2023 | ISSUE 12 | SJC Newsletter

Identity News

Faith in Action Connecting to Community - Year 10 Renewal Days 2023

To compliment the Year 10 Religious Education project about social justice, we were able to provide our students with a well-rounded immersion into homelessness. The Year 10 Renewals occurred last week on August 1 and 2, and began with a guest presenter Mike, from ‘The Intersection’. The students participated in a creative workshop facilitating social ‘intersections’, where students personally engage with ‘the other’. ‘At The Intersection, we challenge you to meet the other, because diverse connection and empathy are vital to creating a liveable city. Homelessness, addiction and racism are symptoms of a deeper problem of disconnection. Most of us are unaware of our tendency to categorise humanity and our addiction to stereotypes.’ With a focus on empathy and compassion, the presentation allowed the students to reflect on those on the margins and understand the complexities around the causes that perpetuate homelessness and ways to breaks through stereotyping and categorising. Instead, explore ways to invite human connection and empathy. Harrison Brown (Foley E) commented that the message included, “Knowledge that just giving people money, does not solve their problem,” whilst Rindho Dunlop (Foley E) came to realise that people with housing insecurity should, “not be judged the same way and to ask questions and be respectful.”

A liturgy in our chapel helped connect the reasons behind the need to assist others, particularly reflecting on Matthew’s Gospel about the parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus imparts that helping the poor is in fact helping Him.

The afternoon was spent visiting and volunteering at one of six non for profit organisations including, Vinnies, The Salvation Army Thrift Shop, Geelong Mums, Feed Me Bellarine, Feed Me Geelong and Feed Me Surf Coast. Taking-action in our community, and being of service to others, ‘doing’ rather than just learning, has made for a powerful experience for the Year 10s with many commenting that it felt good to contribute to helping others in or community doing it tough. Many were particularly overwhelmed about the regular weekly volunteers they met and the admired their generosity. Orsen Lloyd (Brophy F) explained that he, “Really enjoyed working with the people there and [he] was very appreciative of the time they all take out of their days to help those in need.”

Thank you to all the families that contributed to the ‘Geelong Mums’ drive. They were so delighted and appreciative of the items we had collected, particularly nappies as they had run out. We are so lucky to have supportive families get behind our students and our community for such an important issue.

This experience complements an amazing art installation that has been created by our Year 11 Art Creative Practice students taught by Rebecca Spark, alongside our current resident artist, Lauren Barton. The installation raises awareness of homelessness in Australia and the students have turned the whole art gallery into a giant cardboard box with lots of interesting facts and stats to read. There is also a bonfire and a street soundscape that makes it feel quite real. The class was influenced by an American artist named Barbara Kruger, who creates large installations with the same colour scheme of red, black and white. Classes have been invited to respectfully go and engage in the installation and ponder the questions posed.

Pope Francis has shown time and again how the Church can and should care for and love homeless people and those living on the margins and to see in them the same dignity and worth we see in those lucky enough not to be marginalised.

And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11

Belinda Milverton
Faith Development Coordinator

Celebrating the connections between our Year 7 Students and their Mothers and Mentors at the Time & Space Event

On Tuesday 8 August, we welcomed back Bill Jennings to lead our Time & Space Mother/Mentor and Son Event. It was wonderful to see so many of our Mums, mentors and Year 7 students reflecting on their transition into secondary school. After a set of warm up ice breaker activities, a welcome, Acknowledgement of Country and Prayer, Bill lead a series of interactive interactions. Thanks to a group of student helpers who attended a pre-training session, they gained leadership and organisational skills. Along with some volunteer mums, they led 16 groups who met in K Block classrooms for a guided conversation circle. The student leaders and helpers gained Service Learning hours and House points for their efforts and were praised, ‘I was really impressed with the boys from older levels who were helping. They were polite and really enthusiastic which was lovely to see. They were obviously prepared and briefed well on their role.’

Some reflections from Year 7 students:

The ice breaker was nice because not only did I meet someone new in an older generation, but I also met a potential new friend of mine.

It was great having a conversation with not just my mum but other mother figures about how life’s going at the moment.

It was fun to talk to my mum and to answer questions and get to know her.

I enjoyed the conversation and treasure sharing because I learnt about the challenges and positives my mum had with me.

I love this and I think it was an amazing opportunity for everyone to see and get to know each other and to hear what they have to say about their journey in their life.

That everyone was open and it was good to hear other people’s opinions.

Every one gave the small group a go and we had a very good chat.

All of my generation had very mature answers and the older generation really noticed that.

Some reflections from the mothers and mentors:

A great, positive experience for both of us.

It was great hearing from students and parents about their experiences. Very honest answers from all. Made you feel not alone in the journey we are on!

Great questions, I learnt things about my son I didn’t know.

Thank you for organising this very special Mother and Son evening, my son and I enjoyed it very much.

Been a fantastic evening, thank you so much for the opportunity to bring us together. Highly recommend.

It was beautiful, it was lovely to have a in depth conversation just the two of us.

It is encouraging open communication with my son.

It was delightful, listening to other students and was really interesting.

Mary Malone
Director of Identity