From the Justice and Mercy Coordinator

The Justice and Mercy (JAM) group at St Aloysius College brings together students from Years 6–12 who share a passion for making a difference. Guided by staff and Old Scholars, JAM students lead initiatives throughout the year that raise awareness, inspire action and support social and environmental justice causes.

JAM meets each Friday at lunchtime, where students take part in leadership formation, deepen their understanding of justice issues and collaborate to plan activities that engage the wider school community. Beyond these weekly gatherings, many JAM students also contribute to Mercy Matters initiatives for Years 7–9 and regularly volunteer at Sr Janet Mead’s Adelaide Day Centre for the Homeless on nearby Queen Street. Ava S, in Year 8, says of her experience volunteering, “I enjoy volunteering at the Day Centre because I get to meet new people, help in small but meaningful ways, and feel like I’m making a positive difference in someone’s day.”

Term 1 is always a vibrant time for JAM, as new students join the group and long-standing members reconnect after the summer break. It is a season of building community, exploring important issues and laying the foundations for the many initiatives that will unfold across the year.

Welcoming ‘Catherine’ from Catherine House

So far this year, students have led campaigns to raise awareness for International Women’s Day, during which we introduced “Catherine” — a large figure representing Catherine House, one of the Mercy-founded charities supported generously by the SAC community through fundraising efforts across the year. Students, families and staff are invited to visit Catherine, who will be located at the back of the front foyer this year, and learn more about this incredible local organisation.

ACRATH Ethical Consumer Presentation by Young Mercy Links SA

On Friday 6 March, we were delighted to welcome back Gaby Kinsman (Class of 2011) and Mia Konopka (Class of 2022), representing Young Mercy Links SA. This dynamic duo, who personify our Mercy values, spoke to JAM students on behalf of the ACRATH anti-slavery organisation, highlighting the importance of making ethical choices as consumers wherever possible. In the lead-up to Easter, students were encouraged to consider how choosing ethically sourced chocolate can help ensure this season is sweeter for everyone.

Harmony Week Launch

On Monday 16 March, we successfully launched Harmony Week at SAC with a vibrant cultural celebration led by students, with exceptional stewardship demonstrated by Year 12 JAM Leaders Daisy Lewis and Teah Snyman. Harmony Week is a national initiative celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion. More than 30 JAM students spent several weeks preparing a wide range of engaging stalls showcasing cultures from around the world. Bringing this vision to life was no small undertaking, and its success is a wonderful example of how teamwork truly makes the dream work. We especially thank family members of our dedicated students who contributed cultural artefacts, family heirlooms and personal recipes — these added a special touch to the celebrations.

It is never too late for students to join JAM and contribute their own ideas. To close Term 1, we will be turning our attention to how we can better care for our planet — our common home, recognising Earth Hour Day and acknowledging the first ever Jane Goodall Day, to be help globally on April 3. We hope to see some new faces at lunch on Fridays in the McAuley Auditorium.

Ms Maddie Kelly
Justice and Mercy Coordinator

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