FAITH MATTERS 

Living Our Faith: Compassion in Action and Celebrating Our Josephite Identity

As a Catholic school community, we are continually challenged to put our faith into action. Over the coming weeks, our students and staff will have the opportunity to do just that through two significant events that reflect both the heart of the Gospel and the rich Josephite tradition that shapes our school.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout – Friday 31 July

On Friday 31 July, a number of our students and staff will take part in our annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout, beginning at 6:00 pm and concluding at 8:00 am the following morning.

While one night can never truly replicate the experience of homelessness, sleeping outdoors in the middle of winter provides a powerful opportunity to step, even briefly, into the shoes of those who face uncertainty, hardship and vulnerability every day. It challenges us to move beyond statistics and headlines and to recognise the dignity of every person.

Throughout the evening, participants will spend time reflecting on the realities of homelessness, hearing stories of hope, sharing in prayer, and considering how each of us can respond with compassion and justice. The experience reminds us that faith is not simply something we believe—it is something we live through our actions, our generosity and our willingness to stand alongside those in need.

We thank the staff, students and families who continue to support this important initiative and the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society in caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

JJAMM Week – Celebrating Our Catholic Identity

The following week, we look forward to celebrating JJAMM Week, a special time in the life of our school where we celebrate our Catholic identity and the Josephite heritage that continues to inspire us today.

Throughout the week, we will reflect on the lives of St Joseph, Fr Julian Tenison Woods and St Mary MacKillop—three people whose deep faith, courage and commitment to others continue to shape who we are as a school community. Their lives remind us that the Gospel is not simply a message to be read, but a way of life to be lived each day through service, compassion, courage and hope.

Students will participate in a variety of activities, prayer experiences and celebrations that explore our Josephite story and invite each of us to consider how we continue that story today. We will enjoy pancakes with jam, wearing pJJAMMas to school, hot jam donuts, our Feast Day Mass and the annual school walkathon! 

JJAMM Week is not only a celebration of our past; it is a celebration of who we are now and who we are called to become.

As we move from the Winter Sleepout into JJAMM Week, we are reminded that these two events are deeply connected. The compassion we practise through the Sleepout finds its inspiration in the Gospel lived so faithfully by St Joseph, Fr Julian Tenison Woods and St Mary MacKillop. Together, they invite us to continue building a school community where every person is welcomed, valued and loved.

May these coming weeks encourage each of us to open our hearts, strengthen our faith, and continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Loving God,

Open our eyes to see those in need, our ears to hear their stories, and our hearts to respond with kindness and generosity. 

As we walk in the footsteps of St Joseph, Fr Julian Tenison Woods and St Mary MacKillop, help us to be people of hope who bring your love to others each day. 

May our words and actions reflect the Gospel we proclaim, and may we always strive to build a community where everyone is welcomed, valued and loved.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission