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    KINDNESS: Horsham Primary School students have written letters and donated shoeboxes to children in need across the globe. Pictured, from left, are Estelle Hahne, Adele Joseph, Addison Walter, Riley James, Jagger Doolan, Jordi Laurie, Paddy Price and Angel Ochieng. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham students keeping connections with Operation Christmas Child

Wimmera students donating toys and essential items to children in need this Christmas are learning the value of giving back. 

Horsham Primary School students plan to donate 14 shoeboxes for global project Operation Christmas Child this year. 

The school participates in the project to donate school supplies, hygiene items and toys to children across the globe every year. 

This year, schools had to purchase boxes the organisation had pre-made to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. 



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However, year-one teacher Jess Hartridge said students still wrote personalised letters to children to establish a connection. 

“We take part in Operation Christmas Child every year and support the charity,” she said. 

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been involved in that process of making up the boxes ourselves this year, but to keep a personal connection with the child, each class has written a letter to a child, which we can slot into the online order form. 

“The important part for us was to make sure the students could have a personal connection with the gift receiver.” 

Ms Hartridge said the donation project had taught students the importance of giving back. 

“Even though it has been a difficult year for all of us due to the pandemic, we still want the students to think about others around the world who need our support,” she said. 

“It’s something that’s instilled in Horsham Primary School values.

“We need to think about others, other than ourselves, and we need to be reaching out to support the local community and the wider community.” 

– Dylan De Jong 

The entire November 18, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!