From the Director of Identity and Mission

Justice Action Network rallies for Nepal flood relief

This term, the Justice Action Network (JAN), led by Mrs Marion Mundana, has been hard at work making a global impact. Following the recent devastating floods in Nepal, the student-led social justice group stepped up to drive local support and relief efforts. Our Prefect for Social Justice, Hal Cormack (Year 12), shares below an update on JAN's latest initiatives and how our community is making a difference. 

Recently at school, the Justice Action Network has been involved in an awareness-raising and fundraising campaign to help support the people of Nepal who are suffering so much due to recent devastating floods.

Students from across the school have been taking part in activities to help support the people of Nepal. During Week 8, many students took part in colouring and origami on the theme of the rhododendron – the national flower of Nepal.  These activities made the day enjoyable while giving us a chance to learn and talk about the importance of helping others.

As part of the week, on Thursday, students were encouraged to wear red (the main colour in Nepal’s flag) to show our support and solidarity with the people of Nepal. We also collected gold coins as a way of contributing to the fundraising effort. 

All money raised will go to Caritas’s Nepal appeal.  Families can still contribute to this appeal by going to the Caritas website: Nepal Floods | Caritas Australia. Every small donation helps to show that, by working together, we can make a difference. 

Hal Cormack 

Prefect for Social Justice 

"Pilgrimage is a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveller." – Phil Cousineau

At St Mary's, students explore the concept of pilgrimage in their Life and Faith classes, and most recently during our Year 9 Retreats this term. However, the best way to truly understand a journey is to experience one. 

I would like to invite families to join us for our very own local pilgrimage – a two-day walk through the beautiful Huon Valley on 9–10 January. 

'The Way to St James' pilgrimage is described on the official website as:

 "Inspired by the famous Spanish El Camino de Santiago.  Every person, of any religious denomination or none, is welcome to walk in company with other pilgrims. Through fellowship, reflection, rejoicing and ritual you will find an opportunity to reconnect with the spiritual dimensions of your life." 

Registration is now open, so if families would like to take part, please click on this link to buy tickets: The Way to St James Cygnet Pilgrimage, Tasmania 2027 (Get in early as tickets sell out fast!).

For those who can't participate in person, you may like to walk from wherever you are in the world by joining the Global Way to St James Pilgrimage via the Facebook page: 2027 Global Camino.