Justice

Farewell to Co-Justice Captains

We bid a heartfelt farewell to Emma and Eloise, our dedicated Co-Justice Captains for 2025. Over their remarkable six-year journey with the Justice Group, Emma and Eloise have inspired their peers through their gentle leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to social justice. Their representation of the Academy at Mercy schools conferences—including Seeds of Justice and AMSA—has made us proud to watch their passion for justice flourish year after year.

Among their many achievements, the highlight was this year’s Feast for Freedom initiative, which raised over $4,000 for the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. The success of this event was a testament to their tireless efforts in sourcing auction and hamper items, coordinating volunteers, performers, and ensuring a memorable community celebration.

Emma and Eloise leave a legacy of Mercy leadership and advocacy that will continue to inspire future Justice Group members. We thank them for all they have given to our community, wish them every success beyond the Academy, and know they will be greatly missed.

Seeds of Justice Conference

On Thursday, 30 October, Academy of Mary Immaculate will welcome Year 7 and 8 Mercy students from across Victoria for our annual Seeds of Justice Conference. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Solidarity with All Our Brothers and Sisters,” is inspired by the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. Students will explore ways to live Mercy values, especially in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness.

As part of the program, students will hear from guest presenter Holly Pabian of St Mary’s House of Welcome and work together to pack hampers for our neighbours in need. We are seeking donations of sugar, coffee, hot chocolate sachets, tea bags, tote bags, and reusable cups to make these hampers possible.

If you are able to contribute any of these items, please drop them off at the College office by Wednesday, 29 October. Every donation makes a real difference in sharing hope and Mercy with our community. Please see the flyer for full details. Thank you for your support!

Anti-Slavery Day

This week, the Justice Group has been leading an important campaign to raise awareness about modern slavery, an issue affecting over 1,900 Australians today, with many more unseen victims. Modern slavery includes forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation, robbing people of freedom and dignity.

Throughout the week, students have learned about what slavery is, the types of slavery, human trafficking, signs to watch for, and impactful statistics from Australia. We have also shared ways to help reduce these numbers by making responsible choices every day, such as:

Choosing ethical brands with transparent supply chains like Patagonia, Who Gives A Crap, and The Body Shop, and avoiding fast fashion brands linked to exploitation
Buying Fairtrade and certified products like coffee, chocolate, clothing, and produce. Using ethical shopping apps like Good On You or DoneGood
Reducing fast fashion consumption by buying second-hand, swapping, or investing in sustainable clothes.
Raising awareness on social media to encourage others.
Participating in fundraisers supporting anti-slavery organisations. Volunteering locally to assist survivors.
Advocating for stronger laws protecting victims.
Being mindful when shopping online and checking company ethics.
Starting conversations with family and friends about modern slavery.

The week culminated today with a Kahoot quiz in the Kirrip Hub during lunch, testing students’ knowledge on all these topics. Winners received delicious blocks of ethical, slavery-free chocolate!

Students and staff also signed a pledge on our pledge wall committing to stand against modern slavery through conscious daily choices. The pledge includes commitments to educate oneself and others, choose ethical products, support survivors, advocate for change and promote human dignity.

Thank you to all who participated and helped shine a light on this significant issue. Together, we can be part of the movement to end modern slavery for everyone.

Young Mercy Links

Last week, a group of self-nominated Year 12 students attended an inspiring presentation by Young Mercy Links, a volunteer network for young people passionate about justice and continuing the Mercy tradition beyond graduation. We extend a warm thank you to Angela, the Young Mercy Links Victoria Coordinator, and member Olivia for generously sharing their time and passion with our students.

During the session, students learned about the diverse projects and community service opportunities Young Mercy Links offers—from justice and sustainability initiatives to ongoing advocacy and connection with Mercy values. Importantly, Angela and Olivia shared how joining Young Mercy Links creates a pathway for school leavers to stay engaged with Mercy, make meaningful contributions and connect with like-minded peers after graduation.

We look forward to seeing some of our graduates take up this opportunity and become part of the Young Mercy Links community next year.

Learn more about Young Mercy Links at their website or follow them on social media. https://institute.mercy.org.au/become-involved/become-a-young-mercy/

📬The Academy Stamp Box! 📬

Thank you to all the families who have generously donated stamp collections to this wonderful cause. We will be collecting stamps throughout the year, and your ongoing support is greatly appreciated. If your workplace receives stamps, we would be grateful if you could collect them for us. Additionally, if you have any personal stamp collections you are able to donate, we will warmly welcome them. Every contribution makes a difference!

We're collecting used or new stamps to raise money for those in need around the world. Sounds small, right? But here’s the kicker: Stamp donations can raise between $35,000 and $40,000 every year. That’s a serious impact from something you might usually toss in the bin!

So, snip your stamps, leaving about 1 cm of envelope around the edge. Or, bring in the whole envelope. We accept both used and brand-new stamps, but used stamps are preferred (yes, even from your mail at home). Own an old stamp collection? We’ll take that too! We send the stamps to auction, and the money raised goes toward grants that help communities in need around the world.

Drop your stamps off at the Stamp Station located at Student Reception, open before school, at recess, lunch and after school.

Coming up in Term 4 - Justice in Action Term

Anti-Slavery Day - Fri, 17 October
Seeds of Justice Year 8 & 9: Homelessness– donation drive until Thu, 30 October
McAuley Donation Drive morning tea - Year 7’s TBC
St Jude’s Student Sponsorship Fundraiser - Thursday, 27 November

Ms Mel Sachanandani
Justice Leader