Editorial

Living Out Justice

How the MECS Community Responded through the Ping Pong-A-Thon

Here at MECS, justice-seeking is not just a concept we teach—it's a way of being we strive to live out together. As part of our school’s spiritual formation, we define a justice seeker as someone who recognises injustice and hopes to make things fair and kind. They show mercy by helping people who are struggling and forgiving others. They also stand up for those who are treated badly and try to fix unfair situations. Their goal is to make the world a better place by following God’s teachings about loving and supporting everyone.

 

Recently, our community had a powerful opportunity to put this into practice.

 

After learning about the reality of modern slavery, our Year 10s chose to act. They initiated our very own Ping Pong-A-Thon: a 12-hour justice-themed ping pong event that raised awareness, built community, and focussed on changing lives.

 

Held from 7am to 7pm, the day had energy, fun, and deep purpose. Students signed up for one-hour shifts, with each session starting by hearing from Matt from the Ping Pong-A-Thon organisation. He shared real-life stories of individuals impacted by trafficking and exploitation, helping our students recognise injustice and understand how they could make a difference.

 

Throughout the day, students participated in everything from singles and doubles matches, to creative rounds of 'around the world' and 'around the universe'. But beyond the fun, they were actively showing mercy by using their time, energy, and voices to help others who are struggling.

 

The event raised over $6,000—a figure that continues to grow. With $2,000 estimated to free one person from slavery, our students may have helped restore freedom and hope to multiple people. That is justice in action: standing up for those treated badly and working to fix unfair situations.

 

The event also strengthened our school community. Staff and students joined together, and our Primary School added their encouragement and support. It was a tangible expression of Christian community—one built on compassion, action, and shared values.

 

Very importantly, this day reflected the heart of Christian education at MECS. Our students didn’t just learn about God’s justice—they lived it. Through kindness, courage, and collective action, they embraced their role as justice seekers—young people committed to making the world more fair, loving, and hope-filled in line with God's teaching.

 

Thank you to every student, staff member, and family who supported this event. You didn’t just play ping pong—you helped live out the teachings of Jesus.

 

Todd Mahoney

Secondary Teacher & Year 10 Coordinator