Despite the current challenges, we have been quite busy in Ministry. For the past two weeks, our Year 12 Social Justice Leaders have been overseeing a Whole School Social Justice Project – “Make Peace Not War” – which has involved the creation of paper cranes and messages of hope as a show of support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
In Japanese culture, the 'orizuru', literally meaning 'folded crane', symbolizes peace, happiness, healing and recovery. Students from all year levels were given the opportunity to contribute to this during a Pastoral Period.
This Whole School Social Justice Project culminated with a Free Dress Day on March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – and all students and staff were asked to donate as much as they could, with the donation being split between supporting those who have been affected by the floods in the eastern states and those who have been affected by the war in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, 15 March, our Year 12 Student Leaders attended the annual Perth Secondary Youth Leadership Conference. We would usually attend this event in person, but due to COVID-19 we remained on campus and participated in it virtually, along with other secondary schools from around Perth. Some takeaways from the Conference for our students included:
• “Your age does not determine your ability to achieve extraordinary things.” ~ Wil Massara, CEO of the Youth Leadership Academy Australia
• “Satisfaction is more important than success” ~ Marcus Wong, WA-based Photographer / Filmmaker / Graphic Designer
• Be a “RICH” leader (Responsibility – Interested – Character – Humble) ~ Marcus Wong
• “Our mental fitness is just as important as our physical health and often people need a moment of active listening” ~ Kendall Whyte, CEO of the Blue Tree Project and 2022 WA Young Australian of the Year
• “NO” means “Next Opportunity”
Let us continue to hold in our prayer all those in need of extra care and compassion,
especially at this time, including all those affected by the floods in the eastern states, the war in Ukraine and the pandemic worldwide. You may like to use the Prayer of Consecration, which was written by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth, to pray for the people of Ukraine.
Lenten blessings,
Sr Emma Llewellyn
Head of Ministry
