The Festival of Small Schools – Lighthouse Christmas Campaign
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and The Lighthouse Toowoomba is calling on the community to make this Christmas a special one for small schools in the Toowoomba region by supporting our Festival of Small Schools initiative.
Our Festival of Small Schools Christmas campaign aims to fund author visits to schools with fewer than 50 students, fostering a love for reading and storytelling in young minds and supporting our goal that every child should read, write and creative with confidence.
Monies raised from the campaign will go towards engaging an author for a school visit on a day in Term One or Term Two 2025.
This campaign is a first-of-its-kind event for the Darling Downs. Inspired by the success of sending Dr. Sam Lloyd to Haden State School, Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba East State School and Sacred Heart Primary , The Lighthouse is now determined to expand the initiative to 17 small schools across the region.
Small Schools: A Unique Challenge
Pinpointing eligible schools isn’t always straightforward due to differing statistical definitions and geographical boundaries. The Darling Downs region alone encompasses over 1,800 schools, and while schools like Flagstone Creek, Helidon, and Withcott appear on broader maps, they fall outside the Toowoomba Regional Council area. Despite these challenges, The Lighthouse Toowoomba is committed to ensuring small schools in the region receive tailored support and opportunities.
According to recent Queensland education data, over 880,000 students attend school statewide, but smaller schools can sometimes miss out on programs available to larger institutions. The Festival of Small Schools campaign is an opportunity to ensure these students feel connected, inspired, and valued.
How the Community Can Help
Funds raised will be used to organize author visits during Terms One and Two of 2025. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made via The Festival of Small Schools Christmas Fundraiser https://thelighthousetoowoomba.supporterhub.net.au/donations/festival-of-small-schools-christmas-2024-fundraiser .
Small schools are at the heart of rural communities, and providing access to literacy enrichment can have a profound impact,” said Emily MacManus, one of The Lighthouse Keepers of The Lighthouse Toowoomba. “This is a chance for everyone in our community to contribute to a brighter future for these children.”
The campaign is already gaining traction among local principals, with schools encouraged to register their interest on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join us in sharing the joy of reading this holiday season. Your support will bring the power of storytelling to the smaller student communities in the Toowoomba region, one page at a time.