2022 | Issue 2 | SJC Newsletter

Lent 2022 - For all Future Generations

Next Wednesday 2 March, we will prepare for the beginning of Lent, a time of preparation for the most significant liturgical event on our Church calendar, Easter. In an extended homeroom, we will participate in an Ash Wednesday Liturgy. The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is ‘For All Future Generations’. It is an expression of hope and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are called to reflect the social justice teachings for a hope filled future.

We encourage students to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution, however big or small, would have on the lives of others. When we lend a hand to someone in need, they go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations. Compassion is contagious and creates a ripple effect of kindness and prosperity. We show solidarity with our neighbours in need, near and far, at St Joseph’s College through our generous support of Edmund Rice Day on Friday 13 May. Our Waterford students will take part in a Kindness Challenge in the lead up to Eddie Rice Day. Part of our funds raised on this day go to Caritas Australia and Manya in East Africa to empower young people to build a just future for themselves, their families and their communities.

Our students will be reflecting on how they will challenge themselves to respond with love and hope, now and for all future generations by making three Lenten commitments to that show growth and how they will to contribute positively in the St Joseph’s College/Geelong/National/International community for all future generations. These commitments will be burnt, to create the ashes that will be used to make a cross on a poster in each homeroom. This cross is a sign that we will journey with Jesus and are committed to living out the gospel values.

Service Learning Opportunities

Mac & Joe’s is back!

Students, staff, parents and carers are invited to cook for local palliative care at home patients via the Mac & Joe’s Service Learning Opportunity. Last year Leah Irving our Identity Team’s Service Learning Coordinator, launched a new initiative for our senior students and staff that is truly a living example living out the gospel value of compassion, ‘Mac & Joes – Nourishing Neighbours - Connecting Community’. By cooking meals in the senior kitchen for home delivery to McKellar Centre palliative care patients, their carers and families, students earn 2 House points and 2 hours of Service Learning credit for each session completed. See further details and registration form on the SIMON Student Bulletin.

Sign up to cook for Mac & Joe's: Mac & Joe's Sign up Link

Term 1 dates: Monday 7 March & Monday 28 March.

Our very own Service Learning Coordinator - Leah Irving has been nominated for the category 'Women in Community Life for Education' in the 'Women in Community Life Awards'. We wish her well and hope she is the winning nomination as part of this year's City of Greater Geelong Women in Community Life Awards, featuring special, guest Annabel Crabb. This year's theme is 'Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow', and is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise women across our community.