Justice

 Year 10 Morning Tea

To celebrate the winners of the McAuley Donation Drive that was held during Term 3, the entire Year 10 cohort enjoyed a morning tea at recess on Friday, 11 October that was provided by the Justice Group.  Hot drinks and a variety of delicious baked goods, fruits and treats were served by the Justice Group to thank the cohort and their mentor teachers for their outstanding efforts during the donation drive to raise the most donations.  

Justice Co-Captain Harriet addressed the group, congratulating them on their achievements.  Well done, Year 10! 

Mercy Ministries Companion Presentation

The Academy of Mary Immaculate was recently selected to speak at the Mercy Ministries Companion Conference, held at the Catholic Leadership Center last week.  Students from various year levels represented the College, addressing a diverse audience that included Mercy Education Board members, Mercy school principals and heads of charities (like Sr Sally Bradley, the Executive Director of Mercy Works who had recently spoken to the Justice Group about her work).  

Among the speakers were Priya from Year 10, Emma, Eloise and Clara from Year 11 and Sinitta and Abigail from Year 12.  They all spoke passionately about the Academy’s numerous outreach programs and addressed the theme, “Who is the Living Catherine Calling to Serve?  What Might Serve Look Like in the Future?”  The students highlighted several initiatives, including: 

Year 10 Community Action

 St. Mary’s House of Welcome Volunteering 

The McAuley Donation Drive 

Mercy Works Mornings and Bake Sale 

Opening the Doors Foundation Fundraising 

Project Compassion Fundraising 

Fitzroy Homework Club 

Perform for Peace 

They emphasised how each of these programs offers students across various year levels the opportunity to live out and understand their Mercy Values.  I would like to commend all the students for their outstanding presentations and for taking the time to develop such engaging content. 

Anti-Slavery Day 

On Friday, the Academy of Mary Immaculate will acknowledge Anti-Slavery Day, an initiative inspired by the Year 11 Justice Group members—Emma, Eloise and Clara—who attended the Seeds of Justice Conference on modern slavery and human trafficking earlier this year.  Their commitment to raising awareness about these critical issues has shaped a meaningful day of engagement for our school community. 

Anti-Slavery Day, observed on 18 October around the world, serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.  It aims to raise awareness about the estimated 50 million people worldwide who are trapped in various forms of slavery, including forced labor and child exploitation.  This day encourages individuals, communities and organisations to take action against these injustices, promoting ethical practices and supporting survivors.  By highlighting the importance of social responsibility, Anti-Slavery Day inspires collective efforts to combat exploitation and ensure freedom for all. 

To show support, blue ribbons were handed out for students and staff to wear throughout the day.  During lunch, the Justice and Earth groups hosted a variety of events designed to educate and inspire action against modern slavery: 

Fame and Shame Wall: A display highlighting ethical brands versus those that contribute to slavery

Coffee Tasting: An opportunity to sample ethically sourced coffee from Jasper Coffee and Republica Coffee - we would like to thank Jasper Coffee for their donation of coffee to make this event possible

Pledge Signing: Students can sign a pledge to make more sustainable choices as consumers, rewarded with a piece of ethical chocolate 

Local Cafe Ratings: An assessment of local cafes based on their ethical practices

Mix and Match Games: Fun activities linking brands with facts about slavery. 

These initiatives encouraged students to reflect on their consumer habits and consider making ethical choices, such as avoiding making purchases from brands like Shein or Temu in the future.  

I want to extend my gratitude to all the students for their hard work in organising these events, as well as to Ms Tassone for her support by Earth at Academy group.  Together, we are fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility within our school community, empowering students to take action against modern slavery and promote ethical practices.  We look forward to your participation and support in this important cause! 

Farewell and Thank You, 2024 Justice Co-Captains

 As we bid farewell to our 2024 Justice Co-Captains, Harriet and Hannah, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for their incredible contributions since joining the Justice Group in Year 7.  Their dedication and exemplary leadership this year has truly made a difference in our school community. 

At our last meeting, we celebrated their achievements with a small party and enjoyed customised cakes baked by one of the group members.  Harriet and Hannah have shown unwavering commitment to social justice in all its forms, consistently striving to engage more students in meaningful initiatives and prompt students and staff to consider the impacts of their choices on others.  Their efforts have inspired many and we are grateful for the passion they brought to the Justice Group. 

Thank you, Harriet and Hannah, for your hard work and dedication - we wish you all the very best in your future endeavors! 

Congratulations  2025 Justice Co-Captains 

Congratulations to Eloise and Emma on their election as Justice Co-Captains for 2025! Their dedication to social justice has been evident through their active participation in various initiatives, including their impactful Anti-Slavery Day initiative.  This year, they attended several important justice conferences, such as the Seeds of Justice, AMSSA and the Mercy Ministries Companions conference, where they gained valuable insights and inspiration.  Both girls have also been involved in the Justice Group from junior years at Academy.  We look forward to seeing the amazing contributions they will make to the College next year as they continue to lead with passion and commitment. 

Following are statements expressed by each of the 2025 Justice Co-Captains about why they both joined the Justice Group and what social justice means to them:

“I joined the Justice Group driven by a deep passion for uplifting those facing adversity and creating meaningful change. By sharing ideas and collaborating with others, I hope to use my voice to improve the lives of those less fortunate, and ensure that justice is a lived reality in our school and beyond.” - Eloise 

“I joined the Justice Group because it is important to me that all of our human stories unfold not in isolation, but in collectives.  I want everybody to see that change is possible with determination and the willingness to center the words of those who are so often spoken over.” - Emma 

Congratulations once again, Eloise and Emma! 

Cambodia Immersion 2025 

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for students at Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy and Our Lady of Mercy College, Heidelberg to participate in a transformative social justice immersion experience in Cambodia.  The immersion will run between 25 August - 5 September 2025.

This immersion experience is rooted in our Mercy Education values of Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Service and Courage.  It aims to: 

Expose students to issues of poverty and injustice while experiencing Cambodian culture Engage students in direct service activities and experiential learning 

Foster a socially engaged spirituality and encourage action in promoting justice 

Develop critical analysis skills regarding root causes of social issues 

Empower students to respond to injustices through advocacy and ongoing support

Participants will visit Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham and Siem Reap.  Eligible participants are students from Years 10 & 11 in 2025.  Two student information sessions are planned to run at lunch on Friday, 25 October and Tuesday, 29 October 2024.  Expressions of interest forms are to be submitted by 8 November 20240.   An information evening for parents and students is to be held on 12 November.  More information will be provided in the coming weeks via Compass/email to the eligible year levels and parents. 

Ms Mel Sachanandani

Justice Leader