St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Big City Make Off is back for 2025.
Each February, Secondary School students from St Andrew’s Cathedral School take over the Cathedral, Chapter House and the School foyer with market stalls, raising funds for local charity, Rough Edges.
The School’s Christian tradition means we have essential convictions about the dignity of every student, and every person – each one unique, loved by God and gifted for a purpose. These core beliefs inform how we wish to operate in the community – encouraging our students to help and have compassion for those struggling and less fortunate.
Rough Edges is a faith-based, not-for-profit organisation that seeks to support people experiencing homelessness and marginalisation in Sydney, through its community hub and drop-in centre. It is St John’s Anglican Church, Darlinghurst‘s social outreach initiative.
The Big City Make Off began as the Big City Bake Off in 2013. It was designed to be a creative House competition, to raise funds and awareness for Rough Edges. Each year, the event starts with a guest speaker from Rough Edges, informing students about the work the charity does, and sharing a Gospel message.
The Big City Make Off is lead by the Heads of York and Westminster Houses. All the students at St Andrew’s Cathedral School are divided into houses and there are eight in total. The houses are named after English cathedrals.
The event itself can be likened to The Apprentice television show – where teams must be creative and innovative to raise the most money.
There are eight stalls in total, one for each house. They make and sell baked goods, treats and drinks. The stalls are themed, to attract attention and celebrate the values and attributes important to that House, like volunteering, conservation, fun, sport or childhood.
“The annual Big City Make Off event is a highlight for many of our students as it allows them to really express their creativity. They make new friends and increase their leadership and teamwork experience. Each year the efforts seem to get better and better, and it’s a great way to learn about supporting a worthy cause, such as Rough Edges,” said Mr Brad Swibel, Deputy Head of School.
This year, students from each of the houses dressed up in costumes and created their own unique, themed stalls. This year they raised a total of $4,364.
“Durham’s theme for the Big City Make Off this year was Up – inspired by the heartwarming and adventurous spirit of the Disney film. Make Off is important because it’s a great way to encourage teamwork, creativity and friendly competition. By working to create a stall, the most important outcome of the event is the money we raise for Rough Edges and the people it helps,” said Alexandra Doulgeris, Captain of Durham House.
Our students got really creative with their themed stalls. This year’s efforts included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Shrek and Sugar Rush.
“Make Off is so important as it allows us to raise funds so individuals and families who face difficult circumstances can receive help and have access to a safe place and a meal to eat,” said Ruby Burton, Captain of Canterbury House.
Throughout the year there are five house competitions. These all contribute points to the houses, and at the end of the year the house with the most points wins the Dean Pitt Shield. Watch out for news on the remaining competitions: SACS Factor, Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival and Debating.
Well done to all our House Captains and students for their dedication and leadership. This much-loved event kicks off the year’s House competitions. It brings the School together in a competitive spirit, while also demonstrating service and compassion to the city’s most vulnerable.
