Carlingford High School Student Representative Council Dinner
Tuesday 4th March 2025
Report by Carol Morgan
The evening was the annual SRC dinner held at Carlingford High School.
Mike Morgan as MC for the evening called for everyone’s attention and invited Principal David Krust to address the meeting. David stressed the importance of the evening, especially for the students to meet and mingle with the Rotarians. He congratulated Martha on becoming NSW Local Hero for 2025 and discussed the significance of Martha’s work. As co-founder of the Homicide Victims Support Group she has devoted 30 years to make a huge difference in people’s lives in times of great stress and grief.
David referred to the Rotary motto of Service Above Self and reminded the SRC students to always consider this. He thanked all the staff and students for their efforts to make the evening a success.
Mike invited Lani Khiroya to give the Welcome to Country.
Martha then addressed the meeting and particularly acknowledged Monica and Geoff Saville for all their work in Rotary, thanking Geoff for the preparation of the evening’s program. Martha thanked the students who help at the markets on Sunday morning, the Rotarians for all their work and reminded everyone that we are celebrating all achievements, students as well as teachers. The idea of helping is critical, and the Club wants to give to the school as the students’ help enables the markets to succeed. The school clearly demonstrates creativity and commitment to excellence and she is filled with optimism for the future with such excellent students as those in the room tonight. Martha thanked all members of the SRC team including exchange student Susanna and also thanked the wonderful musician who played piano during the evening. She thanked Mike as MC and Bob O’Shea for his student support.
Mike discussed the RYE program and explained the club had hosted the returning students’ dinner for more than 30 years. The club had received the inaugural Starr Award from the District Youth Exchange Committee as an award of thanks for the commitment to Youth Exchange. Mike explained the first student was hosted by Carlingford Rotary Club in 1974 coming from Japan. Since then 46 students have been hosted and Carlingford High School has welcomed them all for their exchange year with the students coming from 22 different countries. All Principals have been very supportive especially David Krust.
A two course buffet dinner was then enjoyed by all.
David Krust then explained how the SRC worked. The peers in each year vote, staff members vote and students also nominate themselves. There are panel interviews and speeches given and strong leadership is demonstrated by this process selecting such outstanding students.
Lani Khiroya and Owen Cameron introduced the SRC members. Eliza gave an overview of their activities. Mark outlined recipients of their fundraising various events such as the Smith Charity Foundation which particularly provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. Harmony Day, the Flag Carnival, Carlo Cup, Multicultural Show and Carnival Fair were some of the many wonderful activities organised and held by the SRC throughout the year. On World Teachers Day notes and goody baskets were given to teachers and the end of year can drive for disadvantaged families supported by the Salvation Army raised 1600 cans.
The new committee has begun their activities and their new charity for 2025 is the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Exchange student Susanna talked on her experiences and the importance of growth and learning from new experiences and Cooper, the outbound student in Germany gave a delightful video presentation on his year to date.
Katie Graham, former exchange student from the school who went to Denmark, gave an inspiring talk on her year and explained what is involved in the program. She encouraged students to think of applying.
Mike gave the Market report telling everyone they had raised $2182.85 from the previous Sunday and how well the markets were going this year with no rained-out Sundays so far. The new developers of the site, the EG Group are very keen for the Rotary Markets to stay.
Bob O’Shea as Youth Director thanked everyone and referred to other Rotary programs for youth such as MUNA, RYPEN and the STEM programs.
Martha thanked everyone and presented the SRC students with a $1000 cheque from the club.
David concluded the evening saying what a great connection there was between Rotary and the School, thanking Rotary for their great community work and giving back to the community.
The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.