Operation Christmas Child is part of the school’s religious education program and asks participating students to send presents to children caught in the midst of war, famine, natural disaster and extreme poverty.

It is to give hope to the children and show them that they have not been forgotten.

Working in teams of four students have collected a shoebox full of items, including one that they can love, such as a teddy bear, something for school, something to wear, something to play with, something for personal hygiene and something special, like necklaces a note or photo of the student.

The shoeboxes will be sent to children in South East Asia, which is relevant for the students as they study the Indonesian language.

“We were just looking at a way for the children to be involved as active citizens,” assistant principal Kathy Holt said.