This year, the College’s focus value is ‘Service’ and through our Touching Hearts Service-Learning Program students have the opportunity to follow Christ’s act to serve and give back to our communities. The program provides services to our local communities and engages with non-profit organisations. Across Term 2 our students served the community and were engaged in a variety of programs and activities.
Tree Planting in the local community
Last term our Year 9 students ventured out to the muddy wetlands of Bassendean. Working in House groups, each of our eight Houses planted roughly 1,400 tube stocks of native plants. This initiative not only beautifies the local environment but also supports ecological sustainability. The tree planting project fosters a sense of community and God’s call to serve the environment, encouraging our students to take active roles in preserving nature.
One group of our students were also lucky enough to spot a buff banded rail, a species of bird that hasn’t been seen in the wetland for a couple of years. They felt proud for helping create the habitat that brought this species back to the area. Through their efforts, the students are helping to combat climate change, improve air quality, and create a habitat for local wildlife.
“Tree planting is a way we can give our care and love back to the earth and God as they have given to us. By planting trees, we are caring for the things we love and live on.” – Jessy-Ana
“Without the earth we couldn’t live, so we need to take care of it as much as we can.” – Alyna
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Throughout Term 2, our Year 8 Young Vinnies team collected donations of warm items – such as blankets, gloves, beanies, and jackets – as well as non-perishable food for the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
During these cold winter months, it’s important to remember that many in our community are doing it tough. Some are without a permanent, safe, and warm place to sleep each night.
In the last week of Term 2 Midland Vinnies collected all the wonderful donations from our community. We are very grateful to all the families who donated items this year. Special thanks go to our Year 8 Young Vinnies and Ms Brenda Vanderleer for coordinating the donations.
Hunger 4 Hearts
On Thursday 26 June, some of our Year 8 students took part in a new initiative called Hunger 4 Hearts. For 24 hours students voluntarily gave up something meaningful to them, such as food or technology. This symbolic act aimed to raise awareness of the hardships faced by children and families affected by famine and poverty around the world. On Friday 27 June in the afternoon, led by Deacon Aaron Peters, they came together to reflect on their experiences and engaged in activities that highlighted the daily challenges many families face when trying to budget and survive on limited incomes. The money raised from Hunger 4 Hearts will go towards funding the Touching Hearts 5000 Meals initiative, where our Year 11 students cook ready to heat meals for DreambuildersCare Midland to give to those in need.
“Poverty is not made by God, it created by you and me when we don’t share what we have.” Mother Teressa
“This quote is about spreading awareness…Touching Hearts helps us by putting us in less fortunate people’s shoes.” – Eliza
“I think the College chose this activity because it shows how less fortunate people have to experience every day, and what we take for granted. Hunger 4 Hearts taught us how we need to be grateful for things we take for granted.” – Sarang
“No one deserves to feel hungry or not have what they need and if people shared and showed more generosity poverty would not be such a big issue in our society.” – Ciara
We’re very proud of how our students demonstrated compassion, courage, and a willingness to make a difference through our Touching Hearts program in Term 2.
