MISSION CENTRAL

Another Successful MAPS Appeal Thanks to the Generosity of Saints Families

Finn Slade – Service Captain

MAPS is the first whole-school fundraiser each year, and it takes dedication from each homeroom to get together and raise funds. Each homeroom finished super strong, with heaps of initiatives coming in the final weeks of school. It is with congratulations that I announce the highest fundraising homerooms as well as the total raised. 

The highest fundraising junior homeroom was 8.4, Ms Harland’s, with $1056.40 raised, and the highest fundraising senior homeroom was12.4, Mr Brimstone's with $1316.65 raised. Really strong work boys. Finally, the total amount raised over last term was $13,016.48 which is a massive effort in such a short time. 

I also thank some others for their contributions including the admin staff and boarding with their initiatives, as well as Ms Cross for her help with many homerooms and their fundraising. This dedication reflects digging really deep, and these funds will go to people who need them most. I know that our brothers and sister in the Solomon Islands are extremely grateful. 

Reflections from the First Fiji Immersion

Eight students accompanied by three staff members went to Fiji for nine days during the Easter holidays. This was an amazing opportunity to build connections to Marist families. To summarise the trip each person wrote a short reflection. Their words build a strong picture of the experience, and they'll deliver a short speech at the Mother’s Day Assembly next week.

"This has been a very enriching and valuable experience, and it has helped me gain a deeper appreciation of what we have here in Australia." Haozhen

"An incredible experience. Humbling and value enriched, reinforcing the value of service." Mrs Olding

"This immersion was eye opening and transformative." The contrast between the lives of ordinary people in Fiji and ordinary people in Australia was at times confronting though. The unequal distribution of wealth across the world is very obvious but it also made us realise that any gifts from us will make a very real difference to the lives of the young students we met. In amongst all this was an overwhelming sense of family; we are all part of the Marist family. Our connection was through hope and faith that God is journeying with us in our lives. May our friendships continue to be fostered and nurtured as we return to our everyday lives in Cairns."

"The Fiji Immersion had to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life; the culture, the people and the overall feeling of family was incredible. It has helped me see how fortunate we are in Australia compared to our neighbouring school in Fiji in terms of education and educational facilities. Even though they live simple lives everyone we met was friendly, kind, welcoming and enthusiastic to hear about ourselves and our lives. I honestly wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It was amazing." Liam D

"The Fiji Immersion was an experience of a lifetime. Never again will I have the opportunity to visit another country and experience it through the eyes of a resident. From walking the streets, to taking the bus, every experience was so unlike home. But the most important thing was seeing how lucky we are to have the education we do in Australia and have teachers who put the heart and soul into every area of college life." Kadyn

"The Fiji immersion was an experience that forever changed my view of my own life and my education. This trip allowed me to make connections with people across the ocean in places I could never imagine. I am so very grateful for this opportunity and it will be an experience I treasure forever. "Patrick

"The Fiji immersion truly was one of the most eye opening and memorable experiences of my life. From their passion for rugby to the deep roots of religion ingrained in their culture, Fiji and its people really were unique and special. Their kindness and hospitality left us in awe, while their genuine and grateful nature, given the circumstances some of them were in, was incredible to witness. Seeing their everyday lives and their schooling lives opened the eyes of everyone who came on this trip, letting us discover a newfound appreciation for our own lives. We could never be more grateful." Kaleb

"The Fiji immersion was the most rewarding experience offered at Saints. Having the opportunity to learn and experience what it’s like living in a third-world country, even if only for eight days, was so rewarding. From learning about the culture to the warm welcomes of the children, the trip opened my eyes to how lucky we are here in Australia." Spencer

"As a kid growing up in Australia most of my life, being able to immerse myself in Fijian life and culture has opened my eyes to the world around me. The different sights and experiences in the eight days were a blast. The people are very passionate and generous, inviting us to share meals and welcoming us like their own. This experience was so truly unique and taking that chance for a spot was truly the best decision I have made." Aidan

Sacramental program

Thank you to the families that have already expressed an interest in this program. If you haven’t seen this and are interested, please read on. St Augustine’s offers a sacramental program for any students who, with their parents' consent, wish to complete their sacraments of initiation into the Catholic faith through Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. 

If your son is interested, please talk to him about this important step, and, if you wish to support him in this, please email Maree McCormack, Executive Assistant to the Leadership Team, on mmccormack@cns.catholic.edu.au for more information.