22 May 2025
St Peter’s College’s Anglican identity means that we view character development and service as fundamental to an SPSC education. On Saturday 17 May, Short House students and staff participated in the Urban Education program at the Westcare Centre in the Adelaide CBD which included a rough sleepout in the centre.
Farrell House will participate in the same experience on Saturday 24 May. Both houses are fundraising in support of the excellent work of the Westcare centre. Community members who wish to donate or sponsor a participant can use the following link to do so: https://st-peters-rough-sleep-out-2025.raiselysite.com
Students and staff have shared their reflections on the experience:
“I spent one night in WestCare’s open courtyard and left the next morning with a clear sense of life without shelter. The cold cut through every layer, and the brief, broken sleep showed how exhausting life on the streets can be. Dinner was the same simple meal Westcare normally serves to people doing it tough, and it hit me how much a warm plate can matter. I walked away that morning feeling cold, humbled, and determined to keep backing groups like Westcare that offer safety, food, and hope.” – Dr Marisol Garcia, Short House Mentor
“This event deepened my understanding on homelessness. I developed greater appreciation for Baptist Care’s effort in addressing this social issue and fostering a positive influence in society. The Rough Sleep Out offered us a more powerful perspective and enabled us to obtain a better understanding of our role in the community.” – Ryan Liu, Year 11 Student
“It was an eye-opening experience that revealed the daily struggles faced by people experiencing homelessness. By putting ourselves in their shoes, I came to understand the harsh realities many people endure. This experience helped me reflect on my privileges and how grateful I should be for all the opportunities I have.” – Archie Braithwaite, Year 12
“The Sleepout was a fun, informative and eye-opening experience that I would personally recommend to anyone interested in engaging with service learning. It completely altered my perspective of the day-to-day hardships the homeless community really have to face.” – Charlie Paul, Year 9
“The rough sleep out made me realise how lucky we are compared to most people. I am truly grateful to have good food and a great bed to sleep in. I sometimes forget how lucky I am. I enjoyed the experience because I could see how some people live their lives and how hard it could be for them.” – Gus Focareta, Year 9
“With temperatures dropping to just 6 degrees, sleeping rough was cold and confronting, and also somewhat humbling. While we only got a glimpse of the difficulties others live with daily, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and action. I was also reminded of the value of community as I managed to sleep somewhat peacefully on the concrete between my two colleagues. At St Peter’s College we have so much to be thankful for, and after seeing and experiencing the impactful services of WestCare first-hand, I am encouraged that our generosity truly can make a meaningful difference.” – Ms Karen Petterson, Short House Mentor
If you wish to find out more about the Westcare Centre and their services you can learn more here: https://baptistcaresa.org.au/service/westcare-centre
Mrs Annette van Rensburg
Head of Short House
