided such an exciting, fun and memorable way to end the school term on a high.

The school absolutely smashed their fundraising target, raising over $11,000 for the foundation. Organiser Leia MacKenzie states “ Not only is the Pink Stumps Day a wonderful cause but it provides a way to bring fun into your school. Build community connection between students, teachers and families. Especially after the disconnect felt due to Covid and restrictions over the past couple of years.