Carey has a strong reputation in the wider community as a school that is inclusive, diverse and embraces individuality. Carey upholds the values of respect, care and growth, ensuring that all members are treated with dignity and respect. We value and celebrate the unique characteristics of each student, fostering a supportive environment for all to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
We encourage our students to look beyond surface appearances and discover the beauty of individual personalities and differences.
If you have read the book Wonder by RJ Palacio, or seen the film, you will know that it tells the story of 10-year-old Auggie, who was born with a facial difference. It explores the challenges and triumphs that come with Auggie starting in a mainstream school after being homeschooled. At its core, Wonder is a powerful story about empathy, acceptance and the importance of choosing kindness.
Someone who inherently embodies these qualities is Moira Kelly AO, an Australian humanitarian worker. Moira has a long association with Carey, initially through her son Ahmed Kelly, Australian Paralympian and Carey alum (2013), who spent three years in our Senior School.
Moira first developed an interest in disadvantaged children when, as an eight-year-old, she saw a documentary about Mother Teresa and decided she wanted to be an aid worker. Since then, she has dedicated her life to bringing to Australia children with serious health problems that local doctors are unable to treat.
Moira has a child in her care, Angel, who suffers from a rare disorder called CLOVES Syndrome. CLOVES is a debilitating condition which is characterised by severe overgrowth of tissue and blood vessels, leading to immense pain and mobility issues.
We are thrilled to announce that Angel will be joining our Junior School community at the Donvale campus this term and we are so excited to see her grow and thrive.
Angel can attend Carey because of the support of our incredible, generous parents. Your voluntary fee contributions, made at the time of paying school fees, supports Carey’s Access and Equity Scholarship Fund – which has funded a scholarship for Angel. Angel is the first recipient of this scholarship awarded from the kind donations parents make through the voluntary fee contribution.
If you would like to learn more about Angel, A Current Affair has been following her story – you can see some of it here.
Sophie Fisher
Deputy Head of Junior School – Head of Donvale campus
Feature image: Moira Kelly (left) with Angel (centre) and two of Moira's children, Krishna and Emmanuel.
