Project Compassion
We thank our many students and staff who have participated in our social justice programs and who are living Mercy with our partners and friends. We are blessed to be able to walk with so many in our local community.
On Shrove Tuesday (4 March), the Social Justice group and Year 9 Students will make and sell pancakes to support the work of Caritas‘ Project Compassion. The same group will sell icy poles at the Swimming Carnival.
In addition to seeking financial support for Caritas, we will support their 2025 Theme, ‘Unite Against Poverty This Lent’. More information about their works, along with donations, can be found at https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
Shane Taylor
Head of Faith and Mission
Exodus Christmas Dinner
Our annual Christmas Dinner was particularly memorable in 2024. Along with the 100+ guests who often come to the fortnightly dinners, the community was delighted to welcome three families who have recently immigrated to Australia as refugees. Brother Harry Prout welcomed the families and announced to the group his delight in sharing the dinner with them. The families received a warm round of applause, creating an emotional moment for all to share in.
We were lucky to have one of our College families singing Christmas Carols throughout the dinner, and Marie Jenkins delivered another outstanding Christmas dinner with lamb, salads lovingly made by OLMC staff, and sticky date pudding.
At the end of the dinner, each family was presented with a Christmas Hamper with products donated and wrapped by OLMC staff, and the boxes painted by Year 9 Horizon Students.
Star Camp
Star Camp is a two-day camp organised to provide a fun and nurturing experience for children with an intellectual or physical disability, as well as respite for their parents.
At the end of 2024, 20 Year 11 and Year 12 students volunteered their time as companions and assistants to these children. The students were supported by teachers who supervised a shift or two at the camp.
‘Star Camp allowed us to form a strong connection with our child camper as we guided them through all the various exciting activities on offer. We put in our hardest efforts to make this experience special for the kids as it was likely their first time away from their parents overnight.
While there were multiple barriers and challenges when communicating, the excitement on all of the kids’ faces when they got to play in the sand with the other children or watch a magic show made all of our efforts worthwhile. It was an experience that both the companions and the children will never forget.’
Tilly Z (12C5)
Anita Galli
Social Justice Coordinator
