Community
5 November, 2025
Gift of giving: Primary school's Reverse Advent Calendar
Wellbeing leaders Maria Taylor, Zarleya Dunstan and Issy Green, with help from staff, have been working with businesses and community organisations around town to ensure no one is left out this Christmas.
STUDENTS from St Arnaud Primary School are doing their part for people in need as they collect goods in their Reverse Advent Calendar.
Wellbeing leaders Maria Taylor, Zarleya Dunstan and Issy Green, with help from staff, have been working with businesses and community organisations around town to ensure no one is left out this Christmas.
“People need a little bit of support and we want to be able to provide that,” Ms Taylor said. “Christmas can be a pretty stressful time for some people.
“You never know what’s going on with someone, so to be able to help in this way allows us to keep it confidential and still be able to help at the same time.”
A Reverse Advent Calendar begins as an empty box and in the 20 days leading up to Christmas, participants place one item - non-perishable food, toiletries, Christmas treats - into the box.
After that 20 days, the box is dropped off at either St Arnaud Solar, Trendz on Napier, Top of the Town Hair and Beauty and St Arnaud Primary School.
From there, they will be checked and delivered to people in the community experiencing food insecurity by the St Arnaud Lions Club.
The students have already met with groups like Kara Court (East Wimmera Health Service), St Arnaud Probus and more, who have all been more than happy to help out.
The Lions have also already made a cash donation to the cause.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from groups and businesses,” teacher Melissa Weir said.
“We’re proud to see our students putting others first.”
To take part, contact the school by calling 5495 1028.
Read More: St Arnaud