4 minute read
From our Social Justice Captain
As the Social Justice Captain of 2020-2021, I have had so many rewarding experiences, which made the year very enjoyable despite the uncertainty of COVID-19.
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Group (JPIC) is an extra-curricular group consisting of students from all year groups and some members of staff. Being a part of the group involves attending fortnightly meetings and discussing Social Justice issues of passion and concern, as well as developing plans to raise awareness and take action. In 2021, many issues were discussed, such as the impact of fast fashion on people and the environment, the Uighur Muslims in China, the Gaza conflict and the Murugappan family (also known as the Biloela family). Organising the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers was definitely a highlight of my leadership role. Working closely with the House Social Justice leaders, Ms Clancy and Mrs Minto, we developed a system that enabled students and staff to donate groceries and other items such as toys to the people and families who struggle during Christmas time. This event was successful in enabling the school community to consider those who are disadvantaged and explore the ways in which they can provide service and joy to them.
Additionally, ‘Lasagne with Love’ was a service activity where students volunteered to make lasagne after school in the food technology kitchens, which were donated to Vinnies.
Project Compassion was one of the main awareness and fundraising focuses throughout the year. With this year’s Project Compassion theme of “Be More”, I was inspired to help encourage the school community to look beyond their own lives to do more to help vulnerable people and families shape their futures. In celebration of the Easter Season and Shrove Tuesday, the annual Pancake stall was held. For the first time, the Year 12 Hospitality students made the pancakes using eggs from the Loreto hens, and these pancakes were sold with all proceeds going towards Project Compassion. This year was very exciting, as innovative ideas were put together to create new events and initiatives. The inaugural Justice Fete consisted of a variety of stalls where students and staff could purchase sustainable items such as beeswax wraps, candles and homemade scrunchies. The stall organised by JPIC and myself was the Clothes Swap, where pre-loved clothing donated by students and staff was available for purchase. This event helped students and staff consider the ethical and environmental impacts of fast fashion, inspiring them to recycle and reuse clothes as opposed to undertaking a more linear structure of clothing consumption. Throughout the year we had many wonderful guest speakers
at Assembly. Two members of the Loreto Normanhurst community, Miri Rawaileba and Andreina Lugo, kindly shared their amazing life stories and the wonderful experiences they had through the Work and Welcome program. Chelsea Tran and Ashlyn Horton, Year 12 members of the JPIC group, spoke at assembly in Refugee Week, sharing great insights into the experiences, treatment and support for Refugees in Australia. In the “Did you Know?” segment at assemblies, members of JPIC spoke about Social Justice issues that they were passionate about.
I thoroughly enjoyed being the Social Justice Captain. The role enabled me to become more empathetic and understanding of the issues that face our community. I have learnt about the importance of raising awareness, as well as the great rewards received from providing service to those who need it the most. Leadership at Loreto is a great opportunity to form connections and collaborate with many people to achieve great outcomes. I would like to express my gratitude to Ms Clancy, the Social Justice Coordinator, who helped make this year a great success for Social Justice and supported me in my duties, as well as the wonderful House Social Justice Leaders.
Molly Haymen Social Justice Captain
