15 Oct 2025
Students at St Francis Xavier Primary School have showcased the spirit of service which Catholic schools are known for by raising over $25,000 for sick and vulnerable children.
As a result the Geraldton-based Catholic school was named WA’s top fundraising school in the 2025 Premier’s Telethon Challenge.
Part of the challenge, saw students submit pieces to the Kids Helping Kids storytelling competition in which they reflected on their experiences of charitable giving.
Thirty-two Year 6s took up the challenge following a visit in Term 2 to the The Kid’s Research Institute at Perth Children’s Hospital. The group raised money by holding bake sales, raffles, pyjama days, fun runs, sausage sizzles and free-dress events.
Year 6 student, Imogen spoke about how the class pushed in the final week of the Challenge after slipping from first to second place, saying:
“We started talking to everyone and sending videos to businesses to get more donations. We were all, like, stoked. I was messaging my friends, like, ‘two minutes to go, one minute to go’, until we won.”
Principal Justine Smith was proud of the students commitment to taking up the Challenge saying:
“Their focus on Kids Helping Kids and their dedication to the cause has been inspiring, showing the true spirit of compassion and leadership in our school community.”
Flynn, also Year 6 said:
“It’s a good way for the kids in our class to learn life skills about empathy and all that. You’re not the only person that matters. There are other people in this world who need it more than you.”
