A FORUM on homeless people helped kick off Mt St Michael’s College’s annual Mary Aikenhead Day celebrations on July 28 to remember the spirit and work of the founder of the Sisters of Charity.
A range of guest speakers working with homeless people in Brisbane addressed the school assembly, outlining how the Ashgrove college can support and advocate on their behalf.
Assistant principal for mission Ann Morgan said students also learned an African chant called “Freedom” as an act and prayer of solidarity with those who do not have freedom because of poverty and injustice.
“A forum such as this raises awareness of issues of social justice and peace, which are vital aspects of our college mission statement,” she said.
“We learnt that at least 90,000 Australian children experience homelessness each year, and that of these nearly half are aged 0-4.”
A Mass was celebrated as part of Catholic Education Week and the college took the opportunity to consider how it can continue to live out the ethos and mission of the Sisters of Charity and their fourth vow of “Service to the Poor”.
Year 11 students who had participated in Rosies street retreats organised a fundraising event at the school assembly and Amnesty International students prepared a postcard campaign to lobby the State Government to support programs aimed at preventingand helping the homeless.
Mary Aikenhead Day ended with a fun afternoon that included a quiz featuring questions on Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity, house based activities and a song competition.
