Across Melbourne, our Catholic schools continue to offer students amazing opportunities to engage with their world and their communities in creative and compassionate ways. Here we share three inspiring projects and initiatives from the past month.

Empowered minds, compassionate hearts

Students and teachers at St Roch’s School, Glen Iris, welcomed families to share the opening night of their biennial art exhibition.

‘Empowered minds, compassionate hearts’ not only celebrates classroom learning, but provides an important outlet for students to express themselves creatively,’, said the school’s visual arts teacher, Jo Boers.

‘By integrating their classroom learning into their artwork, our students have crafted pieces that reflect their thoughts and feelings’. The engagement, creativity and growth observed in the students throughout the year have been truly inspiring. They have poured their hearts into creating meaningful and technically impressive artworks, inspired by our theme. Each piece you see tonight is a testament to their hard work, talent and dedication.’

The ‘Empowered minds, compassionate hearts’ biennial art exhibition at St Roch’s School, Glen Iris.

For Principal Angie Mastoras, the night was a celebration of the school coming together for a common purpose. ‘Our art teacher, Jo, has allowed our children to create work that exemplifies the theme of empowering minds and compassionate hearts’, said Angie. ‘This exhibition is entirely the efforts of our students, with Jo’s direction. I’m so grateful to have such a committed staff who work tirelessly to showcase the various skills and talents of our students.’

A highlight of opening night was the auction of artwork created collaboratively by the classes. ‘Each of these art projects reflects both creative expression and powerful themes of collaboration, empowerment and compassion’, said Jo. ‘The variety of mediums used by each year level from Prep to Year 6 captures the spirit of community and growth, with each artwork telling a unique story of how working together can lead to flourishing individuals and a compassionate collective.’

From left: Kimberley Bawden (parent leader on Art Show Committee), Principal Angie Mastoras, Visual Arts Specialist Jo Boers and Bree Lynch (parent leader on Art Show Committee).

Taking action for wildlife at St Jude’s

St Jude the Apostle School, Scoresby, is partnering with Zoos Victoria in its Fighting Extinction initiative. Through this program, the students have become very passionate about the environment and are learning about the impact we have on animal habitats.

The partnership has helped the students and teachers focus on caring for our common home and on stewardship, key elements of this month’s Season of Creation, and of Catholic Social Teaching in general.

Andrew Eadon, zoo educator, visited the school and planned with staff for the students to visit the zoo later in the year as part of the program. Last month, Andrew presented at the school’s STEAM Showcase, and shared his passion and wisdom on animal conservation with students, staff and parents.

In the STEAM program, the students learnt about habitats and the impact we have on our wider world. ‘The partnership has already had and will go on to have a profound impact on our students and wider community’, said Principal Tim McMullen.

‘This is a three-year partnership, so this is year one, when we are focusing on learning and growing the relationship. In year two, we will select a project initiative and build community support. In year three, we will embed the mindset of stewardship and sustainability into our curriculum, specifically through our student leaders.’

Zoo educator Andrew Eadon shares his passion for animal conservation with students at the STEAM Showcase at St Jude the Apostle School.

Parliament Prize winner’s call to care for creation

Mabel Martin, Year 6 student at St Joseph’s School, Chelsea, has won this year’s Parliament Prize (Grades 5 and 6 category) for her inspiring video statement on attracting wildlife back into native gardens.

Mabel’s win from a record-setting 1126 entries is a testament to her passion to improve her community and the environment.

Mabel said she chose her topic ‘because I have always worried that we are not doing enough to protect our gardens and the animals that live there. Looking after our world and being responsible by caring for our environment is something I am passionate about.’

Mabel’s call for all of us to do more for the natural world is also the focus of this month’s Season of Creation, as we unite in a worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home.

Principal Gavan O’Donnell praised Mabel’s efforts, describing her as ‘a thoughtful young leader and learner in our school. Congratulations Mabel, as you continue to have a positive impact on our world!’

Mabel and her fellow prize-winners were presented with certificates, trophies and cheques in a ceremony at Parliament House.

The Season of Creation runs from 1 September to 4 October.

Banner image: artwork from the ‘Empowered minds, compassionate hearts’ biennial art exhibition at St Roch’s School, Glen Iris.

All photos courtesy of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.