In a class of her own
An Adventist church pastor has received an award for her commitment to volunteering at Morisset Public School in northern New South Wales.
Pastor Leticia Moreno was presented with the “Outstanding Contribution by a School Community Member” award on August 8 by the Western Shores Learning Alliance (WSLA) in recognition of her commitment to the school’s breakfast club and assistance with student learning.
Volunteering at the school every Thursday for the past 18 months, Pastor Moreno helps run an initiative that provides breakfast for the children as they arrive at school.
“Some of the kids are barely having breakfast or are not having any at all,” she said. “So this may be the only breakfast they have. For others, it may just be a top-up.
“During the time we serve them, it also allows for the opportunity to talk to the kids and to see how they’re going and connect with them as they talk about their hobbies, friendships, family, etc.”
In addition to the breakfast club, she helps children in the kindergarten classrooms with literacy activities. “Sometimes it’s reading with the kids, sometimes talking to them, encouraging and listening to them. I also support the kindergarten teachers with anything practical.”
The award presented by WSLA — formed by the Dora Creek, Cooranbong, Bonnells Bay, Morisset and Wyee Public schools — is part of an annual event that happens during Education Week at Morisset High. The nomination for the award came from the teachers and staff with whom Pastor Moreno serves.