Justice
Shining Lamps of Mercy
This year, our young women at the Academy of Mary Immaculate have truly embodied Catherine McAuley's call to be "shining lamps" through passionate social justice initiatives. Inspired by our Foundress's legacy of compassion for those on the margins, students led transformative efforts that made real community impact.
Highlights include Zoe and Heike's "Education Eats" fundraiser raising $1300 for St Jude's Tanzania, supporting a student's full-year education; ongoing St Mary's House of Welcome volunteering and Christmas Hamper Drive; McAuley Services donation campaigns; and Sacred Heart Primary Breakfast Club outreach where Year 9 students became role models. Preparations for Cambodia Immersion and social justice camps further showcased their commitment.
These inspiring young women are walking in Catherine McAuley's footsteps—courageously fighting poverty, homelessness and injustice through service, empathy and leadership. Their dedication reflects our Mercy values and lights the way for others.
St Jude's Fundraiser Success
Year 11 student Zoe D and Year 9 student Heike W were inspired by Gemma Sisia, founder of St Jude's School in Tanzania, to sponsor a student through education. After tireless work emailing businesses for donations, coordinating pick-ups, designing posters and wrapping hampers, they led a vibrant "Education Eats" fundraiser on Thursday, 27 November.
With enthusiastic support from the Justice Group, Pop Band, Music Department and many helpers including Charlize, Genna, Charlotte, Ms Joulian, Ms Morris, Mr Di Camillo, Mr Baker and Ms Salvo, the event featured a sausage sizzle, raffle with amazing hampers, fairy floss and Zooper Doopers. It was wonderful to see students and staff alike getting involved and enjoying the community spirit.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $1,300 toward sponsoring a St Jude's student for a full year – covering education, board, meals and uniform. Combined with other Mercy schools, Zoe and Heike's hard work is creating real change by fighting poverty through education. Well done to all!
Sacred Heart Breakfast Club
A Reflection from Sacred Heart:
“On behalf of Sacred Heart School in Fitzroy, I would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the Academy of Mary Immaculate for your students’ participation in our Breakfast Club program during Term 4, 2025. Having the opportunity for your secondary school students to attend and engage with our primary students has been both positive and highly productive. They have been wonderful role models, demonstrating a mature and thoughtful approach to connecting with our students. We have found that our students relate extremely well to yours—both male and female—and the impact has been genuinely uplifting. Your students have brought a calming and collaborative energy to the Breakfast Club. Whether preparing food, playing games, drawing, or simply chatting with our students, their presence has encouraged focused, meaningful interaction. This pilot program has been hugely beneficial, and we are excited to continue building our partnership with the Academy of Mary Immaculate. We look forward to working with you again in 2026.”
— Nick Gabb
Community Engagement Officer
Sacred Heart Primary School
Christmas Hamper Drive - Thank you
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to this year’s Christmas Hamper Drive for St Mary’s House of Welcome. Your kindness and generosity are making a real difference in supporting people in our community who are facing tough times this Christmas. Every item you have given will help bring comfort, nourishment, and hope to someone in need.
This wonderful response shows how deeply our community lives out the spirit of Christmas—sharing love, care, and mercy with those around us. Your support reflects the true meaning of the season and embodies the values of compassion and generosity that guide us all. We’re grateful for your generosity and for standing alongside our neighbours at St Mary’s House of Welcome. Together, you are making this Christmas brighter for many. Thank you!
For more information about Saint Mary’s House of Welcome, please visit their website at https://www.smhow.org.au/
Stamp Collection Success
A huge thank you to all families who generously donated to our stamp collection drive. We have collected several hundred stamps this year, turning everyday mail into meaningful support for communities in need worldwide!
Your contributions – from home mail to workplace collections and personal stamp albums – will be auctioned to raise vital funds (up to $35,000–$40,000 annually). Every stamp snipped with 1cm of envelope makes a real difference.
The Stamp Station at Student Reception remains open before school, recess, lunch and after school throughout 2026. Keep the stamps coming!
Ms Mel Sachanandani
Justice Leader