Shanelle W., Alyssa R. T. and Samantha J., Dobson, Coolock and Clare House Leaders, speaking at the school assembly on Wednesday 29th October 2025.
The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is the Term 4 social justice initiative.
Each term the school has a different social justice focus and for Term 4 the focus will be on the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Dobson, Coolock and Clare Houses will take the lead this term and have organised a number of fundraising and awareness raising activities.
“We are fundraising to support the Jesuit Refugee Service, inspired by the generous love and example of Jesus Christ”, the Dobson, Coolock and Clare House Leaders told the school assembly last month. “JRS is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on the behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons so that they may heal, learn and determine their own future.”
The main focus of JRS advocacy is supporting and empowering refugee voices. They identify, train and support a network of leaders with lived experiences to self advocate and organise their communities. They facilitate opportunities for refugees through direct assistance and advocacy offering a number of programs such as emergency relief, foodbanks and professional casework.
Years 7 and 8 Clare organised a lemonade stall on Monday, 10th November.
“All money fundraised during this term will be donated to JRS supporting their initiatives in empowering refugees in our local communities,” the House Leaders said. “Over the next eight weeks multiple initiatives will be underway so keep an eye out on Compass!”
Some of the upcoming activities this term will include a Christmas Card Art Competition, craft making workshops, a lemonade stall, sausage sizzle, Krispy Kreme stall and during Christmas Week in Week 8 there will be Christmas themed activities every day such as Santa photos, Christmas Just Dance, Christmas karaoke, Christmas accessories worn to school and a Christmas movie session.
The school will also be running the annual Christmas Drive with families asked to bring in non-perishable items which will be donated directly to the JRS Foodbank. More information about the Christmas Drive will be available later in the term.
“With your donations and continued support we hope to assist JRS with their initiatives this term,” the House Leaders concluded.
Students have been making Christmas decorations which will be sold at an upcoming Christmas craft stall.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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