Hastings Secondary College

Excellence Innovation Opportunity Success

Transforming Lives: P&C's Generous Contribution to Inclusive Education

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Our Westport Campus marked a significant milestone with the presentation of an incredible $100,000 donation from the Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus Parents and Citizens Assiciation (P&C). This generous contribution will support the creation of the Supported Learning Faculty's All-Inclusive Therapy and Play Space—a visionary project designed to foster physical, social, and emotional development for all students.

The morning began with a warm welcome as students from the Supported Learning Faculty greeted guests with hot chocolate and muffins they had prepared. Guests included P&C representatives Amanda Vagg (President), Scott Jones (Treasurer), Cheryl Clarke (Secretary), Susan Harris, and Margaret Fettell, along with the college’s executive team.

College Principal Meaghan Cook expressed heartfelt gratitude for the P&C’s incredible support, stating, “This generosity from our P&C not only supports the creation of a state-of-the-art inclusive playground but also reflects the values we hold as a college. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when our community works together for the benefit of our students.”

The $100,000 donation represents significant progress towards the $250,000 goal needed to bring this inclusive playground to life. Special thanks were extended to Rebecca Winter, Head Teacher of Supported Learning, and teacher Lucas Tierney for their tireless efforts in collaborating with therapeutic professionals to design a space tailored to the needs of all students.

The event featured the formal handover of the Certificate of Donation from the P&C to Rebecca Winter, symbolising a shared commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging space for students to explore and thrive.

Rebecca Winter shared the importance of this initiative, saying, “This transformative space will provide a safe and supportive environment, enabling our students to grow and connect in ways that foster their development. The P&C’s generosity is shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for our students and community.”

The morning concluded with the presentation of certificates and flowers to P&C members for their invaluable contributions, followed by a group photo at the future playground site—a perfect way to commemorate this milestone.

This event reflects the incredible power of community connections in creating opportunities that inspire and support every student. A huge thank you to the Westport Campus P&C for their remarkable dedication to our students and their future!