Together with our Buddy Class, Year 5/6, we again participated in the Seafarer’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal. Over the term we gradually acquired a collection of shoeboxes and sufficient, appropriate gifts to fill them. To broaden our understanding we went on the Internet and researched the Mission to Seafarers. We found out where in the world Centre’s are and how they cater for the needs of seamen of all nationalities. We now have a better understanding of the 3 main problems facing Seafarers: loneliness, danger and separation from loved ones. We found out more about our own Centre and its Chaplain, Dampier’s loading facilities, what we export and how this ties into our own daily lives. With our buddies we also did a PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting Points) about the life of Seafarers. Most of us decided that while parts of it may be exciting, the time spent away from families would be the biggest single drawback.
The Seafarer’s diet is often a bland one and we know that many of them have a ‘sweet tooth’, just like us. The week before the visit, we made a selection of traditional Christmas sweets: Christmas Cake, Shortbread, White Christmas and Chocolate Balls. We thought it might be nice if the visitors to the Centre could sample some of the ‘goodies’ we typically enjoy at Christmas time. While we understood that it was by no means certain that Seafarers would be present when we visited, we hoped they would be and prepared a short Concert for the occasion. Unfortunately there were no Seafarers but we delivered our goodies and sang to the staff instead. While we were singing a crew from Customs arrived and they too, became our audience. The presentations were then made, from us to them and a nice surprise, from them to us – a plaque for the Office and a set of Narnia books for the Library. Mrs Mitchell is going to help distribute our shoeboxes on Christmas Day. We can’t wait to see the photos!
– By Mrs Mitchell’s Year 3/4 class
A big thank you to all schools involved Last year, Pegs Creek, Millar Well, St Pauls and Dampier Primary School, we know a great deal of organization goes into the ShoeBox Appeal, we would also like to thank the Teachers and Parents for your understanding and compassion. With out these wonderful shoe boxes the Seafarers would really have a bleak Christmas, to be away from your love ones on a vessel in a different country on Christmas Day would be quite devastating for anyone. We know the Seafarers really appreciated the efforts of the children and community, you can see it on their faces as they receive there shoeboxes on Christmas day, so on a huge thank you.