Term 3 has been full steam ahead. In week one alone, the college celebrated NAIDOC week by hosting several activities for the students to get involved in, a guest speaker and hosted the Perform for Peace fundraiser.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week with FIRE Carriers and Justice Groups

As you will be aware, NAIDOC week is celebrated across the country in the first week of July. This, however, falls on the school holidays, so many schools, including Academy celebrate it during Week 1 of Term 3.

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is an important annual event where everyone is invited to join in the celebrations. Each year, NAIDOC chooses a theme to build the celebrations around. This year's theme is - Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

This year, the FIRE Carriers and Justice Groups shared knowledge about NAIDOC Week, explaining its significance and how it is celebrated across the country. Through a series of Compass posts explored during Mentor Group, students learned about this year’s theme and its importance. The activities hosted by the FIRE Carriers and Justice Group included a bake sale fundraiser for the Opening the Doors Foundation, raising $126, and an earring painting session exploring the colors of the Torres Strait flag on the first day of term.

Later in the week, we were very fortunate to have Aunt Vicki speak to the Year 11 cohort, Justice Group, and FIRE Carriers. Aunt Vicki was an engaging and interesting speaker, sharing her experiences growing up during the period of the Stolen Generation. Many students and staff commented on how wonderfully she spoke and were surprised and delighted to learn that Victoria is Matriarchal land, as opposed to Country up North. She highlighted the significant roles women play in passing on culture and language across the Victorian Aboriginal nations. This is something we all would like to explore further in our First Nations knowledge journey. We also hope to foster a relationship with Aunt Vicki going forward.

At lunchtime on Friday, students were invited to participate in Indigenous Games hosted in the Dillon Centre.

Students explored three games: Woggabaliri, Pukamitjal, and Klaq. By far, the most enjoyable was Woggabaliri. Background & Description of the game. Aboriginal people in places such as the Bogan and Lachlan River areas of New South Wales played ball games with a ball made of possum fur. This was usually spun by the women and made into a ball about 5 cm or more in diameter. The various types of games required great agility and suppleness of limbs to play with any degree of skill. This is a cooperative kicking volley game to see how many times the ball can be kept in the air before contacting the ground.

Perform for Peace: A Night of Inspiration and Community

Early in Term 2, the Senior Student Leadership Team was deeply moved by the impact of war on civilians worldwide. Their strong sense of justice led to the creation of the Perform for Peace fundraising evening held last Thursday.

The students, passionate and enthusiastic, approached Moira Kelly (Humanitarian Aid Worker & OMA) to speak at the event and connected with Young Mercy Links for support. They wrote scripts, organised volunteers, prepared hampers for the silent auction and transformed the Academy hall into a beautiful event space. These inspirational young leaders, driven by a small idea and a strong sense of justice, raised over $3000 for Caritas, an organisation that supports victims of war. The evening was filled with a strong sense of community and was truly inspiring.

The student leaders demonstrated true Mercy in action, making the school community incredibly proud. A big congratulations to Sinitta McCarthy, Leah Freeman, Harriet Berman, Hannah Cullen and the entire Senior Student Leadership Team for making the event possible. Further thanks go to the African Dance Group, Young Mercy Links and their performers, Moira Kelly for speaking, all the staff, students and families who donated items, the maintenance team at the Academy for their support, Ms. Joulian for assisting with the raffle and Ms Tassone & Ms Muller for assisting the students. Many more contributed to making this event a success.

Year 12 Morning Tea with Young Mercy Links

On Thursday, 25 July, during an extended mentor group session, all Year 12 students were invited to attend a morning tea and talk hosted by Young Mercy Links (YML). The Year 12 students who signed up were warmly greeted with a cup of tea, coffee, or Milo, along with morning tea provided by the Justice Group. Angela, the coordinator of YML, along with Academy alumni Ruby and Phoebe, spoke about the impactful work of this social justice group for young adults. YML is an alternative Mercy pathway and post-high school initiative that offers graduates a platform to continue advocating for justice issues and volunteering with vulnerable communities. YML provides post-high schoolers the opportunity to join a group of like-minded individuals with a heart for mercy. The group also offers annual retreats and local and international immersion opportunities. It was wonderful to see many Year 12 students attend and sign up to join Young Mercy Links in 2025.

Mercy Charities Fundraising

During this term, the Justice Group will focus on Mercy charities, raising awareness and funds within the student body and community. Our primary charities are McAuley Services for Women and Mercy Works. About McAuley Services for Women: McAuley Community Services for Women supports women and children facing family violence and homelessness, helping them regain control of their lives. For more information or to volunteer, visit McAuley Services for Women.

Starting Monday, 29 July, we will hold a Donation Drive for McAuley Services for Women. Each year level is assigned specific items to donate, with the winning year level receiving a morning tea from the Justice Group.

Donations can be dropped off at the library daily until Friday, 23 August.

Year 7: Sensory toys (e.g., play doh, kinetic sand, fidget toys)

Year 8: Arts and crafts supplies (e.g., paints, brushes, charcoal, canvas)

Year 9: Sanitary items (e.g., tampons, reusable period undies)

Year 10: New kitchen utensils and equipment

Year 11: Toiletry items (e.g., shampoo, body wash)

Year 12: Diverse books for women, children, and teenagers (these can be good condition second hand)

McAuley Services for Women values vouchers, giving women the freedom to choose what they need. We will host a casual clothes day to raise funds for vouchers, with the date to be confirmed.

Families and staff are also welcome to donate vouchers, which can be dropped off at school reception. Following the donation drive there will be a fundraiser for Mercy Works. More information is to come in the next newsletter.

Thank you for your support in making a difference!

Ms Mel Sachanandani

Justice Leader

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