At The Grange School, Service is not understood as an isolated action or a requirement to fulfil. It is a way of being, a way of engaging with others and with the world around us.
Serving others, engaging actively with one’s surroundings, and acting with humility, empathy and commitment are expressions of the Grangonian pupil profile – individuals who are shaped not only through academic learning, but also through personal growth and a life of service to the community.
The Spirit of Service programme aligns directly with the School’s institutional vision of educating individuals for others, through a broad, balanced and holistic education, in which meaningful learning also takes place beyond the classroom.
Importantly, our understanding of Service goes beyond what is traditionally known as “social service”. While campaigns, collections and practical support remain valuable and necessary, our purpose extends further: we seek to cultivate in our pupils a lasting disposition to notice others, to act with empathy, and to understand that even small actions can create meaningful change.
Service is not only about bringing food, collecting clothing or completing a project. It is also present in everyday moments: greeting and acknowledging those who support our daily life at School, caring for shared spaces, being mindful not to waste food in the dining hall, welcoming a new pupil, accompanying a younger child, or choosing to include someone who feels left out. These simple but intentional actions help pupils understand that service begins with recognising the dignity and value of others.
This understanding of Service was reflected in the initiative led by a group of 1°EM pupils in memory of Violeta: to honour her by wearing coloured ribbons on our sports activities. Through a gesture born from compassion, empathy and humility, they reminded us that serving others often begins by being present, recognising someone else’s experience and choosing to act with care. Experiences like this help reinforce that Service is not an isolated event, but a way of living and contributing meaningfully to our community.
Senior School pupils have access to a wide range of ongoing initiatives led
by staff and pupil leaders
Bioconnect
Open to pupils from 7° Básico to 4°EM, this environmental initiative promotes active citizenship through beach clean-ups, educational visits and field experiences focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Meetings take place every Friday during the first break.
Conectando Aprendo
Pupils from 2°, 3° and 4°EM can become volunteer tutors supporting children from vulnerable school contexts across Chile through online academic reinforcement. Participation includes prior training and ongoing accompaniment. During this week, registered pupils and all 2°EM will attend an introductory session before training begins after the winter break. Additional registrations will then open before tutoring begins in August.
Tarucas & Hockin
These initiatives create inclusive sporting environments through rugby and hockey, bringing together participants with and without disabilities in experiences centred on participation, respect and community. Sessions are held at the school on Wednesdays from 18:00 to 19:30 and provide pupils with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships through sport, recognising and valuing different abilities and experiences.
Aligned with our School’s Sports and Service pillars, these programmes aim to promote inclusion, empathy and teamwork, while encouraging pupils to lead through action and understand sport as a powerful tool to create connection and strengthen community.
Reading Partner – Lower Prep
Led by our pupils Raimundo Smith (3°EM-D) and Matilde Montt (4°EM-A), this programme connects trained Senior pupils with Kindergarten children through one-to-one reading sessions designed to strengthen literacy development and cultivate enjoyment of reading.
Tutorías – Lower Prep
Coordinated by Lower Prep teachers Josefina Lizana and Viviana Amenábar together with pupil leaders Vicente Balbontín (4°EM-B), Ignacia Hormazábal (4°EM-B) and Santiago Insunza (4°EM-E), Senior volunteers provide morning support and tutoring to pupils from PK to 2° básico every Thursday from 7:45–8:00.
Learning to Play – Lower Prep
Luz Jobet (4°EM-D) and Laura Rojas (4°EM-D) lead this initiative that supports guided and shared play experiences for pupils in 1° and 2° básico, recognising play as an important space for learning, inclusion and connection. Through structured activities, the programme promotes kindness, respectful coexistence and positive relationships among younger pupils.
Volunteer pupils from 8° básico to 4°EM receive training to facilitate safe and meaningful play opportunities, while developing empathy, leadership and a sense of responsibility through service within the School community.
Academic Support
Beginning next semester, volunteer pupils from 3°EM will provide academic support to pupils in 8° Básico through a programme designed to strengthen learning while fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support within our School community. Under the coordination of our 3°EM pupils, Annek Tolhuijsen and Martina Cruzat, volunteers will accompany younger pupils in specific academic areas, offering guidance, reinforcement and encouragement in a supportive environment.
Beyond helping consolidate subject knowledge, this initiative seeks to create meaningful connections across year groups and promote values such as empathy, responsibility and service. Through this experience, Senior pupils will have the opportunity to develop leadership, communication and mentoring skills, while younger pupils benefit from positive role models and personalised support during an important stage of their school journey.
Autumn & Spring Community Work
These immersive service experiences connect pupils directly with communities. Last October, over 50 pupils from 3° and 4°EM worked in Campamento Dignidad in San Bernardo, contributing to infrastructure improvements, supporting housing construction, organising activities for children and sharing time with local families. A Spring edition for 1° and 2°EM is already being planned.
Many Initiatives, One Spirit of Service
In addition to these ongoing initiatives, the School promotes community-wide campaigns throughout the year, encouraging participation across all sections and reinforcing the understanding that service is a shared responsibility. These initiatives include the Easter Campaign, food and clothing drives, COANIQUEM collections, recycling campaigns, Knitting for Warmth, Winter Clothing Drive, bottle cap collection initiatives, campaigns in support of Sociedad Protectora de la Infancia and Christmas activities.
Looking ahead to the second semester, two food collection campaigns are planned: one as part of Solidarity Week and another during October, providing further opportunities for pupils and families to contribute collectively to community needs.
As part of Solidarity Week, pupils will also take part in talks and awareness activities designed to deepen their understanding of service and social impact. Throughout the week, pupils will have the opportunity to learn about different organisations and institutions that contribute to society across a wide range of areas, helping them broaden their understanding of how service can take many forms and encouraging them to reflect on their own role in building stronger communities.
More Than Activities: A Way of Living
The Spirit of Service is ultimately not measured by the number of activities completed, but by the values and attitudes developed along the way.
Through these experiences, we hope our pupils learn to notice, connect, participate and act — understanding that community is built through everyday gestures and sustained commitment.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home: ask your children about their experiences, reflect together on what service means, and support them in taking part in these transformative opportunities.
Educating for service means preparing young people not only to succeed, but to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.
