Social Justice
Social Justice at St John’s Regional College is grounded in our mission to learn, live and lead with compassion and action. Through our Religious Education and Personal Development curriculum, students are consistently and deliberately exposed to the realities and needs of people beyond our College gates.
We encourage students to think critically, act justly, and serve others—locally and globally. Below are some of the key programs and initiatives that reflect our commitment to justice, equity, and solidarity.
Mission Action Day – LET’S GET M.A.D.
Each year, we dedicate this day to looking beyond ourselves and recognising the power we have to create positive change. Make a Difference Day (MAD Day) is an important opportunity for our entire College community to come together and raise awareness and funds for two vital causes:
- Wellsprings for Women, supporting vulnerable women and families in our Dandenong community
- Lasallian Foundation, specifically supporting St Solomon’s School in Pakistan and other educational programs for disadvantaged youth across the region
MAD Day is a celebration of generosity, unity and the belief that we can make a difference—both locally and globally.
FIRE Carrier Program
Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education
St John’s is proud to be a FIRE Carrier School, partnering with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Yingadi Aboriginal Corporation, and supporting the Opening the Doors Foundation. The program promotes reconciliation, cultural understanding and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our FIRE Carrier group—made up of staff and students—works to ensure First Nations perspectives are respected and visible in our community, through events, education and ongoing commitment to justice and healing.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers
Each year, our College community supports the St Vincent de Paul Society by preparing Christmas hampers for families in need. This act of generosity allows our students to directly contribute to bringing joy, dignity and hope to those doing it tough during the festive season.
Caritas Australia – Project Compassion
As a proud supporter of Caritas Australia, we participate in Project Compassion during Lent. Through fundraising and awareness-raising activities, students learn about global poverty and injustice and how small actions can create significant change for vulnerable communities around the world.
Cambodia Immersion
Our Cambodian Immersion Program provides senior students with the opportunity to experience life in a developing country. Each year, students visit partner schools, engage in cultural exchange, and contribute to community projects – developing empathy, perspective and a deeper understanding of global inequality and human dignity.
The four core principles of Catholic Social Teaching are:
- The dignity of the person
- The common Good
- Solidarity
- Subsidiarity
From these flows the principles of the preferential option for the poor, participation, economic justice and stewardship. These principles are responsive to particular social issues such as poverty and inequality, the right to work and environmental degradations.
Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans (ACRATH)
As part of our commitment to human rights and dignity, St John’s engages with ACRATH, an organisation working to end human trafficking in Australia and beyond. Students learn about modern slavery, ethical consumerism, and how advocacy can be a powerful tool in standing up for the most vulnerable.
