Harmony Week and Ks for Caritas

The College celebrated Harmony Week last week with some fabulous events at both campuses, highlighting our diverse community and commitment to including and accepting all cultures.

Staff and students participated in various arts and crafts activities and enjoyed a range of cuisines for lunch from the canteen each day. There were many highlights, including Harmony Day assemblies, Ks for Caritas events, and a positive buzz throughout both campuses.

Melton Campus

On Harmony Day last Tuesday, many students and staff proudly wore cultural attire or something orange to recognise the College's cultural diversity.

During our campus assembly, we were privileged to have guest speaker Anna Takluem from Myanmar share her interesting story of determination as a refugee in Australia.

We also watched many students perform cultural dances from Burma, India, Ethiopia and the Pasifika region under the guidance of Pasifika Engagement Project Officer Kimiora Joyce.

It was a moving assembly for all those involved.

To finish Harmony Week, students and staff represented their House in the Ks for Caritas event, carrying a 5kg bag of rice or a 10-litre bucket of water across the oval.

There was plenty of support and enthusiasm for participants and some friendly competition among houses to see who could walk the most laps during the big break.

The aim was to raise awareness of the many kilometres people in other countries walk daily to access fresh water, food, and education - all things we take for granted.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Harmony Week; we look forward to more fun and celebrations next year.

Ks for Caritas – total laps Melton Campus: 585

Laps walked per House: Anthony 105, Bakhita 90, Bernard 90, Glowrey 78, MacKillop 72, Lawrence 71, Dominic 50, Catherine 29.

Trish Griffin - Social Justice Coordinator, Melton Campus

Cobblebank Campus

Cobblebank Campus celebrated Harmony Week with several events, including last Tuesday's Harmony Day assembly.

The diverse array of cultures that make up our community was highlighted through beautiful cultural attire worn on the day and fantastic dance routines performed by students at the assembly.

Students in years 7 and 8 worked together to choreograph and perform dances celebrating Punjabi, Pacific Islands and Liberian cultures. Staff and students in the audience encouraged and clapped along in admiration of our talented performers.

The assembly also featured our campus ensemble, who performed Best Day of My Life and a song called Siyahamba, introduced by Year 7 student Clorinda.

Siyahamba is a South African hymn in the language of Zulu, meaning “we are marching”.

“Siyahamba is a freedom song that speaks about coming together as a community, both people here with us today and our beloved lost ones. In African society, those who have passed are still with us here today, and all together, we come to sing and march in the light of God.”

Last Monday and Wednesday during big break, we also had henna and origami stations running in the collaborative space. Many students across both year levels got involved and produced some creative designs. We are so lucky to have such diverse students willing to share their insight and wisdom through these cultural activities.

To finish off the week, we held our Ks for Caritas event in the cloister at big break on Friday.

It raised awareness of people around the world who don’t have the luxury of running water and food at their fingertips.

Seeing so many students walk laps holding 5kg bags of rice and water buckets for such a meaningful cause was brilliant.

Ks for Caritas – total laps Cobblebank Campus: 375

Laps walked per House: MacKillop 88, Anthony 70, Dominic 66, Bakhita 40, Bernard 37, Glowrey 30, Lawrence 28, Catherine 7.

Charlee Keating - Social Justice and Student Leadership Coordinator, Cobblebank Campus

Building a better future

This year, we shared with you the story of three inspiring women from across the globe who overcame challenges to complete their education, access water and find secure employment. With the support of compassionate people like you, they are now forging a path to a better future for their families and their communities.

Ronita from the Philippines has now graduated high school and secured a job at a call centre. This job was only possible because of a certificate she gained from completing her studies.

Leaia and her family now have a water tank at their home in Samoa, providing them with a steady supply of clean drinking water. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.

Memory completed her vocational training course in carpentry and joinery. After completing a work contract at one of Malawi's largest electrical companies, Memory plans to return to her village and provide carpentry services to people in her community.

Through the generosity of people like you, we can continue to support people like Ronita, Leaia and Memory.

There is still time to donate! Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations.

Remember, your child’s mentor group has a donation box, and all contributions will be gratefully accepted until the end of the term. You can also donate online.