��AV Walkers on Mother’s Day

They’re back! The ��AV Walkers, who have been such loyal supporters of the Mother’s Day Classic, will be taking part this Sunday… albeit, a little differently.

The Mother’s Day Classic, an annual fun run and walk in Sydney’s Domain, has been raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research since 1998. This popular event brings together people of all ages and abilities on Mother’s Day to support and remember those touched by breast cancer. And last year, the ��AV Walkers – made up of our parents, students, staff and their families – fielded the biggest team in Australia, with 325 people registered.

This year, the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) Foundation made the decision to hold all MDC events virtually. The virtual MDC has something for everyone, including photography, fitness and dancing competitions, Pilates and yoga classes, and a fun kids activity zone. So, the ��AV Parents’ Association called on the ��AV community to rally behind the idea. And they have!

Staying fit and healthy at home has been a key focus for the ��AV community during lockdown. And the MDC Virtual 2020 program is another opportunity for the community to exercise, while fundraising for a fantastic cause. This year, the ��AV Walkers will be walking or running 4km, anytime, anywhere. They will be walking and running around their gardens, their bedrooms, their living rooms, their local parks. They will be doing it individually or with their families on Mother’s Day. And some of them have already clocked up the kilometres in the lead up to the virtual MDC.

President of the WPA, Mrs Trish Lunn, mother of Eleanor in Year 12 and Molly in Year 9, said, “I’ll be spending Mother’s Day completing the virtual MDC with a bushwalk with my gorgeous family, morning tea with the grandparents and eating birthday cake! Why birthday cake? Well, it’s my birthday on Sunday too!”

Ms Bridget O’Brien, WPA Secretary, mother of Sienna in Year 10, said, “After some pretty quiet weeks, my Mother’s Day will be jam-packed! Of course there will be eating - homemade croissants with my mother and dinner cooked by my family; exercising - a run with Sienna for the virtual MDC and a bush walk with my goddaughter; and some down time curled up in front of the fire reflecting on all things motherhood, thinking of those unable to be with their mothers, and counting my many blessings.”

Director of Foundation and Community Engagement, Mrs Sonia Brennan will also be taking part. “My family and I will be doing the virtual MDC walk in our neighbourhood. And I am looking forward to a beautiful homemade dinner, cooked by my daughters, which we will share with my mum.”

Mrs Karen Stephens, mother of Sibylla in Year 1, said her family has a big day planned. “We will start with an early morning horse ride at the Centennial Park Stables. Sibylla has just started to canter so poor Max, her horse, is going to get a bit of a work out. Sorry Max! We will then join in the virtual MDC fun before heading off to my mum’s place with presents and flowers. Finally, we’ll head home to complete the local version of the MDC with a walk in Hodgson Park with Charlie.”

Mrs Claire Kennard, Vice President of the WPA for Senior School, mother of Lexie in Year 12, Olivia in Year 10 and Lara in Year 3, said, “Actually, my favourite thing on Mother’s Day is receiving heartfelt cards from each of the girls. I love it when they document their love and appreciation of me, with gorgeous pictures from the youngest! It’s such a great reminder, especially from my two teenagers, that they are actually capable of empathy, gratitude and love! Just kidding! Let’s just say, it’s not that obvious at other times. I might receive a few random pampering-type gifts if I’m lucky. Then brunch cooked by my husband Sam and the girls. We’ll be doing the virtual MDC, then visiting both my Mum and Sam’s Mum with flowers.”

Mrs Georgie Dixon, WPA Communication Manager, mother of Ella Year 11 and Grace Year 8, said “We will be embracing the virtual MDC, followed by lunch with my beautiful Mum!” And Mrs Marnie Devereux, WPA Treasurer, mother to Libby Year 5, said, “We are planning a ‘homemade’ Mother’s Day this year, with the Virtual MDC, video calls to interstate mums and grandmothers, followed by cards, cakes and pizzas!”

For Dean of Schools, Mrs Suzanne Kerr, it’s “Just brunch at home and a walk with the dogs.”
And for Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing, Ms Beth Oakley it’s a normal weekend. “I’ll be starting the day with an ocean swim at Cabbage Tree Bay to visit the sea turtle and cuttlefish.”

Thanks to those of you who have already signed up to do the virtual MDC. The ��AV Walkers are currently coming 3rd nationally, and 2nd in NSW on the school’s leader board. We are very close to keeping our national crown, so please register to be part of this great event. It’s not too late!

Whatever you choose to do on Mother’s Day, whether you are taking part in the MDC or simply spending it at home with family, we wish you a fabulous day. And Happy Birthday to Mrs Lunn too!

(Here's a glimpse of what our team looked like in previous years!)

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