This term, our Faith In Action Team is focusing on the Catholic Social Teaching principle of supporting the dignity of every person through our Winter Appeal in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies).

As the colder months arrive, many people in our community experience homelessness, financial hardship and food shortage. Through this appeal, our students will have the opportunity to put their faith into action by helping those most in need.

As part of this focus, we will do a whole-school food donation collection day on Thursday 11th June to create snack packs for people in need. The Faith In Action Team will use these donations to create snack packs with the donated food items, which will be distributed to vulnerable members of our community through the Vinnies Van Service, a special work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. During week 8 and 9, students will be invited to spend one of their Recess breaks to help to assemble these packs, giving them a hands-on way to contribute.

Requested items for each grade are listed in the flyer and also this week’s Compass notification.

Below are some images of the specified items requested for reference:

Year 5 and 6 will be invited to prepare snack packs, as well as engage in an optional Winter Sleep out experience at school in Week 9, on Wednesday 17th June. Please check Compass to provide approval for this incursion if your child wishes to participate.

The Winter Sleep Out is an educational and reflective experience designed to help Year 5 and 6 students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Throughout the evening, students will engage in prayer, reflection and social justice activities focused on compassion, gratitude and service.

As part of the experience, students will spend approximately 40 minutes outdoors on the school soccer field in guided prayer and reflection, providing a symbolic opportunity to consider the realities faced by those without safe and secure shelter.

While students will not be sleeping overnight, the experience aims to deepen their awareness of homelessness and inspire them to make a positive difference through acts of kindness, generosity, and service to others.

We thank our school community for your generosity and support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and live out Jesus' call to love and serve our neighbours.

With gratitude and blessings,

Krystle Perera

Faith in Action Team Coordinator

Staff News