Outreach and Events
Harmony Week,
St Aloysius College
JAM
Justice and Mercy (JAM), is at the heart of social justice initiatives at St Aloysius College, inspiring meaningful change through everyday actions.
Justice And Mercy (JAM), is at the core of social justice initiatives at St Aloysius College. Students and staff in the group focus on educating themselves about social and political issues and relaying this information to the rest of the school community via awareness and fund-raising campaigns.
The JAM group consists of anywhere between twenty and a hundred young social activists from years four to twelve, who are passionate about making a difference locally and internationally. They meet once a week to discuss up and coming social and environmental events and brainstorm ways that St Aloysius College can get involved.
Within the group, primary and secondary students collaborate, educate and learn from one another in a hands-on environment. The group gives students the chance to steer the focus towards their own interests, take a leadership position within smaller groups, and develop a passion for both environmental and social justice in our world. JAM is a community that upholds SAC’s values of mercy and fosters global thinkers, who enter a world after school with an overarching knowledge on how to make a difference and how to create real change starting with small actions.
JAM Initiatives
Refugee Week
As an inclusive school community, Refugee Week is a pivotal event for JAM. It is a time to celebrate the refugees in our school community and to give thanks for all they contribute to our Australian society. JAM runs activities to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and to advocate for vulnerable refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.
Environmental Action
Green JAM students have been participating in environmental advocacy through such events as School Strikes for Climate. Staff and JAM students gathered outside Adelaide Parliament house to hear speakers and rally for better governance surrounding climate change. A number of small initiatives have been undertaken within the school to promote environmental awareness such as our school garden patches, where herbs and vegetables are grown for the Adelaide Day Centre.
Free Trade Fortnight
During Fair Trade fortnight, the JAM group runs a Fair-Trade coffee and hot chocolate stall each morning before school. The aim is to spark conversations about the cause and to raise awareness of the ways that students and staff can participate in more ethical shopping as consumers.
Winter Sleepout
The Social Justice Coordinator hosts an annual Winter Sleep Out for the year twelve cohort. In this space, taboos and stereotypes surrounding homelessness are discussed, with students participating in activities that address power and privilege.
By Clare Peterson
JAM Coordinator (2018-2021)