Relay 4 Life Brings Years 8 and 9 Together for a Cause That Matters
As Years 8 and 9 students gathered for the afternoon events, Relay 4 Life became more than a fundraising event. Held on Friday 20 March at Memorial Oval on the Aquinas College grounds, the evening brought students together in support of those affected by cancer, while raising funds for cancer research through a program that was active, social and full of purpose.
In keeping with His Holiness Pope Leo’s call for 2026 to be a year of Building Bridges of Compassion and Hope, the event gave students a practical way to put that spirit into action. It was a chance to come together as a community, think beyond themselves and support a cause that touches many lives.
A Night with Heart Behind It
Relay For Life was based on the familiar charity fundraising concept, but the evening was designed as a shorter program with additional activities to keep students engaged and connected throughout the night. That mix of purpose and energy shaped the event from beginning to end.
For Years 8 and 9 students, it was an opportunity to take part in something that was both enjoyable and meaningful. While the goal was to raise as much money as possible for cancer research, the event also created space for friendship and teamwork.
Year 8 Students Who Went the Extra Step
Alongside the event itself, a number of Year 8 students took the initiative to organise their own fundraising efforts. Their ideas were thoughtful, practical and community minded, and they helped build even more support around the night.
- Isobel  held a garage sale.
- Liana, Zoe and Grace ran a community bake sale.
- Vivianne, Olivia and Elsa fundraised at the 4.00 am markets.
- Stella organised a macaroons sale.
Raising money is not compulsory and these students went out of their way to do it. These efforts added another layer to the story of Relay 4 Life. They showed what can happen when students see a cause, take ownership and find their own way to contribute.
Fun, Friendship and Fundraising
The evening featured a range of activities that gave the event its lively, community feel. Students took part in a volleyball competition, a relay, a dance competition and the candlelight walk, with each activity adding something different to the night.
There was laughter and friendly competition, but there was also a deeper sense of why everyone was there. This event reminded our students that giving back does not always happen in quiet ways. Sometimes it happens through small acts of participation that become something bigger when a whole community joins in.
A Meaningful Experience for Year 8 and 9 Students
By the end of the evening, Relay For Life had done exactly what it set out to do. It raised funds for cancer research, gave students a fun and social experience, and brought the community together around a cause that matters. More than that, it showed what can happen when young people are given the chance to take part in something bigger than themselves.
- Aquinas College, cancer research fundraising, Catholic education, Featured, Mercy Education, Mercy Values, Mercy Values In Action, Relay For Life, Santa Maria College events, student community service, student leadership in action, Year 8 and 9 students
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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