For years there was one guarantee at Marian Catholic College, something you could expect every day without fail.
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Whether it was hot or cold, sunny or raining - Pavan Sharma would be wearing his beanie.
It was this aspect of Pavan's personality which formed the basis of Beanie Day, as students across the school commemorated one year since his passing.
On Tuesday, Marian staff and students of all ages donned their finest beanies, remembering their beloved classmate and raising $2800 for Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group.
Year 12 pastoral leader Jonathon Morris said it was a tough day, but a touching one as well.
It was really heartwarming to see the students come together and remember their friend,
- Jonathon Morris, Marian Catholic College Year 12 pastoral leader
"I knew it was going to be a hard date ... but they came up with all the ideas and it was really heartwarming to see the students come together and remember their friend," he said.
"We had a reflection liturgy prayer in the morning with all the year 12 students who were Pavan's classmates so students could let out their emotions a little bit and by lunchtime it was all about remembering the good times."
Through gold coin donations and a bake sale, the students raised over $2300 for their chosen charity, with an additional $500 donated by Pavan's family.
According to Mr Morris, Pavan was a quiet student with a passion for his studies.
"He was a very academic student ... he did extension maths, advanced english and physics, but he also had a passion for design and technology and he loved designing and making timber pieces," the teacher said.
"I think the students really appreciated having the day to remember him."
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Mr Morris said he was proud to see his students show initiative in organising the commemoration and that it was good to see people more open to discussing mental health.
"It's definitely talked about a lot more in schools now which is a really good thing," he said.
"But I think there is still a long way to go and students need to be educated on the services that are out there for them.
"I think that's probably the biggest way of moving forward."
If you or someone you know needs help contact;
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Griffith Suicide Prevention and Suicide Support Group on 1300 133 911
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