Social Justice Leadership Day
The Social Justice Team recently came together for their annual Student Leadership Day, a meaningful opportunity for students to reflect on their role as leaders within our college community and begin planning for the year ahead.
The day commenced with prayer and reflection, grounding students in the purpose of their leadership. Students were invited to take a deeper look at what they are called to do as members of the Social Justice Team, reflecting on the responsibility they carry to serve others and be a voice for those in need. They also explored our college pillars and motto, considering how their role in social justice aligns with the values of compassion and stewardship and the call to Live Fully, Act Justly. Through discussion and reflection, students began to recognise that leadership in social justice is not only about organising events, but about modelling empathy, awareness and action in their everyday lives.
The second session of the day involved participation in the Handover HeART Project. This initiative supports families of hospital patients by providing thoughtfully prepared care bags that offer comfort during difficult and uncertain times. Students worked carefully to prepare and decorate the bags, including messages of encouragement and hope. The activity reminded students that even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on those experiencing hardship.
Students were also privileged to hear from a guest speaker from the organisation Give Until It Hurts, who shared the inspiring work the organisation carries out in supporting vulnerable communities both locally and globally. The presentation helped students gain a deeper understanding of the impact of generosity and service, and encouraged them to reflect on how their own actions can contribute to positive change.
The final session of the day saw students place their hearts and minds into action as they began planning for the year ahead. Working collaboratively, they brainstormed and developed ideas for future Social Justice initiatives and events within the college. This allowed students to take ownership of their leadership roles while thinking creatively about how they can continue to raise awareness, support important causes and strengthen the culture of compassion within our community.
Overall, the Student Leadership Day was a fruitful and purposeful experience. It provided students with the opportunity to reflect, learn and plan with intention, setting a strong foundation for the important work the Social Justice Team will undertake throughout 2026.
Faith and Social Justice Captain Address
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Matilda and I am your 2026 Faith and Social Justice Captain. I feel incredibly grateful and excited to be stepping into this role and to have the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and inspiring group of students.
Social justice is something that truly matters. It’s about standing up for others, showing compassion, living out our faith through action, and making sure everyone in our community feels seen, supported and valued. I believe that even small actions can create meaningful change, and together, our ideas and efforts can have a real impact.
I am so excited to work with all of you this year. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, your ideas, and the causes you care about most. This team isn’t about one person leading — it’s about all of us collaborating, encouraging one another, and using our strengths to make 2026 a year that truly makes a difference.
I’m really looking forward to planning initiatives, supporting important causes, strengthening our school community, and finding creative ways to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved. I hope this year is not only impactful, but also something we are proud of and genuinely enjoy being part of.
Thank you for being here and for being willing to give your time and energy to something bigger than yourselves. I can’t wait to get started and to see what we can achieve together.
Thank you
Matilda Snooks
Faith and Social Justice Captain
Project Compassion
Term 1 at the College is devoted to supporting Caritas Australia through its annual Lenten campaign, Project Compassion. The 2026 theme, Unite Against Poverty, calls us to come together in solidarity to support our brothers and sisters around the world who are experiencing hardship and injustice.
Throughout the term, our school community has embraced this call with generosity and compassion. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference in the lives of those in need. So far, the Social Justice Team has raised funds through several initiatives, including Shrove Tuesday pancake sales and a very successful Casual Clothes Day, which raised an impressive $1181.00. This amount can support one month of a nurse’s wage in Gaza, providing critical medical care for up to 200 patience.
There are still several exciting initiatives to come, including a sausage sizzle, an Easter raffle, and another Casual Clothes Day. These events will continue to build on the wonderful spirit of generosity already shown by our students and staff.
Students are also encouraged to make small donations each morning during homeroom to support the campaign. In addition, every Thursday during homeroom, students are invited to read and reflect on inspiring stories that highlight the life-changing impact of Project Compassion and the difference these donations make in communities around the world.
Funds donated to Project Compassion directly support long-term, sustainable development programs that help more than 1.5 million people across over 36 countries, including Australia. These programs work to combat poverty and injustice by providing access to clean water, education, healthcare, income generation opportunities, and emergency relief for marginalised communities.
As a faith community, this is a powerful way for us to live out our call to compassion and justice, to Live Fully Act Justly in uniting to make a meaningful difference in the world.
