CARITAS (PROJECT COMPASSION)

The SRC students have been involved in a number of Project Compassion fundraisers since the beginning of the year. The year started with our traditional  Valentine’s Day fundraiser where students had the opportunity to gift chocolates and a card to someone special. Then on Shrove Tuesday, 4th March, the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent in the Catholic tradition, pancakes with maple syrup and cream were sold to a number of students. Currently, the SRC students are selling tickets for the Canteen Fast Pass whilst the YML students have organised an Easter Egg Guessing Competition.

Thank you to our families and our school community for either donating and/or supporting a fundraiser at school in helping raise money for Project Compassion so far. Funds raised directly support Caritas Australia's work to alleviate poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity in vulnerable communities.

YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERS (YML)

On the 21st February, the YML students participated in their first introduction and planning session at school with Mr Matt Turner from the CEO. The students came together  to develop their formation plans for this year’s Jubilee Year of Hope. Students started to set goals and strategies for our school and learned how Ministry and Mission culture is developed. They also had the opportunity to attend Mass at St Paul’s with Fr Leo.

Thank you to Mr Matt Turner for running the session on the day.

OPEN SCHOOL TOURS

On the 4th March, a number of SRC Students from Yr 7-12 had the opportunity to be school tour guides for our Open Afternoon/Evening for prospective students and families for 2026/2027. Thank you and congratulations to these students for giving up their afternoon and especially for being passionate and proud of our school and what St Joseph’s has to offer.

IFTAR DINNER

Mr Shelton, some of our Senior SRC students and I had  the opportunity to attend the Annual Iftar Dinner at Amity College on the 11th March. This special event is held during the sacred month of Ramadan, where staff and students share a meal together. It is a celebration of unity, understanding, and friendship among students from diverse backgrounds and other local schools. It is a chance to reflect on shared values, celebrate differences, appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our communities and foster meaningful connections.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ASSEMBLY

Senior SRC students Amelia Dimitrievski, Chloe Norris, Taylor Darke and Ethan Thompson organised the International Women’s Day Assembly on the 10th March. This is an annual occasion to express our gratitude for all the women in our lives. Students provided information to create awareness of such an important topic. They organised purple ribbons representing the significant event, conducted a school survey to educate and inform, included a video of student perspectives and presented awards to female staff and students from each year group. Well done to the students for organising the Assembly.

LIFELINE BOOK FAIR                                      

The Lifeline Book Fair is a major fundraising event for Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services in the Illawarra and South Coast. With over 85,000 pre-loved books that go on sale from 20 -23 March 2025 at the Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkele, this event plays an important  role in raising vital funds.

This year two groups of students volunteered to assist setup and pack up books for the Lifeline Big Book Fair. Some of the SRC students attended on the 19th March and some of the Yr 10/11 students attended on the 24th March. Our students enjoyed the opportunity to contribute and be part of such an important cause.