Justice

Project Compassion 

Fundraising Wrap-Up:   We are delighted to announce that our school community has raised an impressive $4,696 for Project Compassion this year!

Year 12 Krispy Kreme Sale

Our final fundraising push took place last week, with our Year 12 students enthusiastically leading the charge by selling Krispy Kreme donuts and raising over $400.  This was just one of many creative and energetic initiatives held across all year levels throughout the term.

Every year level contributed to the success of this campaign, working hard in their mentor groups or as a cohort to plan, organise and host a tremendous range of fundraising events.  From bake sales to themed days and everything in between, the creativity, enthusiasm and commitment of our students shone through at every stage.  

A heartfelt thank you goes to all students for their dedication and to our staff for their ongoing support in assisting with the organisation and running of these events.  Your teamwork and generosity have made a real difference and embody the spirit of compassion and community we value so highly.

Thank you to everyone who contributed - your efforts are truly appreciated and have helped support vital causes through Project Compassion.

Seeds of Justice Conference

 Voices of the Displaced – Journeys of Hope and Justice

This week, our Year 11 Justice students joined over 50 peers from Mercy schools across Victoria at the Seeds of Justice Conference, “Voices of the Displaced: Journeys of Hope and Justice.”   This inspiring event brought together students passionate about justice, providing a unique opportunity to learn, reflect and engage with some of the most urgent issues facing our world today.

The conference was designed to deepen students’ understanding of the experiences of refugees and stateless people, and to explore the definitions and realities behind these terms.   Students were privileged to hear from keynote speaker Professor Michelle Foster, Dean of Melbourne Law School and a leading international authority on refugee law, human rights and statelessness.  Professor Foster’s address offered valuable insights into the global challenges of displacement and the importance of justice, compassion and advocacy.

A highlight of the day was the panel discussion featuring individuals with lived experience as refugees and stateless persons.  Students listened to powerful personal stories and had the chance to ask thoughtful questions, gaining a deeper appreciation for the resilience and hope of those who have been displaced.  Interactive sessions throughout the conference encouraged students to reflect on their own roles as “pilgrims of hope” and consider how they can support and advocate for displaced communities.

Our students left the conference with a greater awareness of global displacement, a renewed sense of empathy and a strong motivation to contribute positively to their communities.  We thank Mercy Education and all involved for providing this meaningful opportunity to nurture the next generation of compassionate leaders and advocates for justice.

FIRE Carriers - Long Walk to the G

We are excited to announce that our FIRE Carrier students will soon be taking part in the upcoming Long Walk to the G on Friday, 23 May.   This significant event is a highlight of our school’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and our role as a FIRE Carrier community.  

The Long Walk to the G is much more than a journey to the MCG - it is a powerful act of solidarity and hope, inspired by AFL legend Michael Long’s iconic walk to Canberra.  The event brings together thousands of people, including footy fans, First Nations peoples and the wider community, to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to call for a fairer, more inclusive Australia. 

Our participation in this event aims to deepen students’ understanding of Indigenous history, culture and social justice issues.  By walking together, our FIRE Carriers will have the opportunity to engage with the broader community, reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality and develop a sense of shared responsibility as active citizens.

Event details are as follows:

Date:      Friday, 23 May

Meet:     Birrarung Marr Hilltop (look for the Academy flag)

Time:     5:30pm; walk to the MCG together

We warmly invite all Academy families to join us for this free, family-friendly event, which features live performances, sports and art activations and a vibrant celebration of culture and unity.   Please note that Academy staff will supervise FIRE Carrier students only; families are responsible for their children before, during and after the walk if not part of the FIRE Carrier group.

Let’s walk together for reconciliation, unity and a brighter future for all.  We hope to see many of you at Birrarung Marr as we stand together for hope and justice

Reconciliation Week 

As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and in support of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), our FIRE Carriers and Justice Group have organised a rich and engaging program of activities for our school community, reflecting this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next. 

Throughout the week, students will deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, culture and social justice by exploring key topics through daily Compass Posts.  These will cover the significance of Reconciliation Week, the six layers of Wurundjeri Country, the meaning of Acknowledgement of Country and the impact of unconscious bias, among other important themes.  Special events will include: 

• Mentor Group Kahoot to test knowledge and spark discussion 
• Casual Clothes Day & Badge Booth raising funds for The Opening the Doors Foundation Aboriginal Art Display in the Kirrip Hub 
• Lunch-time Activities - sausage sizzle (Year 12), Justice Group bake sale (Indigenous ingredients), platypus bookmark making, bush bouquet workshops and card games. 

All funds raised will support the Opening the Doors Foundation.  Our FIRE Carriers will also participate in The Long Walk to the G, joining the wider community in a powerful act of solidarity, unity and hope for reconciliation. 

To celebrate Indigenous culture, music will be played at the last bell each day. 

We thank our FIRE Carriers, Justice Group and staff for their creativity, enthusiasm and commitment in planning these activities.  We encourage all students and families to participate, reflect and walk with us on the journey to reconciliation.  Let’s continue to learn, grow and act together for a more united and respectful future.

 Stamp Box! 

📬 We’ve got something new happening at school-the Academy Stamp Box! 📬

We're collecting used or new stamps to raise money for those in need around the world. Sounds small, right?  But here’s the kicker: Stamp donations can raise between $35,000 and $40,000 every year.  That’s a serious impact from something you might usually toss in the bin! 

So, snip your stamps leaving about 1 cm of envelope around the edge.  Or, bring in the whole envelope.   We accept both used and brand-new stamps, but used stamps are preferred (yes, even from your mail at home).  Own an old stamp collection?  We’ll take that too!  We send the stamps to auction, and the money raised goes toward grants that help communities in need around the world. 

Drop your stamps off at the Stamp Station located at Student Reception, open before school, at recess, lunch and after school. 

Let’s turn everyday stamps into life-changing support.  Start collecting now, spread the word and let’s make a difference-one stamp at a time!  You can also ask your friends and family outside of school to collect stamps and bring them to the Academy Stamp Box.

 Sincerely, 

The Year 7 Justice Group Members

Ms Melinda Sachanandani

Justice Leader