From Monday 4th to Wednesday 6th our Year 10 cohort participated in a Year 10 Service Learning Week that left a lasting impact on both the students and the communities they served. This three day long initiative, designed to blend academic learning with real-world experiences, provided students with the opportunity to give back to their local communities while developing essential life skills. It was an enriching, hands-on opportunity for students to not only engage with important social issues but also to witness the power of collective effort and empathy. This year’s Service Learning Week gave our Year 10 students the chance to contribute to a wide variety of causes while learning invaluable lessons about leadership, empathy, and teamwork. We are so proud of the enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work they demonstrated throughout the week.
Highlights from Service Learning Week:
1. Serving Our Local Community
Throughout the week, students were divided into small groups and worked on a variety of projects that addressed local community needs. From volunteering at a community cafe, assisting in environmental conservation efforts, sorting boxes at Operation Christmas Child to supporting elderly residents, each student had the chance to make a tangible difference. This experience allowed students to see the immediate impact of their efforts and the importance of service in building stronger, more connected communities. For many, it was an eye-opening experience that sparked new interests and a deeper understanding of social responsibility.
2. Service to Our College Community
In addition to serving the wider community, Year 10 students dedicated a significant portion of their time to supporting various activities within our own College. This ranged from helping our maintenance and Grounds staff replant our vertical gardens and line marking the oval, to helping create resources for our younger students, to running sporting, drama and art activities, to cooking and serving in our very own MRK canteen. It was heartwarming to see the students bond across grade levels, reinforcing the sense of community that makes our College so special.
3. Leadership and Reflection
Beyond the community service activities, the week included a range of workshops designed to give students a greater understanding of serving and the need for compassion, particularly from a Christian worldview. From reflective discussions about personal growth to presentations from volunteers in our community including SES and Lifeline, students were encouraged to think critically about their roles in society and how they can continue contributing in the future.
4. Building Empathy and Inclusion
Another core theme of Service Learning Week was promoting empathy, inclusion, and diversity. Students worked on projects that directly supported and encouraged marginalized groups, including elderly residents and those facing financial hardship. These experiences broadened their understanding of the challenges faced by different members of the community and inspired them to be more thoughtful and compassionate in their actions. Some of the activities included writing letters to residents at an Anglicare nursing home and serving at a community cafe.
Student Testimonials:
- "This week was eye-opening. I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, whether in the community or with younger students at our school. It was inspiring to see how small actions can have such a big impact."
- "It felt good to be part of something that made other students' experiences at the College better."
- “I wish we could serve the community more often, I wanted to do more”
- “It felt so rewarding to know that we were doing something to make their day just a little bit better”
Our College community really came together this week, demonstrating the values of collaboration, kindness, and service that we strive to foster in every student. The success of Service Learning Week is a testament to the dedication of our Year 10 students and the broader College community. Our community groups were greatly impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the Year 10 students. The local volunteers noted that “the Year 10s were absolutely wonderful. They arrived with such energy and really embraced the work we gave them. They didn’t just do tasks; they were genuinely engaged with our mission, asking questions and showing empathy to the individuals we serve. It was clear they understood the importance of their contribution.” Similarly, a coordinator of another community group shared, "We were so impressed by the students’ initiative and teamwork. They were not only eager to help, but they also brought fresh ideas to the table, which made the day even more productive. It was a pleasure having them volunteer, and we hope to partner with them again in the future."
We are excited to see how our students continue to use the skills and insights they gained from this experience in their lives within and beyond the College.
