Year 10 students have been studying Catholic Social Teaching this term in Religious Education. After learning about the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, social justice and human rights issues, students have been busy creating a not-for-profit business plan. The aim of their not-for-profit business plan was to come up with a unique, sustainable and valid idea to address homelessness in the local area. Their plan included writing a tender for a hypothetical funding grant of $50,000 with details about the short- and long-term plans for their business.
Students presented their plans to their class as a business “pitch”. Teachers have been impressed by the variety of ideas, detailed plans and enthusiastic “pitches” from many of the students. It has been lovely to see the compassion and respect shown by so many students for people experiencing homelessness.
We were fortunate to have some guest speakers from the University of Tasmania in Hobart visit the College to speak with Year 10 students about issues relating to Catholic Social Teaching, notably human rights. Professor Tim McCormack, Dr Matt Killingsworth and Lucy Milne delivered a presentation on Wednesday 29 March about the International Criminal Court and global justice. Professor Tim McCormack grew up in Burnie. His story is very inspiring – where a Law degree has taken a Burnie ‘lad’ – all the way to The Hague as a Special Advisor on War Crimes to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court! Professor McCormack explained that over the past 10 years, two North-West Coast students have been the recipients of a prestigious law scholarship, both students being Marist graduates. The most recent recipient, Gabrielle Gee, who is currently working as a legal assistant at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
It has been wonderful to be able to examine issues ranging from local to the international level. With so many compassionate young people in our midst, the future looks bright.
Mrs Sarah Douglas
Religious Education Teacher
