12 June 2026
Thank you to our volunteers for supporting our hungry neighbours on Saturday 30 May at our first Mary Mags Dinners of the year. We had a wonderful group who cooked and served a three-course meal to 80+ people experiencing homelessness and cost of living pressures in the city.
Students
Will Roger, Matthew Liu, Franco Quaini, Josh Nguyen, Ned Noakes, Louis Bizot, George Tsmandanis, Hugo Browne, Sabiq Haque, Liam Hindmarch-Meredith, Aarav Kochar, Remi Bizot, Harry Steel and Kaien Liu.
Parents
Toula Tsamandanis (lead parent), Meegan Addison, Lucy Bizot and Nicola Frazer
Staff
Ben Storer and Jo Matthews
Thank you to Mission Guild for funding this important Service Learning opportunity for our students. In particular, a big thank you to Toula Tsamandanis for coordinating the recipes and food, cooking with the boys on the Friday prior, and leading the kitchen of students on the night.
Reflections:
“It was a special experience and was so heart-warming to be involved in such a lovely act of service. The boys were amazing and Toula ran a well-oiled machine supported by the other parents. It has definitely made a huge impact on me and I hope to find a way to be involved in the future.” Mr Ben Storer, Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing and Administration
“Mary Mags Dinners was both rewarding and sombre, because it showed me how meaningful a warm meal and genuine conversation can be for people who need support. Serving a meal made me realise that volunteering is not just about providing food, but also about creating a welcoming space where people feel respected, included and cared for. The best part of the evening was seeing the sense of community that developed. Some people were chatting away with volunteers and each other, which made the night feel more personal and human. I left feeling grateful for the opportunity, but also more aware of the challenges many people face.” – Liam Hindmarch-Meredith, Year 11
“One of the highlights of the evening was having a conversation with a guest about his Spanish background and learning a little about his culture and experiences. It was a reminder that everyone has a unique story to tell, and I enjoyed connecting with someone I might not otherwise have met. The experience showed me how important simple conversations can be in making people feel welcomed and valued.” – Sabiq Haque – Year 11
Learn more here: https://www.marymagsdinners.org/
