Cambooya State School celebrated a huge achievement in August, winning the Queensland P&C Award for Fundraising Impact and taking home a $2000 cheque for the school.
Cambooya State School P&C President Hayley Caldwell said they were “so thrilled” to receive the award.
“We were up against all the state schools in Queensland, including high schools, so we definitely weren’t expecting to win,” Ms Caldwell said.
“It was just so great to be recognised for all the amazing things we do for our school!” Ms Caldwell said.
To win, the P&C had to provide a written submission showcasing the benefits (beyond the dollars and cents) raised from their fundraising efforts.
“We focused on the incredible 140th Birthday Celebrations that the school held in October last year,” Ms Caldwell said.
“While it’s always great to raise money, our intention was to hold an event that brought the community together, engaged families, and supported local businesses, all while having heaps of fun!
“And we definitely achieved this.”
After being shortlisted as a finalist, the P&C had to produce a two-minute video about the school.
“We engaged two very talented local mums from our school, Ashlee and Bec, and 23 of our students to make a fantastic video which showed everyone just how great our school and P&C is,” P&C Treasurer Renae Mann said.
“The video was shown at the 2023 P&Cs Queensland State Conference, along with the other finalists. Everyone loved it!”
Cambooya State School P&C Executive Lisa Sternberg said, “This award belongs to every single person who has volunteered at our school, giving their time to support our students and our school.”
And what’s happening with the winnings?
Half will be put aside to contribute to new playground equipment, and half will be spent on end of year celebrations at the school on Friday 1 December.
The P&C Awards celebrate and recognise the wonderful work of P&C members who devote their time to improving the education opportunities and welfare of students while supporting their school.
The P&C Awards are run by P&Cs Queensland.
The awards are open to all Queensland state schools, including regional, remote, and metro primary schools, high schools, special schools and environmental education centres – and Cambooya State School beat them all.
What a wonderful effort from a school of 161 students!
Future fundraising activities at the school will continue to be supported by the vibrant and energetic P&C, school leadership team, and wider community.
Despite its small size, Cambooya State School has wonderful volunteers who are always keen to help and do their utmost to support their students and school.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 14 September 2023.
