DIRECTOR OF MISSION

At this point in the year, I reflect on how we, as a Mercy community, are inspired by the practical example of Catherine McAuley as we strive to bring God’s loving kindness in Christ to all whom we meet, and to all that we do. I acknowledge our 2021 Community Service Prefects, Harper Weekers and Madyson Wass for their leadership, organisation, and compassion for others. They have worked tirelessly this year to build up Mercy Girls In Action, providing new projects and empowering their community to make a real difference in the world. Mercy Girls In Action meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in A14 and our next Eat Up session will be on Friday in Week 6 at 7:30am in Hospitality. New members are most welcome!

OZANAM LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

I would like to congratulate Elizabeth Shaju and Jamie Mohr as they have successfully completed the Ozanam Leadership Program with the St. Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. This program is a value and skills-based initiative of the Society, designed to develop and equip participants with the skills to become compassionate leaders within their communities.

As participants, Elizabeth and Jamie have been actively involved in all facets of the program including a retreat, leadership development days and a practical volunteering component. They developed excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating great resilience to overcome challenges and an ability to communicate with others empathetically. Through participation in the program, Elzabeth and Jamie have attained excellent communication and leadership skills along with demonstrated teamwork. Their dedication and commitment to the program is to be commended.

I look forward to seeing how the girls will implement these skills in their new leadership positions. If you are in Year 11 in 2022 and would like to apply for Ozanam Leadership Program with the St. Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, please email Ms Costopoulos.

A YEAR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE – MERCY GIRLS IN ACTION

This year, Mercy Girls in Action have focused on integrating new community service projects into the College, as well as strengthening existing projects. Our goal was to create as much participation as possible, so that every girl is involved in helping our community. We saw students keen to serve those in need from early on in the year, when we teamed up with the organisation, Eat Up. Eat Up aims to stop school kids from going hungry during the day by helping groups to make sandwiches that can be delivered to local schools. We have held two sessions per term. Our numbers have grown to around 50 volunteers. We hope that this project will continue to grow and empower students to know that their actions can have great impact, for years to come.

The senior Mercy Girls volunteered at St Vincent de Paul’s Buddies Days throughout the year. This program gives disadvantaged children a chance to have a day out doing fun activities, such as going to the movies and museums, bowling, and swimming. We became role models for the kids in the program as we got to know them better each time and learnt the importance of giving back to the community. During our annual Mercy Day, the Year Elevens received the training needed to volunteer at Buddies Days, so that they can ensure the continuation of the College’s involvement in this program. In Term 4, St Patrick’s College Townsville hosted their inaugural Buddies Day. Students and teachers gave up their Saturday to make pizzas, play drama games and play at the water park with their ‘little buddies’.

Harper Weekers, Year 12

In Term 3 this year, students from Years 10-12 participated in The Vinnies Sleepout. The girls were presented with choices regarding food, sleeping comfortably or certain luxuries such as a phone, by being given a limited amount of money. This demonstrated hardships that people less fortunate than us face every day. The girls took a lot away from the experience, being especially grateful for the roof over our heads.

Madyson Wass – Year 12

Participating in the Vinnies Buddies Day was such a rewarding experience. We were able to give the kids a fun day out, and they were all so excited to participate in the activities we had planned. While there were challenges throughout the day, it was a great opportunity for us to learn how to manage kids’ behaviour, resolve conflict, and develop resilience – and in the end, their energy and enthusiasm made it all worth it.

Jamie Mohr – Year 11

Mercy Girls in Action has continued to grow and contribute to communities inside and outside the College. I recently participated in the Mercy Girls Eat Up where we made 700 cheese sandwiches. I was amazed at how well the girls applied themselves to help others in need. Mercy Girls in Action brings hospitality and joy to the College, and I look forward to all the incredible contributions they make, now and in the future.

Brooke Davis-Goodall – Year 11

I had so much fun at the Buddies Day and I would definitely love, love, love to participate again. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to make these kids smile and have a laugh from the messy pizza making to the fun tiggy game at the water park. I look forward to the next Vinnies Buddies Day and hope to have even more fun next time.

Evon Tulele – Year 12

In June this year MGIA, received many generous clothing donations from students and members of the College to be sold at our annual Fashion Friday to assist the less fortunate in our community. This day, as always, was a massive hit with students flooding into the sports complex in anticipation of the amazing bargains. Whilst this gave students an opportunity to diversify their wardrobe, more importantly, it enabled the college community to reflect on the adverse impacts of fast fashion and place the significance of charity at the forefront of their minds.

Bonnie Hughes and Dannika McMillan – Year 10

I found Buddies Day really rewarding and would definitely recommend it to others. The kids really enjoyed themselves and were so grateful for the day. It’s a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. I got to know my buddy really well, and we had a lot of fun making pizzas and playing games. Overall, it was an uplifting experience that I would happily repeat.

Ruby Mitchell – Year 11

The Bread Tags for Wheelchairs initiative and Eat Up made me realize that we can help people in many ways. It made me realize that I want to be the change that brightens someone else’s day.

DIRECTOR OF MISSION

Creator God,

We thank you for this beautiful world with

its amazing variety of animals and plants.

May we never forget we are stewards of your creation

and that we hold it in trust for future generations.

Help us to respect the Earth’s rich diversity and to share

with each other and all living creatures in responsible ways.

We pray for the world leaders to hear the cry of the Earth

and the cry of the poor and commit to making

real and lasting changes to protect the planet.

Amen

Athena Costopoulos