Justice: Connected voices - Collective Impact

Star of the Sea College stand proudly in the living tradition of faith and compassionate service which has shaped our story for generations. As a Catholic secondary College within the community of Kildare Ministries, we are inspired daily by a bold vision to educate young women who are grounded in the Gospel committed to justice and confident in their capacity to transform the world.

Our Catholic identity has not simply been expressed in words, but lived in action, in

our prayer, our learning, our relationships and our service. At the heart of our mission lies the enduring legacy of Nano Nagle, whose fearless response to the needs of her time continues to illuminate our path. Nano’s radical trust in Providence, her compassion for those on the margins and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education remain the foundation stones of our College community.

We are guided throughout the year by our 2026 theme of Justice. At the conclusion of 2025 our College Captains and Leaders developed the theme to read ‘Justice: Connected voices - Collective Impact.’ It brought renewed depth and clarity to this charism. More than a motto, it becomes a call to live Justice in visible and practical ways. Our staff live this value by ensuring that each student will continue to be treated justly and valued for who they are.

Liturgies are held during the year to mark key events in the liturgical calendar, as well as those in the school year. This term the celebrations include Ash Wednesday, Foundation Day and a Lenten/Easter Liturgy that act out “The Stations of the Cross”.

Living Justice: Making the needs of the vulnerable paramount

The Living Justice program at Star continues to place justice, dignity and solidarity at the centre of school life. Through advocacy, service, education and fundraising, students will be encouraged to recognise injustice, respond compassionately and prioritise the needs of those most vulnerable in our community and beyond.

Living Justice Program: Project Compassion (Term 1)

During Lent and throughout Term 1, students supported Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion through a range of justice-focused fundraising initiatives. Activities included: Pancakes for Project Compassion (raising $630 this year), the annual Easter Egg Raffle, Nano’s Walk, walking in solidarity with those in need on Foundation Day, and the student-led Cans for Caritas initiative. Through Cans for Caritas, soft drink was sold to raise funds for Project Compassion, while eligible containers were recycled through the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme, with proceeds supporting the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP).

Weekly Volunteering Activities

Students across the College participated in weekly volunteering opportunities that place them in direct relationship with communities experiencing disadvantage, strengthening their understanding of justice, dignity, and solidarity.

Friday Night School in Richmond provides students with opportunities to tutor children from migrant and refugee backgrounds through one-on-one learning support, promoting educational equity and meaningful connection. Tony’s Café in Carnegie welcomes Year 9 student volunteers each week, where they assist in serving meals and engaging with community members experiencing homelessness and hardship. Year 10 students also volunteer weekly at Little Mission St Kilda, preparing meals and supporting outreach for socially isolated and vulnerable members of the local community.

Student Justice Partnerships

Across all year levels and senior House groups, students engage in sustained partnerships with organisations supporting people experiencing disadvantage, inequality, and social exclusion. Through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and hands-on service, students will be encouraged to place the needs of vulnerable communities at the centre of their actions.

Students will support organisations including the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, Saltbush Balnarring, St Mary’s House of Welcome, St Kilda Gatehouse, and Big Group Hug. Initiatives will include environmental restoration projects, preparation of meals for people experiencing homelessness, collection of essential goods, and the sorting and packing of clothing, toys, and care items for families in crisis.

These partnerships will provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of social justice issues and recognise their capacity to contribute to meaningful and lasting change.

Important Weeks

Throughout the year, students participate in key justice awareness initiatives that deepen understanding of inequality and encourage action in support of vulnerable communities.

International Women’s Day invited students to reflect on gender, justice and the dignity of women through activities such as school shout-outs celebrating kindness, subject displays highlighting pioneering women, and a student podcast featuring inspiring women from the Star community.

Engagement with The Big Issue

The Star Library continues to host Marion, our Big Issue vendor. Her onsite visits provide opportunities for students and staff to engage with the lived experiences of disadvantage, encouraging reflection on social inequality and dignity. Marion is a much loved member of our community, having developed a wonderful partnership with Star over several years.

Reflection for Lent