Justice
Project Compassion Launch
The Justice Group at our school honored the Shrove Tuesday tradition by cooking and selling pancakes. This event not only brought our community together but also marked the beginning of our Project Compassion fundraising efforts.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, is traditionally a time to use up rich foods before the fasting period of Lent begins. By selling pancakes, our Justice Group connected with this long-standing custom while raising funds for a worthy cause.
All proceeds from the pancake sale will go directly to Project Compassion, Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in vulnerable communities worldwide.
By participating in these activities, we join thousands of schools and parishes across Australia in supporting Caritas Australia's vital work. Our efforts contribute to a larger movement of compassion and solidarity, helping to create positive change for vulnerable communities both locally and globally.
Our Project Compassion fundraising events provide opportunities for our school community to unite against poverty and make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
International Women’s Day
Saturday, 8 March, marks International Women's Day, a global celebration honoring women's achievements and advocating for gender equality. Today, we commemorated this occasion by distributing support ribbons and sharing affirmations and quotes from inspiring women around the world to uplift the women in our community.
International Women’s Day serves as a platform to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political contributions of women, while also highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasises the need for swift progress toward achieving full gender parity.
The School That Hope Built - St Jude's Tanzania
On Thursday, 27 February, students who will be participating in the Cambodia Immersion and the memebrs of the Academy Justice Group attended a presentation at the Mercy Hub by Gemma Sisia, founder of St Jude's Tanzania, along with alumni Winnie and John.
Gemma shared stories about St Jude's, which provides free, high-quality education to over 1,800 underprivileged students, with 97% of its secondary graduates pursuing higher education. The presentation emphasised the transformative power of education in combating poverty and injustice, inspiring students about its role in shaping futures.
Following the presentation at the Mercy Hub, students and staff were deeply moved by Gemma Sisia's inspiring journey in founding The School of St Jude. They were particularly struck by how Gemma started the school with just $10 and had only three students in the first graduating class. The experience left a lasting impression on the attendees, as evidenced by their reflections:
Giorgia, a Year 11 student, expressed her gratitude: "Thank you so much for organising the opportunity for us to hear and learn about St Jude's. It was such a wonderful experience and I really learned a lot and have a new found appreciation for my education. It really encouraged us all to be more thankful for all that we have and has inspired us to dream big and achieve our goals."
- Eima of Year 9 shared: "It was extremely informative. I learned that Gemma started up St Jude's with only $10 and that the first graduating class consisted of only three students. I thought it was a valuable learning experience, as I saw it as inspirational that she started off with very little but it has grown her dream into something big."
The students recognised how Gemma's story aligns with their school theme for the year, "Pave The Way." Her journey from humble beginnings to creating a school that now educates over 1,800 students serves as a powerful example of how determination and vision can lead to significant positive change.
This excursion to the Mercy Hub provided students with a tangible example of how one person's dedication can make a substantial difference in the lives of many, inspiring them to consider how they too can contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.
Please listen to Gemma’s inspiring story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYZqkTPmXQE
St Fidelis Primary School Fete
Support the Academy FIRE Carriers by joining us at St Fidelis Primary School fete on Sunday, 23 March, from 11:30am to 4:00pm, where our Academy FIRE Carriers will be hosting a special market stall.
This event is part of the FIRE Carriers initiative, which promotes reconciliation and awareness of Aboriginal culture through education. By supporting our stall, you will be contributing to a great cause: all funds raised will go to the Opening the Doors Foundation, which supports important initiatives for Aboriginal communities.
If you would like to support this iniative, we are seeking donations to sell. Donations can be anything from homemade preserves, handcrafted items and beyond etc. We will be selling:
- Indigenous designed mugs, pens, purses, jewellery, lanyards, stationery, scrunchies, headbands, handcrafted candles, bracelets, keychains, knitted dolls, homemade jams, indigenous flower seeds, baked goods, Academy student artworks and much more!
Check out the flyer for more details and come show your support! We look forward to seeing you there!
Justice Events
Upcoming Justice events:
Mentor Group Projection Compassion Fundraisers:
- 11 March - 9 Melba Bake Sale
- 13 March - 10G Chocolate Toss
- 20 March - 9 Mackillop Bake Sale
- 20 March - Harmony Day
- 21 March - 10R Raffle (draw to take place)
- 23 March - FIRE Carrier Stall at St Fidelis Primary School, Coburg
Ms Melinda Sachanandani
Justice Leader