Justice

Cambodia Mercy Immersion

A Journey of Service and Learning - Our students and staff have returned from the Cambodia Mercy Immersion, held from 24 August to 4 September — a remarkable thirteen day program that offered opportunities for learning, service and deep cultural exchange.  The experience has left everyone changed, inspired and deeply appreciative of our Mercy connections and values.

From the first early morning at Melbourne airport, students stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced new challenges.  Among the many highlights were learning about Cambodia’s recent history at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, and reflecting on the spirit of Catherine McAuley—reminding us how we can be a light for others who have experienced suffering.  Despite confronting realities, we were met everywhere with warm hospitality and wide smiles.  The Cambodian people’s pride in their country and constant drive to create opportunities for the next generation was evident throughout our stay.

“Each of my days were made by the smiles I exchanged with strangers and children we met, spoke with or walked by.  The radiant joy, kindness and gratitude of Cambodia’s community were truly infectious and made our group feel so welcome.  Their generous hospitality and commitment to serve and nurture their country will forever inspire me and I will always cherish the memories I formed during this life-transforming experience.”  

-  Zoe D

In Kampong Cham, students lived simply alongside local families, adapting to life with mosquito nets and bucket showers.  One of their main tasks was paving a pathway to the flagpole at the local primary school, where children gather each morning to sing the national anthem.  Our students mixed cement by hand and created the path together with local tradespeople, quickly learning how to form, lay and smooth the cement and excitedly watching the pathway develop.  The Principal—initially sceptical—soon became deeply grateful as students demonstrated teamwork and commitment, learning new skills and the value of persistence in the process.  

Georgia W “loved seeing the smiling, grateful children and doing something to help improve their school.  She also noticed that even though they spoke a completely different language, they could still connect closely.”

Our journey also deepened our understanding of Cambodia’s vibrant culture and religious traditions during tours of Angkor Wat and other significant temples.  In Siem Reap, at the Jesuit Refugee Service with Mercy Sr Denise Coghlan, we met Reth, a survivor of a landmine accident, and helped build wheelchairs for landmine survivors.  Reth received a Nobel Peace prize for his work, alongside Sr Denise, to end the use of landmines in conflicts worldwide and meeting and working with them both was a true honour for our students.  The following day, we travelled to a remote village to build a toilet block for a family with a disabled child—making a tangible difference and learning the importance of walking alongside those in need.

Fifteen students and three staff from Academy of Mary Immaculate and Our Lady of Mercy College partnered with local communities throughout this experience.  At times, the immersion was challenging and confronting, but also filled with the joy and resilience of the Khmer people, along with the richness of our shared humanity.  Through shared stories, hands-on service and cultural exchange, participants gained a deeper understanding of justice, compassion, and solidarity.  

“This experience opened our eyes to the known and unknown devastations that unfortunately surround our world.  But so too did it expose us to the power of joy and resilience which were evident in every individual we met, who shared stories of hope and determination with our group.  I am so grateful to the Academy and to Our Lady of Mercy College, as well as our wonderful teachers who worked to organise this incredible experience and who supported, nurtured and encouraged our learning and growth.” 

- Zoe D

Inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, this journey strengthened the connections between our sister schools and reaffirmed that living Mercy means standing alongside those most in need.  We are incredibly proud of our Mercy Immersion group for embracing this transformative program and look forward to seeing its impact ripple outward in our community.

Mercy Day Bake Sale 

Today the Justice Group hosted a bake sale to raise funds in suupport of Mercy Works. Mercy Works is the development arm of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and Papua New Guinea.  This organisation works alongside vulnerable communities—both locally and in the Asia Pacific region—on projects that improve access to education, healthcare, employment pathways and community wellbeing.  Their programs directly support refugees, asylum seekers, Indigenous communities and families in need, helping build dignity, self-reliance and resilience through partnerships and life-changing initiatives.

Next week, on 18 September, we will be holding a Casual Clothes Day to continue our support for Mercy Works and Sr Sally Bradley, recognising the incredible work she does through this vital organisation.  Thank you for your generous support in helping make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people, both locally and abroad.

Together, we honour our Mercy values of compassion, justice and service—making Mercy Day more meaningful for our entire school community.

For more information about the amazing work by Mercy Works or to make a donation please go to https://www.mercyworks.org.au/

Year 9 Outreach Opportunity 

Next term, we are trialing an exciting new outreach opportunity for Year 9 students by way of Sacred Heart Breakfast Club.  This initiative will allow students to serve our community by assisting with the preparation and serving of breakfast, as well as running activities for children at Sacred Heart Primary School’s Breakfast Club.

The Breakfast Club is a vital program that provides free, healthy breakfasts to all students before school, ensuring they are ready to concentrate, learn and participate fully in classroom activities.  Students also enjoy games, reading, sports and arts and crafts as part of the club—promoting wellbeing, positive routines and a welcoming school environment.

If your daughter is in Year 9, please discuss this opportunity with her and encourage her to keep an eye on her email and Compass for more information on how to get involved.  This is a wonderful chance to build connections, support local families and put Mercy values into action through service.

📬The Academy Stamp Box! 📬

For the remainder of the year, we will be seeking 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 3 - Mercy Term 

• Mercy Works Casual Clothes Day - 18 September

Coming up in Term 4  - Justice in Action Term 

• Young Mercy Links Morning Tea - Year 12 Cohort only: Thursday, 9 October
• Anti-Slavery Day - 17 October
• Seeds of Justice Year 8 & 9: Homelessness – donation drive:  Thursday, 30 October
• McAuley Donation Drive morning tea  - Year 7’s TBC
• St Jude’s Fundraiser - TBC and more!

Ms Mel Sachanandani

Justice Leader