Toby Whytock and Madeline Butler (Year 11) are frequently seen after school volunteering with children in an after-school programme. They lead the Refugee Orientation Centre (ROC) Service programme at St Paul’s Collegiate School.
Toby, who balances his service commitments with rowing, says, ‘We enjoy helping the students feel welcome and happy.’ Madeline, who is in her first year at St Paul’s adds, ‘Many of these families have been through tough times, so it’s good to provide a safe place for them to be.’
Three days a week, Year 11 students stay until 5:00pm to care for the children of refugee families. The programme aligns with ROC’s strategic plan to support Hamilton’s refugee community, ensuring children have access to after-school help with English and homework so they are not disadvantaged at school.
Both Toby and Madeline were drawn to the programme because they enjoy working with children and fostering a sense of community. They manage the roster, supported by many other Year 11 volunteers, with seven students on hand each day to assist the ROC students.
‘The children are aged 4–13, and we usually have up to 20 visitors on campus. They love playing with LEGO, running around, and playing football or other ball games,’ says Toby.
Madeline adds that another important aspect, though not as popular as the ball games, is homework. ‘The St Paul’s students help our guests with any homework they need to complete.’
‘I feel like I have really connected with the kids. When I see them outside of St Paul’s, they recognise me and are happy to see me. It’s really rewarding,’ Toby explains.
Both leaders agree, ‘We would recommend this programme to any student who wants to be involved in making a difference.’
2025 Year 11 ROC Service Programme volunteers
- Aaron Li
- Alex Poole
- Amrit Mahal
- Anna-Bella Were
- Cam Evans
- Cameron Muller
- Creal You
- Ethan Edge
- Finn McCabe
- Grace Buckley
- JJ N
- Joanna Roberts
- Josie Lee
- Julia Zhou
- Lachie Riley
- Lara Borgioli
- Lara Hitchins
- Leo Huang
- Liam Hodgson
- Liam Purdie
- Lincoln Chapman
- Madeline Butler
- Mia Jia
- Nadia Peng
- Olivia Li
- Ryan Koo
- Ryan Shi
- Sanjana Singh
- Shannon Yu
- Shayan Punjabi
- Srikar Jandhyala
- Talia Davidson
- Thomas Luxton
- Toby Whytock
- Tony Lu
- Troy Poole
