Giving at the heart of one Gold Coast school

Academics are important, but a lesson in community is at the heart of the leanings behind this Gold Coast school.

CHARITY work has been built into the curriculum at one of the Gold Coast’s youngest schools in a bid to nurture a giving sprit in tomorrow’s adults.

Academics are important, but a lesson in community is at the heart of leaning at Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School.

For foundation principal Jodie Hoff, the need to address the empathy deficit facing the world today was a cornerstone philosophy in the school.

Since the kindy-to-Year-12 school opened in 2012, its student population had ballooned from 98 to more than 600.

Lutheran Ormeau District School foundation Principal Jodie Hoff.

Ms Hoff said she took seriously the role the school played in a community, especially for a burgeoning area of the Gold Coast’s north.

“We do have a focus on serving and on community and that is an important thing for any new area,” Ms Hoff said.

“Schools play a huge role in what an area looks like so it is important for our students to be more than the best students but the best people they can be.”

The school has developed soft skills not just through team work but through set “service learning” in partnership with TriCare.

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“We know in the future young people’s work will be varied and will have an emphasis on social and emotional interpersonal skills.”

With the ageing population Ms Hoff believes a connection with the older generation will be important and to teach social justice for some of the city’s most vulnerable.

(L-R) Stuart Robert MP and Pastor Greg Vangsness on the site of the Lords Lutheran Ormeau River Districts School in 2008.

Students will also work directly with charities such as St Vincents and other students also volunteer regularly at a soccer league for those with a disability.

“The most exciting thing is when a student tells you about their volunteering, without ever mentioning themselves — they are just eager to give,” she said.

“We aren’t a baby any more. I believe the school has reached its adolescence and we are now seeing past students go on and do great things.

“The face of education across the whole Coast is changing for the better. I believe there are exciting things ahead for the Gold Coast.”