Badano Program

The Badano Program: Learning Justice Through Compassion and Courage

Over the past fortnight, students across Years 7 - 10 have been engaging deeply with the Social Justice units of our Badano Program, an essential part of our College’s wellbeing framework. These lessons not only help students build awareness of the world’s injustices but encourage them to become compassionate and courageous agents of change, just like our patron, Blessed Chiara Badano.

For our Years 7 and 8 students, the focus has been on understanding what social justice means, particularly through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Students have been introduced to the See, Judge, Act model, a method of responding to injustice by first recognising it, reflecting through the values of our faith, and then taking action. Through classroom discussion and scenario-based learning, students explored concepts such as human dignity, fairness, inclusion, and the responsibility we all share to work for the common good. It is heartening to see how readily our younger students are beginning to connect justice with everyday choices, kindness, and inclusion.

Meanwhile, Years 9 and 10 students have built upon their understanding of what Social Justice means and have turned their attention to the rights of children and the elderly, two vulnerable groups that are often neglected in broader social conversations. Guided by the words of Pope Francis, “A population that does not take care of the elderly and of children and the young has no future, because it abuses both its memory and its promise,” students explored the sacred value of all life. They reflected on how society often overlooks those at both ends of the age spectrum, and brainstormed practical ways to honour and serve both groups, particularly through outreach projects.

These lessons also link strongly with the story of Chiara Badano, whose faith, strength and resilience continue to inspire the core of our program. Despite her personal suffering, Chiara always looked beyond herself, offering joy, peace and unwavering hope to those around her. Her example reminds us that true wellbeing is not just about self-care, but also about self-giving.

In the coming weeks, students will begin creating their own acts of service and advocacy, guided by what they have learned. As they do, we hope they walk the same path as Chiara, courageous, compassionate, and deeply committed to a more just and loving world.

Ms M Theodosis

Wellbeing Coordinator 

Mrs M Maroulakos

Mr B Schubert

Badano Leaders