Team Member Interview with Sarah Haywood

Stewart House relies on an amazing team of teachers, supervisors, service staff and volunteers in order to look after the children and deliver its programs to all who attend. It also requires a dedicated team to manage the operations of the organisation and raise the essential funds needed to run our programs, as we rely almost entirely on the charitable donations of our supporters. Read on to meet Sarah who has had both teaching and fundraising roles.

How are you involved with Stewart House? 

I was a teaching Assistant Principal at Stewart House School for three years and this year I’m employed as a School Liaison Officer. My current role involves visiting schools across the metropolitan area to promote our health and wellbeing programs and reaching out to teachers to discuss the benefits of becoming a regular donor.

My work at Stewart House has been the most rewarding work I’ve been involved in within a long career in education.  It is uplifting to work alongside so many warm and compassionate people to support our students and provide them with enjoyable experiences, new understandings and skills.

Why is Stewart House important? 

In my role as School Liaison Officer it is important for me to convey to teachers the considerable impact that our programs can make on the health and wellbeing of their students. The children have the opportunity to learn important life skills at a depth not covered by the regular school curriculum. As well as having a well-deserved break, the students leave Stewart House with a toolbox of self care, social and emotional regulation skills that can truly enhance their own wellbeing and relationships.

Since 1931 Stewart House has provided support to over 220,000 children and the demand persists today. Our compassionate and dedicated Stewart House team wants to continue providing this essential service to 1700 children each fortnight, long into the future, however, we need ongoing financial support to do this. Donations will allow us to assist many more children and offer them hope for the future.

Sarah Haywood – School Liaison Officer