Faith and Mission

One of the aims of our Religious Education program is to not only teach the gospel values but to find ways to put them into action with service. Our Year Twelve school based RE classes have been offering various foods and treats for free, at lunchtime, as part of their community service. One class was lucky enough to have guest speakers come to Killester as part of their unit on our school motto, “Strength and Kindliness.”  They spoke about the oppression of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the many freedoms that were lost by women. In a powerful address we learnt how these strong women fled their country as refugees to settle in Australia. We heard how difficult it was to relocate, not have their qualifications recognised, not know any English and to start again. Starting the Afghan Women’s Organization of Victoria was their way to assist others who experienced these same challenges. 

Students were inspired to do a lunchtime fundraiser and, coupled with the money from our annual “sleepover”, we raised $560 and we also have a $250 voucher a staff member won, from the “Good Guys” to donate. Congratulations to all students who organized the fundraisers and contributed. You should be proud of your efforts.

Last Thursday we had a table of eight staff members attend and support the “Wellsprings for Women” fundraiser at the Springvale Town Hall. It was a wonderful night of great food and a celebration of the work and cultures that comprise Wellsprings. Rosie Batty was the keynote speaker and she was inspirational and courageous. Clearly there is much to improve in regards to domestic violence. It is a terrible blight on our society and Wellsprings does incredible work in this field empowering women. Congratulations to the organizers and we hope to continue our association and see it grow. We are also hoping to make further connections with Wellsprings and our students next year.

Peter O’Neill

AP Faith and Mission