From the Head of Senior School

Our Year 10 and 11 students have completed their end-of-Semester 1 examinations, and now look forward to next week’s work experience and Caroline Chisholm Service programs respectively.

The Caroline Chisholm Program provides the opportunity for all Year 11 students to be involved with four days of service in their community. We have placements at primary schools, childcare centres, community centres, Salvos stores, Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House, and Treasure Boxes to name a few. This is always a special time for our students as they support others in need.

Refugee Week raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees and celebrates the positive contributions refugees make to Australian society. The theme for this year is Finding Freedom, which reminds us of what it means to be free, to live without war, to have basic human rights, and to live in equality and without fear of persecution.

‘The Cage’ took place for 24 hours from lunchtime on Thursday 22 June. Year 12 volunteers spent the night in a cage exposed to the elements away from conveniences of screens, food, and the like. It is a small reminder of what many refugees and asylum seekers face every day, often for many years. During the night, they reflected on personal experiences of refugees fleeing oppression, struggling to find protection, and rebuilding their lives. This uncomfortable and challenging experience helps our students deepen their understanding and connections with the reality of the marginalised in our community.

Phil Donato
Head of Senior School