The oddbods

By Danielle Galvin
THERE were lots of little oddbods at the Berwick Primary School last week with children decked out in colourful socks, back to front T-shirts and silly hairstyles.
Students were inspired by one of their school’s golden rules, “celebrate our differences” and came dressed wearing slippers and rainbow-coloured socks.
Ruby Bailey, the Year 6 school captain, explained that the odd attire was all in the name of charity.
Her mum, Nett Bailey, is the mentoring co-ordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters in Narre Warren and Hallam.
“I’m fortunate for what I’ve got. I want all of the kids to have what I have,” Ruby said.
Students were asked to bring a gold coin donation for the not-for-profit organisation.
The idea behind the Little Odds Day was to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters and to make sure children embraced their differences.
“It’s a fun way to raise money and to celebrate our differences. By being different, we show that we can be someone’s perfect match,” Ms Bailey explained.
It’s the first Little Odds Day the school has run.
Ms Bailey is hoping the day will be a hit for other schools in the area.
“I’m hoping that other schools will follow Berwick Primary School’s lead and want to run a day like this,” she said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring organisation that matches disadvantaged young people aged 7 to 17 years with an adult volunteer.
“Like any charity, we need funding to make a big change. Every dollar raised is a dollar we didn’t have yesterday,” she said.
“There are kids in each community that are disadvantaged or vulnerable. They are in every school.”
Minutemen Press in Hallam made stickers for each of the kids at the school.