Galilee School’s tailored learning programs include developing employable skills in purpose-built environments, such as its new commercial kitchen. Photo: Galilee School.
For many students, Galilee School is the first place they’ve ever felt seen, heard and valued.
It’s a place of safety and growth, a network of support that gives vulnerable young people a chance to reach their version of success.
Canberrans have an opportunity of their own this November – a chance to show these students that the community believes in them too, by attending the inaugural Galilee School Black Friday Ball, a night filled with laughter, hope, spirit and support for one of Canberra’s most inspiring schools.
Officially registered in 1999 and currently overseen by Communities at Work, Galilee School is the only one of its kind in the Canberra region.
The school provides wraparound care for young people in years 7 to 12 who have struggled to thrive in mainstream schooling. Many of its students face complex challenges that make learning difficult, ranging from trauma and health challenges to disrupted schooling and family instability.
Principal Tim McNevin says every young person deserves a chance in education and in life.
“Our approach focuses on developing students’ educational, emotional and social needs as individuals, as well as vocational and career pathways for the future,” he says.
“For many of our students, Galilee is the first educational space where they feel seen, heard and valued. That sense of belonging goes a long way in rediscovering their potential.”
Just 30 students were enrolled in Galilee School when Tim came on as principal nine years ago. Today, there are 139 students across purpose-built campuses in Kambah and Holder.
But as demand for the school’s services continues to grow, so does the cost of delivering its programs. While the team stresses its gratitude for the government funding it receives, it’s simply not enough to meet the cost of such specialised education.
“We provide our students with tailored programs that include everything they need to succeed,” Tim says.
“This means food, transport, individual learning plans, school supplies, technology, youth worker support, job-ready training and more.
“It’s an expensive model to run, but it’s been proven to work time and time again.”
The upcoming Black Friday Ball on 28 November is an exciting new fundraising initiative to help the school continue to provide life-changing education opportunities, ensuring no young person is left behind.
Guests will enjoy an evening that combines glamour and fun with a powerful opportunity to change young lives. Tickets will cover generous welcome canapes, a five-hour drinks package and delicious three-course meal, plus live entertainment from a five-piece band.
There’ll be a live auction with a lineup of great prizes, wine toss games, raffles and more. After that, it’s all about the dance floor!
The school’s food studies and timber products curriculum helps to ensure a smooth transition to the workforce. Photo: Galilee School.
Major sponsor OPC has been a valued partner of Communities at Work and Galilee School since 2022.
OPC’s CEO Clinton Henderson says the partnership is based on a shared commitment to trust, reliability and inclusion.
“Technology should never be a barrier,” Clinton says.
“We deeply believe in what Galilee School stands for: creating safe, inclusive spaces where every student is seen, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.
“Our role is to ensure the technology behind the scenes is just as strong and dependable as the care they provide. We recently upgraded internet services across all sites, replacing outdated infrastructure to ensure students and staff can access secure, high-performing digital tools.
“Supporting the Black Friday Ball is our way of celebrating that mission and continuing to invest in the future of our community.”
Anyone with an awareness of, connection to, or passion for what Galilee School does is welcome at the Black Friday Ball.
Tim describes the event as a powerful opportunity to tell Canberra’s young people that they matter and their community believes in them.
“We’re filling hearts instead of carts this Black Friday,” he says.
“Why not join us, forget the post-splurge stress and do something good for the soul instead?
“Every ticket purchased, every prize donated and every sponsorship secured goes directly towards helping Canberra’s disadvantaged and vulnerable young people achieve a future they never thought possible.”
Galilee School’s Black Friday Ball is on Friday, 28 November from 6:30 to 11:30 pm, at Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden. Tickets are available for individuals and tables of 10 via Humanitix.
To find out more about the Galilee community, visit Communities at Work: Galilee School.
