Annual Social Justice Forum
Catholic Social Justice Teaching compels us to have a preferential option for the poor. In Australian society today, one of the poorest groups in our midst are those seeking refuge on our shores either as asylum seekers or as refugees. The conversation about this issue has become focused on rhetoric which demonises refugees and those may come up with the harshest methods of dealing with this social justice issue are given a voice. It appears that the voice of compassion has been muffled. It is within this context that our students were invited to a Social Justice Forum hosted by Mt St Benedict College at Pennant Hills. The forum's theme, Changing the Conversation, was an apt catch cry to rally the interest and enthusiasm of many students from schools all across Sydney. The forum did change the conversation as was inspired by the keynote speaker who reminded us that the only appropriate language in this circumstance is the language of love, peace and non-violence.
Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator
The following is a report composed by a Year 12 student, Genevieve N, who is the College Social Justice Captain:
On Tuesday 26 May, a group of nine keen St Patrick’s Social Justice Advocates traveled to Mount St Benedict College, Pennant Hills, to partake in the Annual Social Justice Forum. The forum was centered around Refugees and Asylum Seekers, with the theme of Changing the Conversation. A contemporary issue that all who attended were both interested in and passionate about. St Pat’s was invited to present one of the many workshops offered as part of the forum, with a focus on removing barriers between everyday Australians and those who come to our shores. Our interactive presentation, entitled #HelpBreakTheFence, was focused around children in detention. The St Pat’s workshop shared our contributions towards changing the conversation, as we shared initiatives already implemented by our school, such as; the Simulation Day, attendance at the Sydney Peace Prize and completion of different petitions. Complete with a hashtag and a website, our workshop zoned in on an audience of young people utilising the technology and social media that we use every day. This conversation was then opened up to the ways that other schools initiate and support change, a really important tool in listening to different successes and taking advocacy in our school one step further. There was a lively sharing of ideas at the Social Justice Forum and an indiffusible passion present from all the young people there.
This was an excellent way to change the conversation, and a great starting point to heighten awareness of this issue in our school community. Finally, I would like to thank Mr Gattone for organising and escorting us to this important event.
By Genevieve N. (Year 12 Social Justice Leader)
