Preparing young adults to make the world brighter

As our Year 12 students completed their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), they experienced learning that extended far beyond traditional academics. Through the subject Faith in Action, students discovered the profound impact that their faith, spirituality, and values will have on their journey as they venture beyond the College gates.

In 2023, a focus of Faith in Action was legacy and companionship, highly relevant for departing students like Wanika Gordo and Tushar Jacob.

Wanika found Faith in Action valuable in being able to unpack what faith means to her and to identify her core values – one of them being connection with others.

“I have been able to reflect on my core values and have developed an understanding that these values are what drive the person I am and what I am called to be for others as well as for myself,” said Wanika.

“I have developed the belief that faith does not necessarily have to come from a religious aspect of life, but can actually exist independently based on one’s core values and personal motivations. For me, my faith comes mainly from the connections I have and develop with other people.

“As I proceed and transition to life beyond the College context, I want to continue sharing my personal gifts and talents and shine that light into the wider world around me.”

Having reflected on legacy throughout the completion of the subject, Tushar Jacob was able to establish goals for how he would like to make his mark on the world.

“As I transition from my time at the College, I recognise the calling to uphold the moral and spiritual virtues instilled within me from my schooling experience. To be a just person and seek a just world, there are various opportunities I would like to consider,” said Tushar.

“The first opportunity would be to continue to engage in service opportunities and recognise and address the needs of others. The second opportunity would be to become an advocate for change I want to see."

All Year 12 students other than those studying Religion as part of SACE Stage 2 participate in Faith in Action. The subject aims to walk students through an experience of personal and communal formation that is both a culmination of their schooling and a transition into adulthood. Students explore and reflect a range of faith and spiritual concepts with a view to determining how this impacts their daily lives, decision making and relationships.

Called to serve

Six students from the Class of 2023 as well as one Old Ignatian from the Class of 2018 have recently signed on for service experiences with the Cardoner Network next year.

The Jesuit-run organisation provides young adults opportunities to serve in developing communities and gain life enhancing experiences. Participants may commit to short and long-term volunteer placements within communities beyond their familiar territory.

In 2024, Luke Henry, Nicholas Jacksa, and Daniel Belperio (Class of 2018) will be serving communities in Thailand, while Hannah McBain, Jessica O’Grady, and Stella Trench will be fulfilling their volunteer placement in Wadeye, Northern Territory. Kylie Sun will be based at Bellarmine House in New South Wales, making impact in the local community.