FAITH MATTERS

Week 8’s Project Compassion Focus: Thu from Vietnam 

The Faith and Mission Committee have been busy bringing social justice initiatives around the College to life.

In Week 8, our Project Compassion focus was on Thu from Vietnam. At 12 years of age, Thu was directly impacted by war, as he lost his leg when stepping on an unexploded land mine. As well as being the breadwinner of his family, he needed to take care of his wife after she suffered a stroke. Through the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program run by Caritas Australia’s partner, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development in Vietnam, Thu and his wife were able to gain a low interest loan so he could open a barber shop and earn an income. 

Money raised from our Project Compassion efforts this term goes towards supporting people like Thu, who have experienced hardships in Vietnam. 

To encourage students to understand more about Vietnamese Culture activities we were led by staff member, Kim Mai. During recess, students put their chopstick skills to the test. The challenge was to separate different coloured beans into their respective bowls by the end of three minutes, using chopsticks. It was fantastic seeing the support of the Vietnamese EAL students who assisted in the activity. Winners were awarded vouchers for one free item at the Vietnamese feast at lunch time! 

During lunchtime, students were invited to purchase Vietnamese cuisine, including pork and shrimp spring rolls, rice paper rolls and grilled banana cakes. They were an absolute hit, and sold out quickly! Special thanks to all students and staff volunteers who helped prepare and cook for our Vietnamese Feast. A huge thank you to Kim for her generosity in time, skills and efforts in sharing her culture with us. It’s wonderful that we have the support of the Vietnamese community here in Swan Hill, as the College financially assists the people of Vietnam through Project Compassion. 

What's happening in RE Classes

This term Ms Salvo’s Year 8 RE class is learning about the Kingdom of God specifically the Parable of the Workers in the vineyard. Students were challenged to put their teamwork to the test, completing activities and reflecting on the power of community. 

Ms Harrower’s Year 10 RE classes have been preparing their class liturgies for Week 9. It was a great joy working with students in the music ministry, with each group having a selection of students arrange a song through live music as part of the liturgy experience. We have some extremely talented Year 10 students who have extraordinary gifts and leadership in this area. Well done to Ms Harrower and her students on some fantastic liturgies.

Ms Haeusler’s Year 10 RE class has been focussed on preparing students for their presentation of the Stations of the Cross on Holy Thursday next week. They had the opportunity to reflect on the Stations at St Mary’s Church, and are now in the process of rehearsals. Characters have been cast, and costumes have been assigned. In reflecting on the stories of people who were with Jesus on the way to his death, we gain a deeper insight into ourselves and how we journey with those who experience hardship. 

Josephite Colloquium in Melbourne 

I conclude this week’s ‘Faith Matters’ section, writing to you from East Melbourne, where I’m currently attending the 2023 ‘Daughter of Melbourne’ Josephite Colloquium. It has been a brilliant couple of days, learning more about the life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, her family and the Josephite tradition. I’ve met people from various other Josephite schools, as well as organisations such as MacKillop Family Services and fantastic volunteers from the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre. I’ve had the chance to share stories with some Josephite Sisters who were past educators at St Mary’s in Swan Hill, such as Sister Patricia, Sister Colleen and Sister Rita. 

It’s been a beautiful experience to hear of the hardships and joys of Australia’s first saint, and to walk in her footsteps within Melbourne, seeing the places she’s instituted. I am excited to share how Mary’s story can bring us into greater contemplation of our own; and God’s greater plan for our lives. Special thanks to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart for their generosity and hospitality.