Social Justice
At Mount St Joseph Catholic College our Josephite tradition calls us to service. We seek to provide authentic experiences that promote awareness and action as fundamental to the expression of Mary MacKillop’s charism of justice, dignity, liberation and love. Reaching out to others, particularly the poor and marginalised, was a primary concern for St Mary of the Cross. Like Jesus, she wanted to be at the service of those who are excluded, ostracised, destitute, isolated and/or thought to be unimportant. This was expressed in her motto: ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’ (1871).
SIMS
The Sister Irene McCormack Social Justice group (SIMS) aims to increase awareness of issues of justice within our school community. SIMS Breakfast is run by staff and student volunteers through the week to raise funds for various Catholic ministries and causes.
Senior Outreach Program
Students in Years 11 and 12 participate in an Outreach Program that requires them to complete a minimum of 12 hours of service in the school and wider community. This Program acknowledges the dedication of our students outside the classroom and challenges them to increase their awareness of justice in the world and seek to actively transform it.
Peru Day
Each year, Year 10 students organise and run our Peru Day celebrations. Primarily aimed at supporting the work of Mary MacKillop International, Peru Day is an opportunity for our community to reflect on the example of sacrifice set by Sister Irene McCormack as well as considering the needs of the disadvantaged in Peru and how the work of the Sisters continues through education and empowerment.
Fundraising initiatives
Throughout the year, students raise awareness of and provide donations to a variety of Catholic initiatives and organisations:
- Josephite ministries
- Caritas Australia’s Lenten Project Compassion appeal
- St Vincent de Paul winter and Christmas appeals
- Catholic Education Foundation
- Sydney Archdiocese Charitable Works Fund
Classroom activities
Students are also challenged through classroom discussions and activities to consider and respond to the needs of the marginalised within our local and wider communities.