Service Learning

Middle School Planner

Service Learning

Service Learning “Were we to know the merit of only going from one street to another to serve others for the love of God, we should treasure it more than gold or silver” - Blessed Edmund Rice The vision of Aquinas as a “Catholic school in the General Information Edmund Rice tradition” asks us to seek justice Director of Christian Service Learning (Year 10-12) and compassion for others. The Service-Learning John Richards Program is a vital part of the school curriculum. It Phone 9450 0613 reflects our Catholic teachings and it has unique Mobile 0417 933 470 educational value. Young students in Junior Fax 9313 1901 School begin their awareness of community E-mail service@aquinas.wa.edu.au needs through group activities involving guest Office Ground Floor, Mt Sion Formation speakers from volunteer agencies; as well as Centre regular excursions to see service programs at work in their community. Some of their subject Director of Service Learning (Year 7-9) learning in school will bring them into contact Paul Rich with community groups that work for the Phone 9450 0668 betterment of others.

Mobile 0420 989 119 Fax 9313 1901 The Service-Learning Program provides E-mail paul.rich@aquinas.wa.edu.au opportunities for all secondary students to Office HASS Department become involved in a wide range of volunteer activities catering for different age groups. It Website (Students) allows them to experience the joy of giving and 1. Log onto the Portal and go to link ‘Charism’ sharing with others and provides a unique and then Service Learning’ learning experience that goes beyond the 2. Website (Parents) classroom and school environment. The time to 3. Log on to: reflect and give meaning to their service www.community.aquinas.wa.edu.au experience is critical to the success of the /portalTabs/charism/ serviceLearning.php program. The integration of gospel values and those values demonstrated by the work of Transport Blessed Edmund are the cornerstone of Christian All day boys taking part in service placements are Service- Learning at Aquinas College. required to find their own transport.

Arrangements will always be made for boarders It is expected that all graduates from Aquinas at no cost to families.

College will have demonstrated a willingness and ability to assist those in their community who are in need. It is important that our students develop compassion and empathy for those less fortunate than themselves through active preparation, involvement and critical reflection. A gradual process of learning and instruction has been designed to develop these values.

Service Learning

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

YEAR 8 HOME BASE PROGRAM (MINIMUM 10 HOURS) Introduction This program follows on from the year before Aquinas College is a Catholic school in the and focuses on a student’s home. It has three Edmund Rice tradition. All Aquinas students are main aims: called to be ‘men for others’.

1. Promote a more active role at home Faith-based Christian Service-Learning is an 2. Begin a more active role to serve their school example of experiential learning. This means that and parish community active in their local students are encouraged to use their talents and community. skills to actively serve others in their community.

3. Reflect deeply on what needs exist in their Because it is faith-based, students are also asked community to record and reflect on their service experiences and how, by their actions, they entered into an YEAR 9 encounter with Christ.

BEYOND HOME PROGRAM (MIN 10 HRS) The College provides a structured program for This program encourages students to be volunteer service and outreach for all years. community-minded and to seek areas of need There are three programs for Middle School where they can make a difference. It has three students. For each Year Level, students are asked main aims: to serve others and reflect on their experiences 1. Promote a more active role in their according to their age level. For all Middle-School community programs, students must complete an online 2. Understanding service as an important journal. Some time is given during Religion requisite for leadership classes to complete the exercises in the journal 3. Establishing a type of service that they feel and additional time must be spent at home. At passionate about the end of the year, students’ reports will indicate whether or not they have completed their How to get involved? program.

Under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Christian-Service Learning, students will be given YEAR 7 access to their online journals in stages during THE YOUNG AQUINIAN PROGRAM Term One. There will be information sessions for (MINIMUM 10 HOURS) all year levels and these will be publicised This is an introductory program that has two through the Student Bulletin, The Aquinian main aims; newsletter, Tutor periods and by email to 1. To promote service as an important part of parents. personal development 2. To promote service as an important part of The Middle-School programs that are organized spiritual development by the college include Aged Care Visits, Bush 3. There are four key areas in life that can help Care Days, Earth Assist, Friends of Blue Gum students become more aware of their social Lake, After School Environment and development and place in society.

Conservation, Street Appeals and Door Knocks 4. Goal Setting and general fundraising. In their community, 5. Understanding the importance of service students can also include service such as 6. Preparing to serve community gardens, conservation projects, 7. Commitment to service animal shelters, Meals on Wheels, preparing food for the homeless or assisting others who have disabilities.

Students should visit the Service Room to sign up for all rosters and events. This room is located on the ground floor of the Mount Sion Formation Centre.

Middle School Planner

Middle School Planner

Service Learning

Mt Henry Peninsula Conservation Group Soup Patrol, Eddie Rice Camps, Peer Support, Aged Care?

Encounter Retreat Leader, Mentor, Earth Assist?

Mt Henry Peninsula Conservation Group (MHPCG) Aquinas students from Years 4 – 12 can participate in environmental work on Mt Henry Peninsula as part of the College’s Service Learning Program. MHPCG has the following programs: Saturday Bush Care Days – 1.15pm to 3.30pm (afternoon tea provided) After School Environmental Service Learning on Wednesday and Thursday - 3.15pm to 4.45pm The programs are carried out during Terms 2 and 3. Parents/guardians are welcome to participate with their sons in conservation of the natural bushland. The environmental activities, which are supervised by staff and parent/friends volunteers include: Weeding, planting and watering native flora Trimming and spreading mulch around the DFES vehicle access track Clean Up Australia Day The Annual Great Cocky Count

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Let’s go Surfing, Leisure Buddies?

MHPCG newsletters are featured in the College newsletter ‘The Aquinian’.

These photographs show some of the environmental activities undertaken by student volunteers. Further information is available from Mrs Mavis Andrews – Coordinator, Mt Henry Peninsula Conservation Group at mavis.andrews@aquinas.wa.edu.au or 0407 447 669.

Derby Immersion, Philippines Immersion?

Middle School Planner

Community Service Awards

Community Service Awards Although it should never be the purpose or aim of any student to seek awards or rewards of any kind for participating in volunteer work, it is nevertheless important from the school’s and community’s perspective that we recognise achievement and effort in the same way as we recognise achievement and effort in other areas of College life.

Service Award This award is available to all students who has completed and recorded a minimum of 30 hours of Community Service over ONE academic year. At least 50% of these hours each year must be ‘core hours’.

Service Colours This award is available to any student who has completed and recorded a minimum of 60 hours of Community Service over TWO consecutive academic years with a minimum of 30 hours per year. At least 50% of these hours each year must be ‘core hours’.A formal reflection paper and evaluation must also be completed at the end of the program.

Service Honours This award is available to any student who have completed a minimum of 100 hours of community service over THREE or FOUR consecutive academic years with a minimum of 30 hours per year. At least 50% of these hours each year must be ‘core hours’. Students must also prepare one oral reflection report during their final year.

Community Service Awards

Service Learning Awards are available to all students at Aquinas College. The levels of achievement are significant and over many years they have served to reflect the importance and effort attributed to many hours of unselfish generosity and service.