Faith Doing Justice

Social Justice at Saint Ignatius College

The rationale for our service program – Community Service and Social Justice is rooted in the belief of St. Ignatius that “love is shown in deeds rather than in words.” We invite our students to become “men and women for others” by educating their minds and hearts to horizons beyond their previous experience and into the world beyond the world they know. We believe it is important that they come in contact with people who on the surface may be unlike themselves, people who are poor, both materially and in spirit and body, people who are marginalized, socially or economically disadvantaged, and disabled either in mind or body.

Our support of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Meal Program for the economically disadvantaged are prime examples of our Ignatian Service in our local community. Internationally, we support the initiatives of our Ignatian Schools Network with regard to common projects such as our support of St Joseph’s College in Timor Leste.

Focus: Competence, Conscience and Compassion in all areas of life.

The Saint Ignatius College Social Justice Committee aims to work in partnership with Catholic and Jesuit groups and associations in an active and advocating manner. We will assist these organisations in a way that respects their dignity and works to restore faith in community and the generosity of others. As a Committee we will follow the vision of the College, striving to create an education of the entire student of competence, conscience and compassion who dedicate themselves to the service of others. We will work for the greater glory of God in the Ignatian way.

As a school community we are inspired to work with the greater Jesuit community and work through the Social Justice Teachings of the Catholic Church.

In the name of Jesus, in the spirit of Ignatius companions, for a faith that does justice.

In conjunction with all Catholic Secondary Schools in Geelong

• Triumph Festival

• Holiday Program for students with a refugee background

• CLOGS (Catholic Leaders of Geelong)

Saint Ignatius College Activities:

Community service:

• Bowel scan Letterbox drop for Lions Club

• Attending regularly at Meals Program in Geelong

• Winter Food Appeal (Geelong Food Drive)

• Christmas Hamper Appeal (Vinnies Geelong)

• Blood Bank donations

  Assistance at St. Thomas Primary School

  Year 9 Community service initiatives

Awareness Campaigns

• Year 12 Giving Back Program

• Jesuit Refugee Service Youth Award

• Winter Sleep Out (homelessness)

Fund raising

• Caritas Australia – Project Compassion

• Viqueque Casual Dress day

Social Justice issues and events

• Inviting guest speakers to Saint Ignatius College

• Attendance at annual Model United Nations Conferences (other schools throughout the region also attend)

• Attend various Social Justice Seminars and Leadership Days

• ‘Just Leadership’ Seminar at Xavier College

• ‘A day in Viqueque’ Workshop at St. Joseph’s College

For further information about our programs please follow the links to the relevant policy statements:

Social Justice Policy