Justice

Harmony Day

Harmony Day held on 21 March is an integral part of Harmony Week, which honors Australia's vibrant cultural diversity.  The motto "Everyone Belongs" encourages us to appreciate our differences and similarities, promote inclusiveness, and show mutual respect for everyone, regardless of race, colour, religion or background.  

To commemorate Harmony Day, we created a vibrant display in the Kirrip Hub.  During Mentor Group, students showcased their creativity by colouring dolls.  They were encouraged to:

• Use flag colors to represent their heritage or a country they admire
• Incorporate traditional patterns, designs, or symbols from different cultures
• Celebrate diversity by using a range of skin tones

• Express their individuality with their favorite colors

   

Friday, 21 March  - Harmony Day Highlights:

Morning Entrance: The Justice Group shared fascinating facts about the countries and languages represented in our school community as students arrived. 

Recess: Earth at Academy hosted a tree planting ceremony to celebrate Forest Day and announce their new initiative. 

Lunchtime: Students enjoyed relaxing mindfulness activities in the Kirrip Hub, including coloring, word searches, chatterboxes and more. This was a wonderful way to connect and celebrate our diverse community. 

Harmony Day was a colorful and meaningful celebration of our shared humanity.  We are proud of our students for embracing the spirit of inclusivity and respect that defines our school community.  Thank you to everyone who participated and made this day so special!

Project Compassion 

A huge congratulations to our entire school community for an incredible two weeks of fundraising for Project Compassion!   Together, we've raised an impressive $1765 through our creative events:

• Casual Clothes Day
• Pancake Stall 
• 10 Green's Chocolate Toss 
• 9 Melba's Bake Sale 
• 10 Red's Raffle: Amazing prizes are up for grabs!
• 10 Silver's Bake Sale on Tuesday: More tasty treats to enjoy.
• 9 McKillop's Bake Sale on Thursday: Another chance to indulge for a good cause.
• 10 Green’s Pin the tail on the teacher!
• 8 Red’s Treat Stall: They will be selling baked goods, drinks and other goodies!
• 11 Red’s Fairy Bread Sale: Another chance to indulge for a good cause.
• 11 Purples Chocolate Dart Game

And we're not stopping there!  Next week, get ready for even more exciting events in the  last week of term!

Well done to all the students and staff that have taken the time to get creative, plan and host a fundraiser for this wonderful charity. Join us in making a difference for vulnerable communities worldwide.  Let's keep the momentum going and unite against poverty. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

FIRE Carriers 

Academy FIRE Carriers hosted a special market stall at the St Fidelis Primary School Fete on Sunday, 23 March.   Items for sale on the day included 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!  

This event is part of the FIRE Carriers initiative, which promotes reconciliation and awareness of Aboriginal culture through education.   By supporting our stall, you contributed to a great cause with all funds raised going to the Opening the Doors Foundation, which supports important initiatives for Aboriginal communities.

Thank you to the Justice Group members who crafted items to sell.  Thanks also to Eloise, Emma, Clara, Eva and Ms Karen Fogarty for giving up part or all of their Sunday to assist me run the stall.

St Mary’s House of Welcome 

This term, our Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to volunteer at St Mary's House of Welcome, a Fitzrroy based charity dedicated to supporting the homeless and disadvantaged.  All five available opportunities were quickly filled, with many Year 11 students eager to participate. 

During their time, students took on various roles such as cooking, setting tables, serving meals, washing dishes and providing warm hospitality to those in need.  The experience has been highly valued by our students, who appreciate the chance to make a meaningful difference in their community. 

Next term, we are excited to offer eight more opportunities for students to volunteer. Additionally, next semester, this opportunity will be extended to Year 10 students aged 16 and above, allowing even more students to engage with this rewarding experience.

Feast for Freedom

A message from the College Co-Justice Captains: On Thursday, 24 July the Academy of Mary Immaculate will be holding a fundraising night entitled "Feast for Freedom", an evening where the Academy community can come together to share a meal of cultural dishes.

The purpose of this evening is to raise funds for refugees, asylum seekers and other groups of stateless peoples.  There will be a number of student-provided entertainment, such as singing, musical performances and an art exhibition.  There will also be a keynote speaker as well as a silent auction and a raffle.  

We are seeking charitable donations and contributions from the Academy wider community in the form of gift vouchers (e.g. Village movie tickets, Bunnings gift cards etc.), donations from small businesses, collectables, arts or crafts (e.g. candles, mugs, picture frames, plants), body lotions, creams, linen products, and non-perishable food items (e.g. chocolates, lollies, jam, cakes, biscuits, olive oil, savoury items, teas, coffee but no alcohol please).  These items will be auctioned either individually or as part of a hamper.  

The proceeds made from the auction will be donated to Jesuit Refugee Services in Cambodia and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, organisations that seek to assist forcibly displaced people internationally.  Items can be left at the Main Office from now until the event in July. 

Individuals and businesses are most welcome to add their names to any items donated so they can be thanked and acknowledged publicly on the evening.  Any contribution you are able to make will be greatly appreciated. 

Further information and an invitation to join us on the evening will be sent soon.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact College Co Justice Captains and Sustainability Captain, Emma Otsuka, Eloise Aravena and Clara Faraci via Deputy Principal, Mr Sam Di Camillo’s email Sam.DiCamillo@academy.vic.edu.au 

Justice Events 

Mentor Group Projection Compassion Fundraisers:

24 March -  10 Green’s Pin the tail on the teacher! 

25 March - 8 Red’s Treat Stall: They will be selling baked goods, drinks and other goodies! 26 March - 11 Red’s Fairy Bread Sale: Another chance to indulge for a good cause. 

28 March - 11 Purples Chocolate Dart Game 

31 March - 11 Silver Bake Sale 

2 April - 8 Blue Zooper Dooper Sale 

3 April - Year 12 Krispy Kreme Fundraiser 

4 April - Year 7 Longest Coin Snake 

4 April - International Landmine Day 

24 July - Feast for Freedom

Ms Mel Sachanandani

Justice Leader