Fundraising, Newsletter, Program News, School News, Staff News, Uncategorized
Term1 2025
From Teacher to CEO: A Lifelong Commitment to Helping Kids Thrive
Welcome to 2025, a year full of new opportunities and continued dedication to positively impacting the lives of the children we support at Stewart House. As we look ahead, I’d like to share my journey and why Stewart House holds such a special place in my heart.
Raising funds is essential to our mission, ensuring we can continue providing life-changing experiences for children in need. Every donation is a meaningful contribution that directly impacts the lives of public school children across NSW.
Fifty years ago, as final-year education students at Sydney Teachers’ College, we were asked to donate $2 per fortnight to Stewart House. We all signed up, recalling our school days when we supported Stewart House with silver coins, cake stalls, and clothes donations.
I understood Stewart House was for less fortunate kids. As a principal, I nominated children facing tough times like sickness, disaster relief, loss of parents, poverty, and lack of family.
After retirement, I joined Friends of Stewart House, an association of retired educators and their families. I quickly became president, and my journey continued.
As interim CEO of Stewart House, I’m proud to lead an organisation that’s inspired my passion for much of my life. Though this role is temporary ahead of a new CEO’s appointment, it’s a privilege to support the team during this transition.
We’ve also welcomed a new principal to Stewart House School this term, I encourage you to read his Term 1 recap in this update.
Having taught in public education for many years, supporting Stewart House is my way of giving back to a deeply rewarding career. I’ve worked with many students who “needed a break,” and knowing my donation helped makes it all the more meaningful. When I read comments like, “This has been the best two weeks of my life,” I know that support makes a real difference.
We are grateful to all those already supporting Stewart House. With just over 8% of our revenue coming from government funding, meeting our annual expenses of over $4 million is an ongoing challenge. The generosity of schools, businesses, and individuals is essential to ensuring we can continue providing a safe, supportive environment where children can take a much-needed break.
Every donation helps us deliver programs that promote well-being, resilience, and new opportunities for children who need them most. Without this support, we simply couldn’t give them the break they deserve.
Kerryanne Knox
Stewart House Interim CEO
Term 1 2025 Program Highlights
It is my absolute pleasure to be invited to report on my first term as the Stewart House School Principal. Stewart House School is a School for Specific Purposes (SSP) sitting alongside the health and residential components of the Stewart House Program. I am moved by the difference staff can make through their connections with vulnerable young people. Our goals are to continue to develop students’ self-awareness, emotional regulation, and ability to connect with others, along with providing wonderful experiences in excursions across the Northern Beaches and Sydney.
Staff have enjoyed sharing afternoons with students in South Curl Curl’s rock pool, getting sand between their toes, and the challenge of spotting crabs in crevices. Such valuable conversations occur between students and staff when enjoying sun, sand, and salt water together.
Excursions this term included trips to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC), where the whirlpool and water slide never fail to impress, Taronga Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds’ wax museum and honing their 10-pin bowling skills.
Back in the classrooms, teachers have facilitated discussions with students that build essential life skills, like connecting with others, regulating emotions and expressing oneself. Our Aboriginal Education Officer, Jack, continues to deliver valuable lessons on Aboriginal histories and cultures, demonstrating his rich knowledge of First Nations traditions. Some creative pursuits include designing and glazing pottery, thanks to our onsite kiln, and wood art, a multimedia activity.
Pete Wilson
Stewart House School Principal
Thanks to some special community supporters…
Sea Eagles Support Stewart House!
A big thank you to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and fans for helping raise a record-breaking $9,227 through the 50-50 Charity Raffle at 4 Pines Park! Proceeds will support Stewart House programs. A special moment saw a recent Program participant accompanied by a former Stewart House child, now staff member, deliver the match ball. It was an unforgettable day!
Easter Cheer from Mounties Group
We were delighted to welcome the Mounties Easter Bunny and friends to Stewart House for a fun-filled visit, complete with chocolate treats! With long-standing support from Harbord Diggers, part of the Mounties Group, we’re grateful for their continued generosity.
Bowie, our beloved wellbeing dog, was there to join in the fun too!
Make an impact with your contribution
Here’s how your support can change a child’s life:
