Senior Seeds of Justice Conference
The theme of human trafficking was a heavy but powerful and important one for our Senior Seeds of Justice Conference.
Year 10 and 11 students who are regular Social Justice Club members attended this annual conference for Mercy schools. The conference provided opportunities for learning and the reflection and deeper listening of a retreat. We had the founder of the Offspring Project speak on her work developing and leading the refuge, school, and training centre for girls rescued from human trafficking. Students asked so many questions and it was a long conversation. We then had a workshop using recycled saris, which allowed further debriefing and thought. Kristi is a positive force, and it was inspiring to hear her speak. Their products are for sale and all proceeds return to the amazing work of the Offspring Project. We also heard from Usha, a teacher at Sacred Heart College who spent time with her family volunteering at a boys’ rescue centre and shelter in India. Again, students engaged on a deep level and it was motivational to hear how these women live the Mercy values so profoundly.
Reconciliation Week
To acknowledge and reflect on Sorry Day, we attended a Healing Ceremony in Malahang Reserve. It was an important pause to honour our national apology to the Stolen Generations and connect with Heidelberg locals, led by an Elder.
This week we celebrated the All In theme with a collage banner, pastoral activities, and a stall to raise money for First Nations students accessing an equal education, Opening the Doors Foundation. Next week we also have students attending the Long Walk at Aquinas College.