| ANZAC Day Service | | http://www.spcc.qld.edu.au/news/Pages/ANZAC-Day-Service.aspx | ANZAC Day Service | <p style="text-align:justify;">On Tuesday 24 April 2018 , students from St Peter Claver College were invited to perform in the ANZAC Day Service hosted by St Mary's College. The students proudly represented their school and their heritage by performing the Haka and a Maori dance. Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in World War I were honoured and remembered as the students led St Mary's in singing the New Zealand National Anthem. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The service marked the centenary of ANZAC Day and paid respect to Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who fought during World War I. Particular mention was made of Captain Pirimi Tahiwi, a New Zealand soldier who, before enlisting, was a teacher and Rugby Union player. Captain Tahiwi led a company in the battle of Sari Bair and led the men in the famous Te Rauparaha's haka. Captain Tahiwi was wounded during the attack but rejoined his unit upon release from hospital. In 1965, Captain Tahiwi travelled back to Gallipoli for the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary commemoration (being the sole surviving officer of the Maori contingent) and there he laid a mere, a revered Maori weapon, at the memorial in honour of those who fought and those who died during that fateful campaign.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mr Eneli Pakau, Community Advocate and Teacher at St Peter Claver College, said how wonderful it was for the students to be invited to participate in the service and celebrate Maori culture. “The service was the first time our students had ever performed all Maori performances in a school performance," Mr Pakau said, “and for some it was their first time of ever performing the Haka." A diversity of cultures was represented by the students who participated, a value which is prominent in the St Peter Claver Mission for 2018 to Awaken Joy, Embrace Change and Celebrate Diversity.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/news/PublishingImages/Anzac%20Day%202.jpg" alt="Anzac Day 2.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-4" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" /><br></p> | | | | |
| Having the courage to make a difference | | http://www.spcc.qld.edu.au/news/Pages/Havingthecouragetomakeadifference.aspx | Having the courage to make a difference | <p>Two holocaust survivors have encouraged Year 11 students at St Peter Claver College, Riverview, to stand up for what's right, rather than be a bystander, when faced with injustice.<br></p><p>Living historians Mimi and Susie shared their experiences during World War II with the students, emphasising the story of their rescue and the support provided by others – support which enabled them to survive.</p><p>The pair are members of the Courage to Care travelling exhibition, an organisation that aims to empower senior school students to stand up to prejudice, discrimination and bullying.</p><p>Mimi explained how she was only seven-years old when war broke out.</p><p>She told the students how she was constantly on the run from the Nazis with her grandparents, mum and dad, and her little brother.</p><p>Her parents did everything they could to keep the children and grandparents safe even if it meant being separated for months on end without any form of contact</p><p>Student Summer-Rose Radley said although Mimi's story was one of millions to be told, it really moved her and made her feel grateful for everything that she had.</p><p>“What these survivors went through is so traumatic that we can't even imagine," she said.</p><p>“Yet people like Mimi are so resilient that they can continue a family in a completely different country and live their life to the fullest.</p><p>“I think a message that everyone should take out of this is that we should be so grateful for the people that we love and the fact that we live in a society where discrimination is not tolerated."</p><p>Student Ryan Green said he felt privileged to meet and hear the stories of two Holocaust survivors.</p><p>“They gave us an insight into how tough it was being Jewish during World War II," he said.</p><p>Ryan said they learnt about various movements by those who were against the Nazis and who risked their lives to save countless amounts of Jewish people across Europe.</p><p>He said they included the Danish resistance movement and many everyday citizens.</p><p>“The bravery and courage of these individuals who risked not only their lives, but their families also, to stand up against their government and protect people they may have never met before, in my eyes is something to be commended."</p><p>He said he was extremely grateful to have been a part of such a life changing experience and was every student took away something different from the stories.</p><p>“I'm sure it has inspired many of my fellow peers to stand up against discrimination in the community, as, although our actions may not compare to those of the Danish resistance, they can be a great importance in ensuring that everyone is treated equally."</p><p>“I know that thanks to the Courage of Care volunteers we have all learnt a valuable lesson."</p><p>Student Tuia Gregory said he wanted to make a difference.</p><p>“So much of what had happened in these rescue stories was dependant on the courageousness of a select few who stood up against the oppressors and made the choices necessary to create change," he said</p><p>“Nothing will ever change if we don't take the steps towards positive action.</p><p>“To make a difference in this world we must all join together to do what we know is right by having the courage to care," he said.</p><p>Assistant Principal for Religious Education Angela Ryan said the student-centred program conveyed messages of social tolerance and of living in harmony.</p><p>She said it linked in particularly well with Study of Religion and Religion and Ethics and with Say No to Bullying Day and Harmony Day.</p><p>“The exhibition emphasised the importance of standing up to racism, persecution and any form of prejudice, especially in relation to individuals who belong to minority groups.</p><p>“It was especially relevant to school students as they encounter media images of intolerance and prejudice, or when they experience racism or bullying at school, she said.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/news/PublishingImages/IMG_5785.jpg" alt="IMG_5785.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /> <br></p><p><br></p> | | | | |
| Launch of Project Compassion | | http://www.spcc.qld.edu.au/news/Pages/Launch-of-Project-Compassion.aspx | Launch of Project Compassion | <p class="ms-rteElement-P" style="text-align:left;"><span>Our Student Leaders celebrated the launch of Project Compassion with mass at St Stephen's Cathedral. Approximately 800 students and staff from across the BCE community gathered together. The cathedral was standing room only on a very hot day. Amelia Caesar, Social Justice Captain 2018 was commissioned in her role by the Archbishop. After mass our students enjoyed the songs performed by artists from the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts. It is always a great pleasure to accompany our students to these events. </span></p>
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