Issue 11 SJC News 2020

Our regular outreach programs and service learning opportunities continue to be affected by Government guidelines currently in place to protect us all against coronavirus. Two of our College values of Innovation and Compassion have been at work and the Identity team is working hard to bring students new and creative ways to continue to serve.

Given the many challenges presented by the corona pandemic, a show of solidarity exhibited through volunteering allows our students to remain socially connected whilst practising social distancing. It is very important for the students and those they are helping that we continue to offer service learning opportunities.

In the current crisis, volunteering to help others offers teens comfort and purpose. Every student at each year level is required to complete a minimum of 3 hours of service learning through school. Opportunities are emailed to students and advertised on the student bulletin.

Service learning in the current climate not only benefits the individuals or organisations the students are supporting but also has many benefits for the students’ well being and mental health. Volunteers claim that they get as much back from their efforts as the people or organisations they are supporting. Evidence shows that volunteering can build confidence and self-esteem and is a valuable learning tool. This may help to counteract low mood, by producing more positive thinking.

Winter Sleep out: Last week over 300 students, staff and families slept rough at home to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness. Please ensure donations of warm clothing, new socks, bedding, pantry items and personal hygiene products are brought to school by Friday 7 July. Items will be donated to, and distributed, by volunteers at Lazarus Community Centre.

Refugee Week: All students have been emailed instructions on how to sign a petition in support of asylum seeking families in recognition of Refugee Week.

SJC Care Group: cook for College families experiencing hardships. Student see daily bulletin for instructions.

Corona Compassion Project: Across Australia, people are putting postcards in their neighbours’ letterboxes to offer assistance with everyday tasks like picking up groceries and medication, and even walking the dog.

Sending your neighbours a postcard connects with people most at risk — like older people, people with underlying health conditions or whose immune system is compromised — while they self-isolate and choose to keep a safe distance.

Please see the attached document for printing and distribution that will allow students to earn service learning credit and House points by helping their neighbours.