ASTRA is a student service group at WGHS. It is a junior version of Altrusa, an International Service Organisation. There are only two ASTRA Clubs in New Zealand. Our motto is ‘growing in service’.
Thirty years ago the Oamaru Altrusa Club sponsored the original Waitaki ASTRA Club which at the time included girls from St Kevin's College. Since this time ASTRA members have completed many and varied community projects from collecting for various groups, fundraising, including the Heart Foundation, running disco’s for primary students, baking biscuits and delivering them to senior citizens living nearby. The current project has been to assemble basic toiletry items for adults and children who unexpectedly find themselves in hospital. This year we are also gathering activities to amuse older siblings visiting the maternity ward as well.
Last week we celebrated our ASTRA 30th birthday with a small party at lunch time. Along with current ASTRA members three very special guests attended; Mrs Wally Macaulay, who was the Altrusa President in September 1991, Mrs Jeanette Aker who was the Principal in 1991 and our Principal Ms Koni also came and cut the cake with Mrs Aker. Mrs Macauay lit 5 candles to represent our five values, Ability, Service, Training, Responsibility and Achievement.
Members of the current Altrusa ASTRA committee also attended; Mrs Liz Ballantyne, Mrs Bev Manson and Mrs Nancy Allan. Bethany Paisley, our ASTRA Student Chairperson presented Mrs Macaulay with flowers and thanked her for her service.
Liz Ballantyne
TIC ASTRA