Year 10 to 12 pupils, as well as teaching staff, “roughed it” on Friday evening to support Mission Australia.

“The students study homeless people as part of our Community and Family Studies,” teacher Chris Brennan said.

“It’s a compulsory subject.

“But, the pupils wanted to help them in their own way.

“So, a handful of students organised a ‘sleepout’ from 5pm to 7am.

“They rolled out the sleeping bags, rugged up and even ran a soup kitchen.

“The school also hosted an out of uniform day on Friday to raise funds, while the staff made donations, too.

“Even the kindergarten children were involved – a newsletter was sent out to parents and guardians requesting clothes.

“And, the response we had was amazing.

“The ‘sleepout’ is my new baby now.

“And, I’m hoping it will become an annual event on the school’s calendar.”

In 2015, Mission Australia helped more than 300,000 Australians, including 115,000 parents and children, so they could take the steps they needed to take back their precious independence.

More than 91 per cent of the organisation’s income goes towards delivering services that support Australians in need.

“Thousands of Australian families and children have lost their homes because of domestic violence or another crisis,” a Mission Australia spokesperson said.

“They’re frightened, desperate and sleeping wherever they can – often in places that are unsafe or unliveable.

“We can’t transform their lives without the generous donations we receive from our supporters.

“But, we appreciate every single donation we get and ensure that every dollar is well utilised.”

A Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout also took place at Muswellbrook on Thursday night, with Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood and council general manager Waid Crocket participating.