Learning about social justice

Students recently attended the Diocesan Mission Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta and afterwards learnt the work other schools were doing on social justice issues.

Students Krishan Kirpal, Jenella Mendoza, and Isabelle McIntyre said they learnt a lot from the day and were inspired to talk to others about ideas they could try at St. John’s.

“One high school had a day without electricity and technology so the students had to use books, maps and other resources to research their subject topic.

“They found it hard not having technology at their fingertips to find out the information they needed and on the same day it was also a really hot so they did not have access to fans and air conditioning to cool themselves down, they had to use a piece of paper or something else to blow air on them.

“This day was undertaken so that the students were able to see what it would be like to be in a school that did not have electricity or technology.

Another of the high schools had thought of a way to help children in Africa who have no access to clothes.

“They figured out a way to create a dress for girls, and shorts for boys out of a pillowcase, or a piece of fabric. To make the dress out of the pillowcase is very simple. All you need to do is cut out a hole for the head, and two holes on the side for the arms. They raised a lot of money to help the children in Africa who are suffering. “

One of the Primary schools had gotten the children to do chores at home for their parents, and instead of earning money, they earned cans of food. The year sixes also did chores and earned money instead of food cans. The money and food cans were donated to charity to help them throughout the summer.

Written By

St John's Primary School Riverstone
www.stjohnsriverstone.catholic.edu.au

23 Sep 2026
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A little change in how we share our St John’s story in order to protect our students.

18 Sep 2026
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On Monday, seven of our Year 6 students represented our school at the Socktober launch and soccer gala day held by Catholic Mission, CSPD and the Wanderers soccer club. They had a great day of playing soccer with other schools in the diocese. They also spent some time learning about the country of Malawi and difficulties faced by many of its citizens. The students also learnt how to make soccer balls out of recycled materials. This year, Catholic Mission is raising funds to build a school in Malawi to provide education to 800 students. St John’s will be supporting Catholic Mission’s appeal early next term with a fundraising initiative led by the Year 6 students who attended the Socktober Gala day and other volunteers from our Mini Vinnie’s team. If you would like to contribute to our school fundraising page earlier, please click on this link. https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/stjohnsriverstone/socktober-2026 Keep a look out for our Term 4 Faith In Action initiatives which we will be sharing shortly. Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts for Catholic Mission and the Socktober appeal.