Young Vinnies Conference
Recently we hosted the annual Young Vinnies Conference here at OLMC, welcoming lots of students from CLC, Salesian College, Xavier College, and Loyola College. It was great to see and hear each school present on their social justice initiatives. Whilst practicing their public speaking skills, our Year 8 and 10 students were proud to share our work with the Exodus Community, in our dinners, bread run, and Camp Heide. We spoke of our fundraisers and collection drives. It was interesting to hear about great initiatives that other schools run, too. In mixed groups, students also learned about community work and advocacy, showcasing their ideas and practicing 'pitching' them.
Seeds of Justice: Middle Years Conference
Students in Year 10 participated in the middle years Seeds of Justice Conference in Anglesea, with six other Mercy schools from Victoria. We were pleased to have Catherine Glenister with us, director of the Mercy Hub, as well as sessions led by teachers from The Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy, and from Sacred Heart College, Geelong. Together we shared and deepened our experiences in ecospirituality, in understanding a First Nations connection to Country and the links to St Francis of Assisi. By reflecting on the Laudato Si, we understood more about the Care for Creation. Our students were inspired to re-ignite the FIRE Carriers program here at OLMC; as well as sharing time and meeting new friends from other Mercy schools.
Anita Galli
Social Justice Coordinator
