Assistant Principal - Mission

Empathy in Action

In the Catholic tradition, empathy is not merely an abstract concept but a fundamental virtue inspired by the life of Jesus Christ. The teachings of love thy neighbor as thyself and caring for the least among us serve as guiding principles for the work of the St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Society. Through their work, they embody the principles of empathy, compassion, and selfless service, which are central to the teachings of our Catholic faith. The significance of the SVDP Society’s mission lies not only in the immediate relief they offer to those in need but also in the profound lessons they impart to our young people. Through fundraising or participating in events such as the Winter Sleepout our students can learn the value of empathy in action. 

Do you know that there are more than 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness? Alarmingly, more than 58% of the homeless population is under the age of 35 and more than 17,600 children under the age of 12 don’t have a stable place to call home. The face of homelessness in Australia has changed.

With these frightening statistics in mind, it is awesome to see 30 students sign up for this year’s Vinnies Winter Sleepout! It really shows how amazing our students are, willing to step out of their comfort zones to raise awareness about homelessness in our community. Their dedication and compassion will make a real difference, and it's heartwarming to see them come together for such a meaningful cause. Together, they're not just experiencing a night out in the cold; they're also shining a light on the struggles faced by those who don't have a place to call home. Kudos to these incredible students for being the change they want to see in the world!

While numbers are limited, it's not too late to sign up! Any student who would like to jump onboard and put their faith in action can still sign up via the invitation in Compass.

So far, we have raised $1,190. Please help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000 by donating via this link:

https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-school-sleepouts/2023-sjpc-winter-sleepout

In addition to raising awareness and much needed funds, we are also seeking donations of BLANKETS, TOWELS and BEANIES. If you are able to donate any of these items (in new or very good condition), please drop them off at the College Office. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission