2023 St Mary's House of Welcome Christmas Appeal
One of the Siena traditions in Term 4 is to support St Mary’s House of Welcome. Amidst the busyness of the term and the anticipation of the upcoming holidays, our community is encouraged to pause, reflect and give to members of the wider community who are experiencing homelessness or disadvantage, and who seek the services and support of St Mary’s House of Welcome. It is our privilege to provide this practical assistance to such a worthwhile cause. Donations of grocery items and toiletries are collected in House Groups.
2018 South Africa Immersion
Later in the term, we will joyfully welcome Tozi Makoba from the Kopanang Community Project in Tsakane, South Africa. Tozi is a well loved member of the Project and has been host mother to many Siena students who have participated in our South Africa Immersion in previous years. Tozi will be speaking to staff and students, sharing her story and life in Tsakane, and the work of the Kopanang Community Project. The College has supported the Project for many years by funding school uniforms for families, providing educational assistance, and contributing to the structural facilities of the Project. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Africa Immersion has been paused. Therefore, this visit is a vital opportunity to reconnect with the story of Kopanang and the beautiful women of the Project.
As the momentum of Term 4 picks up and as we reflect on the needs of our world at this time, may you be grounded by your faith and may you take comfort and courage from the wisdom found in the Scriptures.
"This term, Cassia House will be running a range of initiatives to raise awareness and funds for the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP). BASP is a Melbourne based initiative created by the Brigidine Sisters aimed at providing support to those seeking asylum in Australia. It provides work and practical support for vulnerable and often overlooked individuals in our society. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ is proud to support the work of this organisation and we are grateful for the opportunity to advocate for the rights of all people, treating everyone with dignity and respect. Funds raised from this week’s Bake Sale will go directly to supporting BASP. In the coming weeks, Cassia will also be holding a Silent Auction featuring a wide range of quality items. Once again, all funds raised from this event will go toward the practical and essential support provided by BASP."
Social Justice Leaders, Megan F-H and Lily G
"On the first weekend of the Term 3 break, a group of Year 11 students: Environment Leader, Asta R; Social Justice Leaders, Megan FH and Lily G; and Community Engagement Leader, Sarah H participated in Friday Night School’s camp at Mount Eliza.
This annual camp provides a wonderful opportunity to form connections with tutors from other Melbourne schools and Friday Night School students in a beautiful outdoor setting. During the day, we joined activity groups for flying fox, tree climbing, international games and mountain biking with younger students. Each night, we gathered in the Recreation Hall for fun activities including a gigantic game of duck-duck-goose, spoons and some of the longest Uno games we have ever played.
For Asta and Lily, this was our second year attending the camp and we both agree that it was once again a fantastic opportunity for fun and relaxation after a long term. Not to mention, it had some of the best camp food! Even with a few minor injuries along the way, there was always time for laughter. We were paired together as tutors and placed in a group with some Friday Night School students. Together, we shared stories, gave advice and showed off our dance moves.
Friday Night School is a service opportunity available to all ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ students in Year 9 and above. It takes place every Friday from 4.30pm to 6.00pm at St Ignatius Church, Richmond where students help teach younger children from refugee backgrounds. Everyone is welcome to come along and try it out! For more information, please contact Director of Faith and Mission, Mrs Ilott."
Environment Leader, Asta R and Community Engagement Leader, Sarah H
