Community Action commences for 2021

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Friday 5 March was St Michael’s first Community Action Day of 2021. It was an action-packed day, where we celebrated International Women’s Day, Clean Up Australia Day, participated in games and raffles, and most importantly, raised money and goods for our chosen charities the Sacred Heart Mission, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and Seed, the Indigenous branch of the Australian Youth Climate Council. A team of students from our School Leaders, Community Action and Environmental Action Groups worked together to ensure the day ran smoothly. The events started early with our annual International Women’s Day breakfast in Dolly’s Café. International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of women, to continue striving for gender equality and to show support for women who struggle. The 2021 theme for International Women’s Day was #ChoosetoChallenge – a call to action to continue pushing towards gender equality. The St Michael’s community reflected on how far society has come, and how far we still have to go, to truly achieve gender equality. This year, the event was livestreamed so all parents could take part. We were joined by guest speaker Wendy Tuohy, St Michael’s parent and award-winning columnist and editor who focuses on issues impacting women. Wendy spoke about problems faced by women today, and she praised the younger generations who challenge the status quo and the stereotypes that restrict them. Students, staff and parents contributed to the Sacred Heart Mission by donating funds, supermarket gift cards, and muchneeded toiletries to women experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. There was also a raffle to win a gift hamper from Pana Chocolate worth $150, which went home with one lucky parent!

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“Thank you for organising and hosting an inspiring and warming event. I’m so pleased that I made the trip to attend, and especially to listen to Wendy Tuohy’s talk which was very interesting and encouraging.” – Margo, St Michael’s parent As 5 March was also Clean Up Australia Schools Day, we made it our mission to make Friday ‘Derek’s Day Off’! Derek is St Michael’s tireless cleaner, who the students thought deserved to put his feet up for the day. Students used bags and gloves to collect any litter throughout the day. The high spirits of the day continued at lunchtime, when the entire campus enjoyed the music of DJ Aear (Year 8 student, Angus). For gold coin donations, students wore casual clothes and enjoyed many games and activities throughout this first Community Action Day of 2021. These actions meant that students in Years K to 6 raised money for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and students in Years 7 to 12 for Seed. These charities were researched and chosen by our School Leaders, Community Action Group and Environmental Action Group members. Thank you to our students, staff, parents and guests, particularly International Women’s Day guest speaker Wendy Tuohy, for making our first Community Action Day for 2021 so memorable.

“How uplifting it is to see how hugely improved empowerment appears to be among this cohort of young women, of which my daughter and her peers are a part”

– Wendy Tuohy, St Michael's parent and award-winning columnist

1. Students of all year levels helped to clean up the School 2. Ms Kate Kelly introducing the International Women's Day speaker 3. Prep students Lulu and Nina-Rose helping to clean up the School 4. Year 1 students Valentina and Isabella helping to clean up the

School 5. Parents and staff enjoyed the International Women's Day event 6. Wendy Tuohy speaking to the School