24 July 2023: Wellness Week at Mount Alvernia College
Kedron, Brisbane
In an era marked by unprecedented challenges to mental health, Mount Alvernia’s 2023 captains launched a new initiative, called, Wellness Week.
The Kedron-based girls’ college kicked off the week with Letters of Affirmation and Gratitude. Heartfelt sentiments were displayed throughout the school, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love. Tuesday was all about movement, with Sport Captain Sophia leading the students in a Just Dance exercise which set the tone for days of heightened happiness.
Wednesday and Thursday introduced a sense of tranquility, with mindfulness practices and a soothing movie day. A moment to slow down and centre provided much-needed solace in the hustle of academic life. The week concluded with the highly anticipated Blue Day! This day was all about coming together in festivity and raising funds for the Beyond Blue Foundation. The energy and atmosphere was palpable, as students and staff grooved to the beat of the FCIP Rock Band.
It was a week to remember, with College Captain Erin Winstanley saying, “I truly believe Wellness Week and especially Blue Day brought our community together and #MERGEDTHEMAROON (or rather, blue), reminding everyone of the support that lies within the foundation of Mt A”.
Mount Alvernia’s Wellness Week has not only highlighted the necessity of mental wellbeing but also laid the foundation for future conversations and actions within the college community. It was a week that spoke to the power of open conversations, dispelling stigma and fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
July 2023: Best Foot Forward
Mercy Works
A 32-year-old asylum seeker from Papua New Guinea is a participant in Mercy Workspartnership with the Romero Centre – Gateways To Employment for People Seeking Asylum – in Brisbane, which has so far helped 20 women and 17 men gain employment since July 2022.
July 2023: 2023 Mercy Tree Beneficiary
Parramatta
The Mercy Tree is a social justice initiative of Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta that has been running for over 10 years. The 2023 Beneficiary of the initiative is the Baabayn Mums and Bubs Group which run a program to enhance the parenting and broader life skills of young Indigenous mums while also promoting the resilience of young families in order to reduce the likelihood of intervention by child protection authorities.
The Mercy Tree raises funds to support charitable causes nominated by the fund’s Trustee, while the remainder is invested to provide a secure ongoing revenue stream to support social justice programs.
