Issue 8 SJC News 2020

The theme for World Environment Day Friday 5 June is ‘Time for Nature’ with a focus on biodiversity, a call to action to combat the accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world. One million plant and animal species risk extinction, largely due to human activities. The foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable all come from nature. ‘Yet, these are exceptional times in which nature is sending us a message: To care for ourselves we must care for nature. It’s time to wake up. To take notice. This World Environment Day, it’s Time for Nature.’ Explore the website here: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/

Kelly Jenkins our Sustainability Coordinator has introduced some changes to our waste management during this time of ‘COVID 19’. To minimise waste in the school, students are asked to bring a “waste free” lunch to school and reusable water bottle (filled) and to continue to submit work electronically.

Canteen order waste is to be to placed in the the correct waste bins according to the new recycling guidelines outlined on the posters sent to students due to several changes because of the new City of Greater Geelong recycling guidelines.

Lachlan Kelly, one of our Gospel Spirituality Student Leaders, has written a reflection on the ERA for Change National Launch Day 20 May. This day reflected on the theme, ‘Laudato Si’ Care for our Common Home. Pope Francis’ words in this document are an inspiration to help us reflect more deeply and create a vision of integral ecology where we see connections between how we treat God, nature and each other. We have seen the effects of this as we have stayed home across the world, as we have paused, we have seen our skies clear of pollution; animals thrive and people reconnecting in new ways. What new lessons have we learnt and must we keep from this time of COVID 19?

‘The recent ERA of Change Conference was a great experience that allowed Edmund Rice students around Australia to connect with each while developing their skills of advocacy. It was incredibly empowering to see how connected we really are, with over 150 participants joining in a Zoom Conference. We were able to explore an area of choice, with our generation’s concern for the environment highlighted with over one third of the student body choosing the climate change conference out of the six conference workshops available. Not only was it a great opportunity to develop our advocacy and leadership skills, it also allowed for collaboration of ideas between students from schools across Australia. For me, this day also reaffirmed the amazing job that the community of St Joseph's does, highlighting that St Joseph’s is definitely a model and leading Edmund Rice school and we are very lucky to be a part of it.’ - Lachlan Kelly

We have just concluded Reconciliation Week with the final day acknowledging the Mabo decision. The Mabo decision was a turning point for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' rights, because it acknowledged their unique connection with the land. It also led to the Australian Parliament passing the Native Title Act in 1993.

As a FIRE Carrier School (Friends Igniting Reconciliation Education), we joined in our R.E. classes to receive this inspiring Fire Blessing a part of our reconciliation Reflection Liturgy.

Spirit of the Fire,

be on our lips,

that we may speak the truth in kindness.

Spirit of the Fire,

put your glow in our eyes,

that we may see what is good in life and in all people.

Spirit of the Fire,

burn in our ears, that we may hear

with deep listening.

Spirit of the Fire,

be in our arms and hands,

that we may serve others with care.

Spirit of the Fire,

be in our legs and feet,

so that we may walk the earth with respect

and give thanks for its life-giving nourishment.

Spirit of the Fire,

brand our hearts with the eternal flame

of your love,

that we may become

the bearers of peace, beauty, hope, harmony and Reconciliation.