What's Been Happening
In the School | Out of the School
In the School
Sandhurst Switches Off
On Wednesday, May 21st, during Catholic Education Week, all Catholic Schools in the Sandhurst Diocese participated in the Sandhurst Switches Off – a day which requested that no lights be switched on with in the school.
The event was held as act of solidarity and a sign of our commitment to lessening our ecological footprint on the earth. Throughout the Diocese it was estimated that the event saved 15.3 tonnes Greenhouse Gas emissions! The event raised awareness across the Diocese about the importance of the preservation of God’s earth and encouraged our students to think twice about ‘flicking the switch.’ It is hoped that the Sandhurst Switches Off will run again in the future and will play a significant role in our school and the wider community developing a greater environmental conscience.
This event was a partnership between the Catholic Education Office and the Faith and Ministry Trainees at Catholic College Bendigo and Notre Dame College, Shepparton.
Kirsty Sword Gusmaõ Returns to Bendigo
On Monday the 14th April 8 students from CCB were invited to listen to Kirsty Sword Gusmao give one of her public speeches. Kirsty is currently the First Lady of East Timor so it was very interesting. She spoke to us about her upbringing in Bendigo and her inspiring Indonesian teacher, as well as her schooling years. She spoke of the hardship that the East Timorese go through every day and the harsh conditions that they live in.
One of the examples she used was that the average family in East Timor consists of 8 yet they are forced to live on 50 cents per day. It made us all very grateful for what we have and how lucky we are to live in Australia.
Emma Walshe (11A)
Reflecting on Kirsty Sword Gusmao‘s inspiring speech, we can’t help but be challenged to aspire to work for social justice. Kirsty’s optimism was uplifting and most sincere; she is certainly a light of hope in a troubled nation. Kirsty highlighted the closeness between Australia and East Timor geographically and also the vast difference between the living and working conditions in East Timor, compared to those in Australia. Kirsty certainly reaffirms that it only takes one person to make a mighty difference.
Rosie Coldwell (9P), Rebekah Skahill (9T), Caitlin McGregor (9T) and Anna Ryan (9B)
Out of the School
Mercy Seeds of Justice Camp
On Thursday and Friday May 15-16, seven of our very enthusiastic students jumped on a bus to Melbourne to take part in the Mercy Seeds of Justice camp, eager to learn more about social justice in our community. The inspiring guest speakers and reflective presentations gave the students an insight into the needs of our community and the importance of social justice. On the Thursday night, the students visited a number of locations around Melbourne where they could see social justice work in action. This ‘hands on’ approach was found to be confronting, challenging and very rewarding.
“On The Seeds of Justice Camp, we were informed about Trafficking, lack of Suitable medical facilities, schooling, and also other issues outside Australia. But On the Thursday night, we had the opportunity to experience some of the problems faced by many people in Melbourne, and I think that it defiantly made it all the more realistic for us.”
Angela Dodd 10W
“The Seeds of Justice conference is made up of such a variety of fun-loving people. We were all so different, but we all share a love of people and fairness. Like Maddy and Bek, I was also able to go and visit the Somali Community in the Housing Commission. The commission is a sky-scraping building of flats and they are the only housing these refugees have. But when we met these kids, there was never one without a smile on their face. Despite all I have that they don’t, I was jealous of their sense of community and their energy and fun. They inspired me, not because of their living conditions but as amazing giving people.”
Caitlin McGregor 9T
“The Justice conference has changed my view on justice issues for life! I’m a newer, stronger and more grateful person to live the life that I have! A man who was at the soup van said to me; you have 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 eyes but only one mouth, so use it wisely.”
Sarah Nunn 10V
“These past 2 days have had a massive impact on my life. I was fortunate enough to go and visit a Somali community’s homework club with primary and secondary school students, who were all refugees. They were all so happy and never complained about their struggles in life, but were so grateful for everything that they had. I made some great friends and will never forget this life-changing experience.”
Madeleine Marchingo 9T
“I was incredibly lucky to go on the Seeds of Justice camp this year which has inspired me and changed my perspective on life. I also visited the Flemington Housing Commission and met all the beautiful, young children, who were so innocent but each had a tragic story to tell. They were so appreciative of everything they had and they gave us so much hope with their positive attitudes, which really motivated me. I hope others will also be motivated to get involved in social justice.”
Bek Skahill 9T
