At ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ College, we follow the motto Quae Supra Quaere – seek the things that are above. For our co-curricular program, that takes on many meanings.
We provide students with creative and competitive outlets that define a celebration of talent, skill, perseverance and fellowship.
In every form of expression and in every sport, we reach for the things that are above. We continually grow and meet new challenges. Side-by-side, we learn from every defeat, victory and breakthrough.
And, from within, we look beyond ourselves and our community to attain an understanding of society as a whole – not as passive observers but as active participants.
That’s Social Justice at ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ College. Students examine issues in both rural and urban areas, with opportunities to take part in initiatives that benefit society.
Our goal is to prepare students for life beyond the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ campus. Social Justice is integral to achieving this – instilling young thinkers and doers with a sense of community and societal responsibility.
The result? An engaging platform that fosters compassion, confidence and character.
A little over 600 kilometers off the coast of Darwin lies the picturesque island of Timor-Leste. To the traveller, Timor-Leste is paradise, girdled by coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life. Its turquoise beaches and white shores are flanked by mountains that are draped in a curtain of green. However, beyond its striking natural beauty, is a history steeped in colonialism, conflict, and ultimately, independence. Colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, East Timor, as it was known then, remained under Portugal’s control for over 400 years. The influence of four centuries of colonisation on the country’s political, social, cultural and religious landscape was significant, shaping the nation’s identity. Portuguese is one of Timor-Leste’s official languages alongside Tetum while Catholicism, introduced by Portuguese missionaries, remains the dominant religion on the island. However, following Portugal’s withdrawal in 1975, the Indonesian government led a brutal invasion of the country. The next quarter century was marked by violent conflict and war-crimes. Over 100-thousand people lost their lives, either through bloodshed, starvation or disease. Many more were forced to flee their villages. In 1999, the voice of the people reached the global stage, compelling a UN-administered referendum where an overwhelming majority voted for independence. The UN took over interim administration of the country and prepared the nation for independence. During this transitional period, Indonesia launched the scorched earth policy, leaving a wave of destruction on their way out. Virtually every building in the capital, Dili, was razed to the ground. Villages were obliterated and electricity generation and supply left in disrepair. The education system bore the brunt of the destruction. Schools were demolished. Teachers who were either Indonesian or Indonesian sympathisers, left following the referendum. Yet, amid the ruins, an independent, proud nation emerged in 2002.
±¬×ߺÚÁÏ College, in conjunction with the Australian Marist Solidarity, has undertaken a series of educational projects in Timor-Leste since the early 2000s. Through our contributions, we have been able to build schools such as St Terezinha Primary School in the village of Quelicai and training of teachers in the district of Baucau. The physical construction of buildings facilitated and sponsored by ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ College is a symbol of a deeper and more important building of relationships, values and beliefs between the two nations.Â
As the festive season approaches, we turn our hearts to raising funds for the St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal. This year, hundreds of families across Victoria will face a Christmas without the comfort of family, gifts under the tree or a traditional dinner on the table. Our generosity can help make their Christmas a little more merry and bright. As part of this initiative, each Learning Mentor Group will be responsible for assembling a hamper of food and money for a Christmas ham, which will be delivered to a family in need. You are also invited to buy a Christmas pudding or Christmas cake from local family business, Alpine Valley Fine Foods, using this for purchases . Proceeds of the sale will go directly to Vinnie’s, as they bring holiday cheer to families doing it tough.
