Mission & Social Justice 

• 6th Canonization of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
• 40-Hour Famine 2016
• Edmund Rice Society:  Social Justice in Action

From the Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

This week we recognised the 6th anniversary of the canonization of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. I have fond memories at the beginning of the school year in 1995 running a form assembly for my Year 10 students to celebrate Mary’s beatification. The fact that we were on the threshold of having our own home-grown saint held such significance for Catholics in Australia. A few years later I had the privilege of visiting Penola in South Australia were her ministry began. Such humble beginnings in a schoolhouse that doubled as the sleeping quarters for Mary and her Sisters. I wonder back then whether Mary realised the impact she would have on so many lives. Mary’s devotion to those in need and her work in bringing education to the poor in rural areas makes her an inspiring role model for all Catholics.

2016 40 Hour Famine Appeal

At assembly on Monday we launched the 2016 40 Hour Famine Appeal which is held from the 19th to 21st August and is the main annual fundraiser for World Vision to make a stand against global hunger.  SPX boys in Years 5-11 are invited to join the SPX 2016 40 Hour Famine Team.  There are currently 10 team members, so join the team and start raising donations from family and friends. Signing up is online and students can access the link through their student portal. Sponsors also need to make their donations via this link.  

Students can give up either food, technology or sitting on chairs during these dates. The 40 Hour Famine is a very personal commitment to stand in solidarity with people across the world who are facing poverty and hunger. Any students in Year 10 or 11 who have outstanding CIP hours can speak to Mr Blake or Mr Adrian Brannan about participating in this Appeal.

The link is https://40hf2016.everydayhero.com/au/spx-2016 and we look forward to seeing your commitment on our St Pius Page.

Ms D Dempsey - Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

From the Social Justice Coordinator

Social Justice in Action

Last Friday at lunchtime the Edmund Rice Society ran their Fair Trade Stall for the second time selling 55g blocks of Cadbury Fair trade chocolate, raising just over $100 for Callan Services. Fair trade chocolate means that the cocoa farmers who produce the raw ingredient are receiving a fair price for their cocoa and do not use slave labour, thus not being exploited. The society buys this chocolate for $1 and sells it for $2 with all profits going to Callan Services in Papua New Guinea. The Edmund Rice Society members from Years 5 to 10 run the stall each Friday of Week 1.

The Edmund Rice Society has welcomed a number of new members this term and invite you to come to a meeting to see what Social Justice in Action looks like here at St Pius X College. The Society runs meetings from 1-1.30 in LC2 on Wednesday Day 3 and Tuesday Day 7.

Mr D Blake - Social Justice Coordinator