JUSTICE & SOLIDARITY 010 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 This year focused on the EREA Touchstone of Liberating Education shaping so much of our celebration, formation and giving. With the 2024 College Theme - “It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree.” (Matt 13:32) – guiding us, we looked at how we grow physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. We grew as individuals and as a community, as the theme reminded us of the potential within all of us; because from little things big things grow. It talks of a liberating education that is about using our knowledge and opportunities that have grown over time in this place, to be a ‘tree’ for others. This can mean being someone’s strength, protection, guide, shelter or even example of what can flourish with care and desire for growth in the right environment. If we become a tree or example, then we can’t just live happily knowing we are ok. We must help others to grow, to succeed, to flourish. This is what a liberating education means. Each Identity event or activity throughout the year allowed us the opportunity to make a difference and become our best self, just as God created us. We celebrated liturgically, reflected in our faith formation, and generously gave our resources and time to those in need. We also revisited many programs for a renewed start in 2025 including a new leadership structure in Identity, as we assessed where we are headed. Highlights this year included: • The launch of the SPC Reconciliation Action Plan during Reconciliation Week. We gathered on Breen Oval as one, and our friends from CBHS Lewisham shared traditional dance and a smoking ceremony with us. The hands of all students and staff across the College were painted on to make up the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags uniting us. Junior School Captain, Marcus Donovan shared his experiences of reconciliation, and many others shared thoughts at our assembly. We also welcomed our first Aboriginal Education Worker, Kyle Wallace, in Term 4. • Our first ecological immersion to Fiji took place at the end of Term 3. We embarked on a journey to learn about the impacts of climate change on our Pacific Islands neighbours and learn our role in addressing this, while working for a cleaner and greener world. • We developed a Laudato si’ Action Plan to be implemented in 2025. • Our parents supported us by delivering donated goods to our Justice Partners and engaging in Parent SOL. • SOL Service was reviewed and has been revitalised to continue in 2025. • The generosity throughout all fundraising activities and appeals. I thank Ms Marrapodi for here work as the Justice & Peace Coordinator this year, as well as Mrs Warsop who was our First Nations Facilitator. Thank-you also to Ms Osorio Narvaez, our Head of RE (Stage 3) and Ms Porter, the Head of RE, who I also thank for stepping into my role during my secondment with EREA in Term 3. Thanks to our wonderful Fr Jack and all visiting priests for the year, and thank-you to those staff who drove the Justice based co-curricular – Ms Osorio Narvaez, Mrs Cupac, Mrs Zambrano and Mrs Lonard. There are many exciting things to come in the new year, but 2024 was a good one that helped us remember who we are and how our liberation is tied up with that of others. DIRECTOR OF IDENTITY Ms G Daley Director of Identity RAP Assembly At The Local High School In Fiji The Winter Appeal Haul (Ms Daley, Mrs Lonard, Christopher Gittani, William Chahin, Thomas Coorey, Daniel De Pasquale, Kevin Quach, Kain De Lisser Howarth, Joshua Santangelo)
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