National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.

Here at Victor Harbor High School we celebrate the many volunteers that contribute both within our school and within our local community. On Thursday May 24th we hosted a Volunteer's Morning Tea at VHHS to thank those who continually volunteer their time, and expertise to our students and to our school as a whole .

Not only do we celebtrate those who directly volunteer within our school community, we would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those staff, teachers and students who volunteer within our community outside of school hours. From surf life saving, sports coaching, umpiring, scoring, giving time to local charities and volunteering within organisation such as World Challenge, we are very proud of the culture of volunteers that we are breeding here at Victor Harbor High School!

Did you know that volunteering can:

- Decrease your risk of depression. Volunteering with and for others increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common commitment and interests—both of which have been shown to decrease depression.

- Assist you to stay physically and mentally active - Studies have revealed that volunteers actually increased their brain functioning. Volunteer activities get you moving and thinking at the same time.

- Experience “The Happiness Effect.” You know that feel-good sense you get after a vigorous workout? It comes from a release of dopamine in the brain. Helping others has that exact same effect—so the more you volunteer, the happier you become!

- Reduce stress levels - By savoring your time spent in service to others, you’ll feel a sense of meaning and appreciation—both given and received—which can be calming.

- Enjoy a sense of purpose and fulfillment—and increase your self-confidence while you’re at it!