In Term 1 this year, one Year 10 group was able to go out to the various service venues and participate in a hands-on experience of service to the local community. Given that three other Year 10 groups were unable to attend the actual venues, this term they have been undertaking an alternative program in which they have been learning about social justice issues as well as doing practical acts of service here at the College.

Still meeting for one and half hours on Tuesday afternoons, this term the Year 10 girls were introduced to what Community Service is all about and that it is an opportunity to give practical expression to the parable of the Good Samaritan. Therefore Community Service is for the girls an opportunity to live out Jesus’ words at the end of the parable to “Go and do likewise” and be neighbour to all who are in need.

The Year 10 girls have also had opportunity to prayerfully reflect on social justice issues and inform themselves about community service options. Last week the girls participated in a simulation game called “The Orange Trading Game”. This simulation required farming family groups to produce oranges as their livelihood. The intention of the game was to alert our girls to the pressures placed on poor families and for them to understand how difficult it can be to make ends meet.

This week the girls did two varied activities: decorating tote bags and general clean up around the College grounds. The tote bags have been requested by the Nagle Centre in Campbelltown. These decorated bags will be filled with Christmas fare and distributed by the Nagle Centre to families in the Campbelltown area.

A word of praise and thanks needs to go out to the Year 10 girls who are fulfilling their Community Service commitments in this way. They have entered into every activity with openness, genuine interest, and in a spirit of service to others. Well done, Year 10 girls.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator