School staff brave the big freeze

STUDENT leaders and staff braved the elements to take part in an ice-bucket challenge at St Thomas’ Primary School last week.

St Thomas’ Primary School teacher Patrick Sinnott was among the staff who students had voted to take part in last week’s ice bucket challenge to raise funds and awareness for FightMND.

The event was hosted to raise funds and awareness for those battling motor neurone disease (MND).

St Thomas’ Primary School principal Matthew Uzkuraitis said the initiative had been student-led.

Members of the Junior School Council had arranged to host the event on the final day of term in a bid to show solidarity with Victorian-founded charity, FightMND.

“We try to host a fundraiser of some kind on the last day of term,” Mr Uzkuraitis said.

“Our Junior School Council came up with some ideas and, through that, they came up with the ice bucket challenge – they felt it would end the term with a bit of fun, but also raising awareness of the fight against MND while also raising money for a great cause.

“It’s good to have a little bit of fun to end the term, especially if there’s a worthwhile cause involved.”

St Thomas’ Primary School staff and school captains Zac Clarke and Matilda Conheady were selected to line up and take the plunge, much to the delight of the student cohort rallied around in laughter.

“It was only fair we got some kids involved, and all the kids and parents had a vote to see which teachers they wanted to go under the ice bucket,” Mr Uzkuraitis said.

“Everyone had a great time.”