Student volunteer week runs from 5 – 11 August, and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle wants to congratulate our students from all corners of the Diocese on their great contributions, both within the school yard and outside of it.
Look at some of the great initiatives taking place across our Catholic Schools:
All Saints' College, Maitland
Holy Name Primary School, Forster
Holy Name students on the Mini Vinnies society have been volunteering with time in the kitchen where they have been creating delicious rocky road treats to share with the CatholicCare Foster Community Kitchen.
St Brigid’s Primary School, Raymond Terrace
St Brigid’s have two environmental groups that volunteer their time to assist in jobs around the school related to environment sustainability.
The Myrtle Turtle Squad (Year 3 – Year 6) and the Squirtle Turtle Squad (Kindergarten – Year 2) support with maintaining the school’s garden spaces, caring for the chickens, sorting out recycling, responsibility for compost bins and general weeding.
St Clare’s High School, Taree
St Clare's students have been volunteering at CatholicCare’s Taree Community Kitchen once a month for over nine years.
The students help prepare, cook and serve the meals.
Diners take great pleasure in their presence and it's a great opportunity for the students to learn a lesson outside of the classroom – how to develop their sense of community and care for others.
St Joseph’s Primary School, Kilaben Bay
St Joseph’s have recently introduced the ‘Joey Journo’ club. Made up of students from Year 3 – Year 6, the budding journalists are passionate about writing, storytelling and sharing news.
The students meet weekly during lunchtime where they brainstorm ideas, conduct interviews and write articles for their very own publication.
They tackle the big issues, giving students a voice and working alongside staff to provide feedback.
St Pius X High School, Adamstown
Students are St Pius X, including Mia Van Der Westhuizen, Mia Kelly and Max Mietzel have recently implemented a trial waste sorting station at their school.
This means students can dispose of their waste more thoughtfully.
The Diocese also recognises the contributions of students who have given up their time outside of the school grounds to give back in some way. Congratulations to the following students on their achievements:
Eloise Levido – St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Eloise volunteers two afternoons each week at Jacaranda Nursing Home in Cessnock, where she has proven a great support to staff and residents.
Eloise spends her time within the divisional therapy space with residents and always helps to serve dinners while she’s there.
Isabelle Dixon – St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Isabelle dedicates time each weekend to alter serve at her local parish, St Patrick’s Lochinvar, as well as special celebratory masses across the Diocese.
Isabelle supports interested youth to learn about alter serving and helps to run reflections, games and program for youth group in the Terry Centre.
Marley Kelly – Holy Family Primary School, Merewether and Mia Kelly – St Pius X High School, Adamstown
Marley and Mia are making an impact with their support for homelessness within Newcastle.
The sisters are involved in various social justice initiatives and take part in the annual winter sleep out each year.
They have also raised a considerable amount of money which they have donated to Soul Hub which assists the homeless.
Max Mietzel, St Pius X High School, Adamstown
Max dedicates his personal time to volunteering as a Junior Lifesaver.
Max was award the Hunter Branch Junior Lifesaver of the Year earlier this year. He enjoys helping out with the nippers program, doing patrols, and is looking forward to participating in the drone program.
Well done to all our students on their wonderful efforts!
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