Sunflowers shine to support Ukraine
10 May 2022
Mary’s Mount Primary School has taken Ukraine’s national flower and spread seeds of hope among the community to raise funds for the country’s stricken citizens.
Principal Emma Bell purchased 600 sunflower seeds at the start of Term 4 as part of a fundraising campaign run by play equipment companies Playground Ideas and Nudel Kart, who were raising money for disadvantaged schools.
The sunflower seeds were planted into the school’s St Joseph Hall Garden late last year and students and staff delighted in the germination of the plants over summer.
“The sunflowers were to be a sign of hope at a time when many families and children in the eastern states, were facing long periods of isolation,” Mrs Bell said.
As the flowers were at their brightest in February, Year 6 student Louisa Rodriguez, one of the school’s Social Justice Student Leaders, spoke to Mrs Bell about her growing concern for the people of Ukraine and suggested a fundraiser as a show of solidarity.
With the sunflower recognised as Ukraine’s national flower, the school decided to harvest the seeds from their garden and sell them to the Gooseberry Hill community, spreading the next generation of blooms in support of peace.
School Sustainability Coordinator Belinda Henderson organised the seeds to be harvested during Term 1. They were put into packets decorated by Mary’s Mount students and are currently for sale at the school, as well as at the Mundaring Saturday Markets through another Year 6 student, Felix Osenton.
Funds raised will be donated to Caritas to help support Ukrainian children.
“We hope our flowers and the funds raised can send a message of hope for peace, love, and unity from our Mary’s Mount Primary School’s Community, even if we are so far away.”
Emma Bell, Principal
“We hope our flowers and the funds raised can send a message of hope for peace, love, and unity from our Mary’s Mount Primary School’s Community, even if we are so far away,” Mrs Bell said.
“Our prayers are with them always during their most difficult time.”
