When we focus on things bigger than ourselves

Many years ago I learned to scuba dive and whenever we are on holiday I love to explore the underwater world. When Maddie was nine an old sea salt of a diver in Cuba took her under his arm on his 'occy' to spy on the lobsters on the wall off Maria La Gorda. She was hooked, and as soon as she was old enough she learned to dive. The two of us have never looked back. Over the years this pastime has led to connections with the people of remote Fijian, Indonesian and Thai villages, and most recently with Project AWARE and the quest to 'save' our sharks and rays. This 'work' or interest has given us a sense of purpose and immense satisfaction. It's an aspect that enriches our lives, creates deeper connections and helps us feel we are touching the future in some way.


When we encourage children to get involved in things bigger than themselves it expands their world view, creates empathy and understanding and gives their lives a purpose.

A recent story of two children in our school demonstrates this brilliantly.

Poppy is a little dog from Fiji. She was brutally injured in a hunting accident and then left to starve. Poppy somehow survived for months on her own, before a good Samaritan saved her and drove her several hours to the Animals Fiji Clinic & Adoption Centre, in Nadi, Fiji. Despite having no funds, no medical supplies and no vet, the Clinic cared for a fed Poppy and kept her safe until help arrived. Poppy’s plight came to the attention of animal lovers in Australia who began fund raising to bring her to Australia. Channel 10’s Bondi Vet Team filmed Poppy’s airlift and several reconstructive surgeries to finally give Poppy a new nose and aired a 1 hour special all about Poppy in March this year.

India Davies (a student in our school) has been visiting Fijian communities since she was a few months' old. In 2012, India was so touched by hearing about Poppy that she began a personal journey to raise funds in support of Poppy's care and welfare. In just a few months, India conducted many fundraising activities (including selling her own toys) and raised over $3,000 Fijian which she presented to the team at the Animals Fiji Clinic & Adoption Centre, in Nadi in July 2012. Poppy is now visiting with the Davies family and will feature again on the Bondi Vet TV Programme on 27 April. She is now the mascot for the 'Poppy’s Sponsor A Vet Appeal' for the Animals Fiji Clinic & Adoption Centre. The aim of her Appeal is to ensure the Clinic can afford to pay a permanent vet to help little animals in distress in Fiji - http://www.animalsfiji.org/

I'm so proud of the Davies family, India and her sister, Sienna, for their care of this little dog, and for getting involved in something bigger than themselves. The learning, the personal satisfaction and the skills India and Sienna now have will stay with them a lifetime.