MANDEVILLIAN DECEMBER 2020 VOL. 35 NO. 2
Inspiring Works of Justice There is no doubt that the experience of COVID-19 and lockdown in 2020 has brought about significant hardships and challenges to everyone in our community, our city, our country and indeed, our world. In particular, for those members of our community who are vulnerable, elderly, already bearing the weight of physical and mental illness, and who may have experienced financial distress and disruptions to employment brought about by the pandemic, it has been a considerably difficult year. As a Loreto school, we instil a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates our girls to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service; and it is this drive and motivation to bring about good in the world, through responsible service and giving back to the community, that we admire in our students. We celebrate two such examples from students in Rathfarnham who, during lockdown, were inspired by the idea of reaching out to help others. Immaculate Conception in Hawthorn, the local parish of Greta Hardwick (Year 6), developed a social justice initiative during lockdown to prepare meals for vulnerable members in the community. When Greta, who already likes to cook, heard about the initiative and saw her mum involved, she asked if she could be involved as well. “It is good to cook for others, particularly those who need help”, Greta shared. So Greta, alongside members of her parish, worked together to prepared meals, such as pasta and meatball sauce, for vulnerable members of her community. Greta noted that “it made me feel really good to do something for someone else”.
Louise Graham and Zara Brajkovic (Year 6), were also inspired to reach out during this period of lockdown. Friends Louise and Zara, who live within the 5km radius of each other, offered their help and companionship to their elderly neighbour, Mrs Joanne Gould. Mrs Gould, whose daughter attended Loreto in Perth, WA, was undergoing regular treatment for a long-term illness, and her situation became more complex due to the isolation experienced during COVID-19. With her family living interstate, Louise and Zara took it upon themselves to regularly check in on Mrs Gould, sending her messages of support and well wishes. “We sent messages to cheer her up”, said Louise. “She was alone and it is something that we could do to help her”, shared Zara. Mrs Gould wrote to the School to share her appreciation for the help from our students, sharing “The love kindness and compassion these girls have shown me is far beyond their years. I wanted to let you know what an asset they are to your school and community. In their actions, they have demonstrated the kindness and compassion of our front line workers to somebody who needed help.” Above Left: Greta Hardwick (Year 6) preparing meals for the vulnerable members of the Immaculate Conception parish. Above Right: Louise Graham and Zara Brajkovic (Year 6)
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