From the Chaplain
From the Chaplain, Justine Coverdale
Student leaders from the Service and Chapel Councils had an eye-opening experience recently when they attended an excursion to St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Armadale. At the invitation of parish priest, Father Jeff Astfalk, the students visited the church and its café, which is run by volunteers from the congregation, and learnt about their mission to help poor people in the local area.
The students had lunch at the café, helped pack food bags and listened to two of the volunteers explain how proceeds from the café and donations are used to feed and clothe people who are experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. Father Jeff explained how the rising cost of living and limited housing puts increasing pressure on families and individuals of low incomes, and how some people through no fault of their own end up homeless and, in the worst cases, sleeping rough on the streets. The congregation at St Matthew’s Church is committed to providing ongoing help to these people.
The students who visited St Matthew’s Church are very keen for the John Wollaston community to support its mission. They have organised a Winter Appeal to collect donations of non-perishable foods and second-hand clothing during Weeks 8 and 9. Here are some comments from students who attended the excursion:
When I went to St Matthew's we learnt a lot. I took home a page of notes that really helped me and inspired me to give more to people. I learnt to not judge them on their looks alone. - Imogen Coetzee, Year 8
I really enjoyed going to St. Matthew's Church. This church supports the homeless in many ways, and it's amazing to see that the cafe staff are all volunteers. There are several organisations that help the homeless as well, and they advertise their services on the church notice board. This church is continuously improving the community and making significant changes for the homeless. - Sienna Macri, Year 9
The excursion to the church was both confronting and comforting. It opened my eyes to homelessness near me but it also showed me the ways these kind people help those in need. I took away that there are many ways and different organisations out there that help people who need help and it has widened my spectrum of who I can help. It was a very good excursion and I would recommend it to all students not just our councils. - Mary-Jane Horsler, Year 10
I really liked the excursion and learnt a lot through the experience and would love to go again next year or when the time comes around again. It gave me a good insight into the aid the church in our community brings to the disadvantaged. - Isaac Buffham, Year 11
Our excursion to St Matthews gave us an opportunity to see how others in the community support those who are homeless in our local area. What I took away from the day was that we can make a difference as a school and collaborate with the local Anglican church. I think it was a great experience for all the council members to see who we are supporting and how we can achieve our goal. - Amy Leitch, Year 12
As we approach Founder’s Day on Friday 18th September it is important that we take time to celebrate our Anglican identity and strengthen our relationships with local Anglican churches. It is also a good time to be thankful for our many blessings and to give generously to our neighbours in need. Please support the JWACS Winter Appeal by donating non-perishable food, good quality second-hand clothes, blankets and toiletries.
God Bless,
Chaplain Justine
Students at St Matthew's Anglican Church, Armadale
Winter Appeal information
