Assistant Principal - Mission
Embracing Compassion: Our College Supports the Vinnies Winter Appeal
As the crisp air of winter begins to settle, it's a time when many of us look forward to the comfort of warm homes, cozy blankets, and hot meals. Yet, for thousands of Australians, winter brings a stark and often brutal reality: homelessness. This year, our College is proud to launch our annual Vinnies Winter Appeal, an initiative close to our hearts, aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing hardship.
It's easy to perceive homelessness as a distant issue, something that doesn't touch our immediate community. However, the truth is far more confronting. The ABS Census in 2021 revealed that over 122,000 people experience homelessness on any given night across Australia. These aren't mere statistics; they are individuals – people just like you and me – facing immense challenges.
The face of homelessness is also more diverse than many might imagine. While the image of "sleeping rough" on the streets often comes to mind, a significant number of people experiencing homelessness are in severely crowded dwellings, staying in crisis accommodation, or even "couch surfing" with friends or family. This complex issue is driven by a multitude of factors, including the critical shortage of affordable housing, the pervasive impact of family violence, mental health challenges, and unemployment.
This is where the St Vincent de Paul Society, or Vinnies, plays an incredibly vital role. Vinnies provides a comprehensive and holistic safety net for those in need. They offer far more than just a bed for the night; they provide wrap-around support, advocacy, and crucial community connection to help individuals exit homelessness permanently. They are truly on the front lines, addressing immediate needs while tirelessly working towards long-term solutions for those doing it tough.
How our College can make a difference this year:
We are thrilled to announce several fantastic opportunities for our entire College community to get involved and support Vinnies in their vital work this winter:
- Out of Uniform Day! On Thursday of Week 9, students are invited to come to school in their casual clothes by making a gold coin donation. Every coin, no matter how small, helps Vinnies provide essential services to those in need.
- Warm Clothes Collection: It's not just about monetary donations. We are also collecting donations of warm clothes. Please consider those jumpers, scarves, and coats you may have outgrown or no longer wear. If they are in good condition, clean, and warm, please bring them in! Your generous donation can make a world of difference to someone braving the cold this winter.
- Vinnies School Sleepout: For those seeking a truly impactful experience, we invite you to join the Vinnies School Sleepout! This incredible opportunity allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of what it might be like to experience homelessness. You’ll spend one night "sleeping rough" – typically on cardboard, with just a sleeping bag, and a simple dinner of soup and bread. It's not about replicating homelessness, but about fostering empathy, challenging perceptions, and raising crucial funds for Vinnies' homelessness services right here in our local community. Our College Sleepout will be held on August 1st here at the College. Keep an eye out for more details, and if you wish to sign-up, please see Emily or Mr. Hyland in the coming days.
Imagine the collective difference we can make together. By participating in these initiatives, we are not just raising money; we are raising awareness, fostering empathy, and demonstrating our unwavering support for those in our community who need it most. Every action, whether big or small, contributes to Vinnies' inspiring mission of creating a more just and compassionate Australia where no one has to endure the harsh realities of homelessness.
Let’s come together as a College community and make this Vinnies Winter Appeal our most successful yet! Your generosity and compassion can truly warm a life this winter.
St Agnes' Church Gospel Reflections
Fr Paul Gooley is continuing to provide Gospel readings and reflections via email and online Monday to Saturday for those interested in connecting with their faith in this way.
Click to watch Fr Paul's Gospel Readings and Reflections.
St Agnes' Parish News Bulletin
The Parish news bulletin will now be published monthly.
The latest edition is available via this link Parish News Bulletin
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission