In the spirit of service and connection, STORMCo 2025 brought together senior students (with a few enthusiastic Year 10s) and staff for a week that was both impactful and inspiring.
STORMCo, Service To Others Really Matters, is an initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that has been running for more than 30 years. It empowers students to step outside their comfort zones, serve in new environments, and grow alongside communities that welcome them with open arms.
From 25 June to 1 July, our team travelled to Texas, QLD, where students immersed themselves in activities that built relationships and made a lasting difference, both in the lives of community members and in their own faith journey.
The heart of STORMCo is best expressed by our Year 12 students:
“I absolutely loved STORMCo. It was amazing to see kids I had met last year and create new memories (like line dancing) together this year! I will treasure the memories made forever.” – Sophie
“Seeing the care that the people of Texas have for each other is so cool. You can tell they are close, I especially noticed it at the athletics carnival. They’re like one big family.” – Jess
“This was my third trip out to Texas and it was really special re-connecting with people we had met previously while also making new connections this year. I especially loved visiting the aged care facility, the residents were just so happy to have us there. It was a real highlight for the team.” – Annie
“It’s crazy how taking a little ‘time out’ from our busy lives that usually revolve around us, to show care toward others, makes such a difference! While I know it impacts them, I’m reminded that it really changes us too.” – Jenaya
Their reflections capture the heart of STORMCo, students discovering the joy of serving others while being transformed themselves.
Our teachers also witnessed this growth first-hand.
“I saw students come together to connect and care about the people of Texas, and while they did this, they connected and cared for each other more. Students came back motivated to contribute to their school community and more aware of how their actions can make a difference in someone else’s life. It really is a special week.” – Miss Tiller (Teacher)
“It was exciting to strengthen our existing connections in Texas while also creating new ones. This year took intentional planning to introduce fresh activities, and it was worth the effort. Highlights included a community line dancing event with Mary Belford, something I believe will become an annual tradition and town favourite, and joining the local ‘Sing Australia’ choir to perform at the aged care facility. For many students, it was their very first STORMCo. While some began the week with nerves, they soon shifted from apprehension to joy as they connected deeply with the community and with each other. It was a lot of work, but absolutely worth it.” – Mrs Burrett (Chaplain)
STORMCo continues to remind our students that they are capable of incredible things when they live with open hands and open hearts. The trip may have ended, but the spirit of service continues, both in Texas and here at school. We are already looking forward to STORMCo 2026.
