Term 3 2026

What Carers Notice

Mark, Abbey’s dad, summed up her experience beautifully after she returned home:

For teachers and school staff, the impact can be seen when a child returns to school. Sometimes it’s a renewed sense of confidence or wellbeing. Sometimes, it’s simply seeing a child come back smiling, happier and ready to reconnect with school.

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Term 3 Highlights

 

 

Schools Supporting Stewart House

Across public schools, we once again promoted Stewart House Pyjama Day, now an annual event that gives students the chance to take a break from their school uniform while recognising the whole-school support that helps children experiencing difficult circumstances enjoy a much-needed break of their own at Stewart House. Together, participating schools have raised more than $26,000 and counting!

Pyjama Day sits alongside Stewart House’s longest-running school-based fundraising initiative, which has been running since the 1970s: the annual delivery of 800,000 raffle envelopes to public school students across NSW, inviting children to contribute a $2 coin donation for a chance to win a prize. In 2026, the first prize was a MINI Countryman, courtesy of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd.

Together, these initiatives are a wonderful reminder of the long-standing connection between Stewart House and public school communities, and the collective difference schools can make when they come together to support children who need it most.

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More Than a Hair Cut

As part of the Stewart House Program, children have access to a unique salon experience through Apricity, meaning “the warmth of the sun”. Based at our Stewart House School and established in 2019, Apricity is staffed by specialist hairdressers who provide haircuts, washes, braiding and styling, as well as tutorials that give children the chance to learn some of these skills for themselves. Hear more from Mel, in the salon here.

We welcome generous donations from our community, helping children take home their own hair care and personal hygiene supplies, including hairbrushes, hair clips, elastic bands and other personal care products. It’s a practical way to support children to care for themselves and feel good about themselves, both during their stay and when they return home.

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Gifts That Make a Difference

With children celebrating birthdays during their stay, receiving rewards through our High Five program and enjoying activities throughout the year, we’re always looking for high-quality, new items that can bring a little extra joy to their time with us.

From thoughtful gifts to practical resources, every contribution helps create positive experiences for children while they’re away from home.

Want to help? If you or your organisation would like to contribute items like these, we’d love to hear from you. Supplies for older teens participating in our program are currently in high demand. Take a look at our Gifts for the Children page to see some of the items we’re currently looking for, or contact us to chat about other ways you can help.