On Friday 19 June, our students took part in the Lighthouse Foundation Sleepout — a powerful experience that transformed awareness into action and encouraged meaningful reflection on the realities of youth homelessness.

After weeks of anticipation, students spent the evening stepping outside their comfort zones and into a learning experience designed to build empathy and understanding. While one night sleeping out cannot replicate the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness, it provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of safety, stability and belonging — things many of us can take for granted. Throughout the night, students engaged in conversations and activities that deepened their understanding of homelessness and the challenges faced by vulnerable young people in our community. They reflected on the reality that, on any given night, 130 young people in Banyule do not have a safe place to call home, and considered how small acts of compassion and advocacy can make a meaningful difference.

Grounded in our Wellbeing Framework's commitment to doing good, the Sleepout highlighted the importance of looking beyond ourselves and responding to the needs of others with empathy and action. As Director of Student Wellbeing Karlie Payne says, "Real impact comes from not only caring, but acting — noticing, understanding and responding to the needs of others." We are incredibly proud of the compassion, courage and integrity demonstrated by our students throughout the night. Their willingness to embrace the experience, reflect on the stories of others and support a cause greater than themselves was inspiring to witness.

We also thank our families and wider community for their generous support of the Lighthouse Foundation and its important work supporting young people experiencing homelessness. While the Sleepout may be over, the lessons it provided will remain. It was a powerful reminder that awareness is only the beginning, and that positive change happens when we choose to turn compassion into action.

Help us continue supporting young people in need by donating via the link below: