Named in honour of Nicki Amiel, former student, teacher, parent, Council member and Chair of College Council, The Amiel Society aggregates the rich and diverse programs, committees and interest groups which constitute our College’s unwavering commitment to social justice, uniting them under the one umbrella.
This story by Davina Bell, and illustrated by Allison Colpoys, provides an inspired perspective of a magnificent, all-encompassing unconditional source of pure love that resides above us. It is essentially this omnipresent, universal parental umbrella of love that connects and unites us all as children of the world. The Amiel Society logo (featured) has retained the umbrella as the primary symbol and conveys our very own love umbrella.
The Amiel Society has been established as a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) which has an official charity status with the main purpose of directly contributing to the relief of poverty, sickness and suffering.
This PBI charity status ensures both charity tax concessions and deductible gift recipient status from the Australian Taxation Office. It allows the College to ensure the prudent management of the funds raised through our social action initiatives such as Lennie’s Van and other local and international activities. The Amiel Society ABN is 38 628 931 386.
Lennie’s Van
Launched in early 2018, Lennie’s Van is a St Leonard’s College initiative founded on our strong sense of community.
Senior School students and staff volunteer to assist, attending several different Bayside locations delivering our Lennie’s Van food services to disadvantaged members of our community who have been identified as ‘food vulnerable’ and who are often at a social and economic disadvantage.
Since commencement, Lennie’s Van services have overseen the delivery of weekly breakfasts to adults and children on local housing estates. Our students cook egg and bacon rolls on the BBQ whilst assisting local children in making themselves school lunches. Our bread and fresh fruit and vegetable drop service has delivered thousands of loaves of bread and much-needed fresh fruit and vegetables to our patrons. Our weekly lunches see our students preparing fresh salad rolls during summer, whilst our winter menu consists of hot soup (lovingly prepared by our cafeteria staff) and bread rolls. Afternoon tea services allow our students the opportunity to engage in conversation with our patrons whilst cooking toasties and pikelets to accompany our fresh fruit and vegetable platters. All of these services are delivered to those in need in our local community who benefit not only from the food provided but also from the social interaction, often missing due to the social isolation that many experience.”
Warruwi
Warruwi Community School Partnership
In Auray Bay, off the coast of the Northern Territory, lies South Goulburn Island, home to around 400 people, most of whom are members of the Indigenous Warruwi community.
St Leonard’s College has developed a strong partnership with the Warruwi Community School. Through immersive programs, including camps, for both St Leonard’s College students and those of the Warruwi Community School, real and lasting connections have been forged. These experiences provide a deep understanding and appreciation of our country’s Indigenous heritage, history and life. Our students are inspired to undertake a range of fundraising and awareness-building activities to support the education of their Warruwi friends.
St Leonard’s College was recognised as a finalist in the Reconciliation Victoria and VLGA 2020 HART (Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together) Awards. These awards recognise outstanding reconciliation initiatives such as this Warruwi Community School Partnership.