Social Justice
Social Justice and Environmental Report
The social justice and environmental agenda at MSJ has commenced with great enthusiasm this year, with many initiatives already underway to expand student awareness on global issues, promote justice for all peoples and champion stewardship of the earth.
The all new MSJ Earth Team, organised and managed by Miss Snooks, Ms Devic and the Social Justice team, had its first ever meeting on Thursday 16th February and what a spectacular success it was! Sixty-three girls attended the inaugural rally for the new club, designed to foster passion for nature through gardening, biology experiments and care for the environment. Sign up sheets were eagerly added to, gardening gloves and baskets quickly seized and in no time the girls were diligently trimming the food garden and picking fruit by the basketful- apples, chillis, strawberries and herbs were among the array available for selection. Despite running out of gardening tools and gloves, the atmosphere of the first ever Earth Team meeting maintained lots of energy and interest from beginning to end, with many girls commenting on the blessing of having such a bountiful garden so close to the classroom. To finish it off, students were able to take their pick from the harvest and sit on the lawn happily enjoying the literal fruits of their labour. Well done to Miss Snooks and Ms Devic for such a successful start for MSJ Earth Team!
The Social Justice Team wanted to open the 2017 agenda with a better understanding of what social justice issues matter to MSJ students. Our aim was to better tailer our awareness and fundraising efforts and to really engage with students on the issues they care about in the future. A ‘social justice survey’ was sent out to students asking them to pick an issue on the list closest to their heart. The results revealed MSJ students are most concerned about animal cruelty (16.8%), women’s rights (15.8%) and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (12.1%). The Social Justice Team will be working in the coming year to create activities that reflect the results of this survey and to take advantage of the social justice passion already evident throughout the school.
I would like to thank Ms. Tagell who in her first few weeks in the role of Social Justice Coordinator, has inspired us. The reminder emails, meetings and the atmosphere of energy and optimism make organising events so enjoyable. Thank you Ms Tagell!
By Charlotte Cameron Year 12 - Senior Cameron 1
Edmund Rice Tutoring
At part of some of the Social Justice opportunities offered at MSJ, Niroshi Dikmadugodage, Madeline Bateman, Angelique Harkins, Catherine Thomas and myself have been participating in the Edmund Rice Tutoring Program over Term 1. Edmund Rice offers an education to people who come to Australia as an asylum seeker, refugee or migrant, to help better their understanding of our culture and language and
help those who need assistance.
The program enabled us to tutor some of the children from Years 3 to 6 in their homework club after school on a Thursday afternoon. While we were there, we were assigned a buddy whom we tutored and helped with their homework and other activities. We also interacted with them and often played fun games after they had finished their homework. It was really interesting to learn about the students’ cultures and hear their stories while also giving support. This was a great and rewarding experience in helping to make a difference. We would especially like to thank the teachers who organised this great opportunity and drove the bus to Sunshine Harvester Primary School.
By Kyra Griffin, Year 11 - Penola 2
Ozanam House
On Friday the 24th of February, Annia Guiling , Hannah Dunn and I were given the opportunity to serve lunch at Ozanam Community home. The experience was an eye-opener for all of us and we were all amazed by how many people come to the centre a day. The centre is open to all people who are or close to becoming homeless and offers free services such as dentistry, optometry and hot showers.
On the day we met Erica, a volunteer at the centre for over 9 years. Erica shared her moving story where she burned out from working a stressful job and became homeless, she was forced onto the streets where she realised the most important value a person can have is humanity which inspired us to show compassion for all people, because you can never guess someone’s circumstances. While serving lunch, it felt fulfilling that a simple “Hi, how are you today?” can make such a difference to someone’s day. I highly recommend this incredible opportunity for anyone in year 11 as it really opens your eyes to the community and how a simple gesture can make a big impact. Special thanks to Ms Tagell for making this experience possible.
By Alex Strangis Year 11 - Kincumber 1