Year 8 student Misha Hoskin, 12, said it was a school tradition for students to watch the movie Cool Runnings when they stay at school, and this meant she didn't get to bed until 11pm.
Fellow student Lilly Craggs, 12, said their teacher thought they would raise $500, and she is delighted they have raised nearly five times that amount.
"We are raising funds and sleeping in cardboard boxes to raise awareness of those who don't have as much as we do," said Lilly.
The extra money raised will be spent on four boxes of bedrolls and there will be some leftover money to buy sleeping bags.
Susannah Carroll, 12, said some of the money raised will also be donated to provide clothes washing and bathroom facilities for the homeless in the St Vincent de Paul garage, located at St Patrick's Catholic Church.
The day after a poor night's sleep was followed by a 20-hour fast, with the girls being careful to explain that as they were too young to go without food for that length of time, the students were allowed to eat a handful of rice for breakfast and lunch.
The focus of the day of fasting was "solidarity" and students attended midday Mass.
"Doing this has made me realise how much I do have," said Susannah.
Lilly commented that it would be hard going to after-school hockey training having eaten and slept very little.
Teacher Ling Clarke said it was hoped this small experience will help the students to appreciate and be thankful for what they have and develop an understanding of what others do not have.
