Peace and peace building go beyond simply the absence of conflict. They are positive, constructive ways of living that require constant nurturing and that reflect the sacredness that is in the deepest part of our being-the sacredness that is the presence of the God of peace in our world.
(2010 Social Justice Sunday Statement)
At St. Philip Neri we are committed to an environment that encourages an awareness of justice for each other and also the marginalized in our society. In all aspects of school life we seek to present to children the Catholic Worldview that being a Christian is synonymous with living and working for justice for all persons.
Our Role is to:
- Educate our children
- Educate ourselves
- Fundraise
- Give of our time
- Model social justice in our lives
- Be a support to those in need
Our Social Justice program aims to work collaboratively with the school community to achieve common goals through education, acts of service and monetary support.
Donations
- Caritas Australia- Project Compassion, providing international aid and development.
- Goodooga Central School- Financial support is offered to our ‘sister’ school to assist in the development of school grounds and educational resources.
- St Vincent’s De Paul- Donations of food and blankets for the ‘winter appeal’ as well as gifts for Christmas for children in need. Together with our parish we assist the community Waterloo.
- Fred Hollows Foundation- To assist in providing medical assistance to the indigenous people of Australia in fighting Glaucoma.
- Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation- To assist in supporting families of children who are battling illness.
- Peru- Purchasing handicrafts to assist in providing families of Peru with urgent supplies of food and water
Services
- Establishing communication links with the students of Goodooga Central School, whereby students at SPN talk via Skype to students in Goodooga.
- Physical and emotional support individuals in need in the school community.
- Parent assistance in preparing and serving food at St Canice’s Soup Kitchen- an organisation that provides assistance to the homeless in Sydney.