MISSION CENTRAL

A Local Religious Response to Climate Change 

Cooper Meares Year 11, SRC

A climate action event on September 10 at St Monica's Cathedral was eye opening and extremely spiritual. Prayers were offered from nearly a dozen different faith groups, and there were various climate action organisations present. Students from St Mary’s and St Augustine’s were there which added to the cross-section of voices. 

Together, standing for one cause, solidarity and unity were felt by the congregation. We were all there looking for ways to act on environmental issues facing Cairns and the wider world. Our new Bishop, Joe Caddy, hosted the event and showed obvious signs of concern for the problems that were discussed. There is hope that we are taking on the challenges to promote awareness and change.  

Service Report

Jayden Cox, Service Captain

'Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning' 

– Morrie Schwartz 

The Year 12s have truly emulated the above quote with their incredible commitment to Rosies through the year. Sunday 29 September was the last Rosies night, so I say thank you to the boys for their amazing support and continued generosity. Over 20 boys regularly put up their hands for the cause, giving up their time for those doing it tough in the Cairns region. I’ve been lucky enough to attend a few with some amazing people pictured below. The responsibility is now handed over to the Year 11s, and I wish them the best. I’m sure we’ll see this commitment continue next year.

Last term, on 30 August, 50 students from Years 7-12 slept rough for the night in the Year 7 Quad for our annual Vinnies Sleepout. After a reflective session on the roots of homelessness and poverty in Australia, the boys ate a light supper: a cup of soup and a piece of bread. This experience focuses on those who have to go without, building empathy for those who are homeless. After dinner, classic games like Keep Up the Balloon and Simon Says ran late into the night before the boys finally retreated to their cardboard beds. They were asked not to bring pillows, just cardboard and sleeping bags, to simulate the conditions some people experience every night. Thank you to Mrs Roberts, Mr Dobrota and Mrs Cross for helping organise and run the night.  

Finally, thank you to St Augustine’s. Service has always been an area of college life I’ve tried to get involved with since Year 7, making so many new friends and giving to so many worthy causes across the Cairns region. Thank you to all the previous service captains: Ethan, Lachlan, Lucas, Stirling and Michael who have all made outstanding contributions to the culture and history of Service at Saints. Without their positive influence, Service would not have flourished or become what it is today. Thank you for trusting me to carry on this role, for allowing me to lead in the many events this school offers and uphold the spirit of generosity and family spirit that is so relevant to our community. Finally, thank you to Mrs Cross who has been a constant source of support and guidance throughout the year. Her work as Head of Mission has been crucial in making events a reality. Thank you. 

Exemplars of how to Live by the Marist Charism

Mrs Christine Cross

I publicly acknowledge the hard work and the generous gifts of time and enthusiasm that Jayden Cox, Service Captain, and Marc Allam, Liturgy Captain, gave to the College this year. They made a difference to so many students by their role modelling and encouragement. They exemplified how to live by the Marist charism and I thank them for the memories and the legacy they leave. St Augustine’s has helped them as young men, and they have given back by helping to shape others. 

Our prefects celebrated their leadership success with dinner at the RSL with Mr Seivers, Mr Rigby, Mr Dorahy and me this week. The College thanks them for their significant contributions to our community this year. May they find success and happiness in their next adventures, and may they take their Marist leadership skills into the world and continue to be good Christians and good citizens. All the best for your future endeavors!