Living Justice
Living Justice Camp
From 5 to 6 March, four students from Year 10 and 11 participated in the Kildare Ministries ‘Educating for Justice’ student seminar at the Edmund Rice Centre, Amberley. There were representatives from 11 Kildare Ministries schools.
The seminar focused on the importance of justice and how the Living Justice Charter is used every day. By doing this we focused on the difference between justice and charity and how they are often confused. Charity is the immediate help for people in need and justice is doing what is right by helping to restore dignity and creating a peaceful and just society. We looked at how we can implement justice in our own schools by using the LEAD example: Listen, Educate, Act, Dignify.
We listened to an inspirational speech from Sister Brigid Arthur, from Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP) who believes that every person, regardless of their age, race, gender or religion, has the right to a life that is free from persecution and life-threatening situations. This was an extremely eye opening speech as it gave us an insight into how the asylum seekers in our community are pushed away from society, many are left homeless, without food or the basic necessities of life.
Rida Khan from ‘Wellsprings for Women’ explained how we should adopt a ‘solution focused approach‘ to problems which implement the Living Justice Charter.
Overall, the 2020 Kildare Ministries 'Educating for Justice' student seminar was an informative and enjoyable experience and would not have been possible without the support of Mrs Maloney and Ms Clark.
Olivia Cooper
Year 11
The Indigenous Immersion
FIRE Carriers ACM Formation Day - March 3
As preparation for the upcoming Indigenous Immersion camp to Balnarring, on Tuesday 3rd March, a group of Kilbreda and St Bede’s FIRE Carriers travelled to the Aboriginal Catholic Ministries in Thornbury.
We learnt how closely connected Aboriginal Culture and Catholicism are, and how they can intertwine and work in harmony for a better future, particularly for young Aboriginal children. It was so valuable to hear from the ACM’s coordinator, Sherry, and learn about the Aboriginal history telling of the struggle and survival so many Aboriginal Australians endured after European settlement in 1788.
I speak for the FIRE Carriers of both Kilbreda and St Bede’s when I say that we had a great time hearing from Sherry at the ACM.
Alex Bonsall
Year 10
The Immersion itself - March 11-13
An immersion is a deep mental involvement in something. Our students were invited to spend a few days exploring the indigenous world. In the past we may have travelled far away into the Northern Territory or the outback in New South Wales. In our case we have chosen to engage with our local indigenous people.
We bussed to Balnarring to be met with open arms and a smoking ceremony. We travelled to Mornington and explored an archaeological site - we touched an ancient land. We visited a studio where we tapped into artistic interpretations of an ancient culture for a new world. We walked the bush track to find food aplenty. We painted a canvas with a never before sense of vision. We accessed a world we did not really know but were gently led and welcomed to. We danced on the beach led by the Djirri Djirri dancers.
This was an experience of groups coming together. It was a collaboration with students from St Bede's and Kilbreda. The three days were conducted by Adam Magennis from an organisation called Kaptify. Staff from Kilbreda and St Bede's worked together. Students banded together to create an experience that was truly a deep mental involvement.