TWELVE students from Curran Public School are heading to Michigan, in the US, in June to compete in the international finals of the Future Problem Solving Program.
Principal Michael Strahan is appealing to the Macarthur community to help the school raise funds for the trip because he said the competition has helped his students feel empowered to make positive changes within the community.
“It is really important within our school to develop a social conscience in kids as part of their holistic development and to show them that they can have an impact on their own community if they put their mind to it,” Mr Strahan said.
“The competition was a good opportunity for the students to practise these skills.”
The school, in Macquarie Fields, is the only NSW public school to be named National Champions in the Community Problem Solving division in the Future Problem Solving Program.
Mr Strahan said the competition was demanding but he was immensely proud of the students and their efforts.
“All the kids had to submit a report about a problem they wanted to fix and then they were selected for the national finals,” he said.
“They created a display, were interviewed by a third party and at the end they received enough marks to become National Champions in the Community Problem Solving division.
“It was such an uplifting feeling to experience that because they really deserved it. That is why I really encourage people to donate so that we can get these students to America.”
The fundraising attempts have already begun, with the school setting up a crowdfunding
site where every donation above $2 is tax deductible, as well as organising a fundraising ball on May 7.
“All these funds will go to the students’ trips as well as to support the supervising teachers,” he said.
To donate contact 9605 4524 or visit schoolsplus.org.au/projects/macquarie-fields-michigan
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