Service-Learning initiatives Victory helping students understand the connection between compassion and responsible citizenship.
A College is not defined only by its buildings, programs or events, but by the way its people come together with shared purpose, care and hope for the future. At Victory, we want our students to do more than simply complete tasks or follow instructions. We want them to grow as confident, capable learners who are engaged in their education and believe that their learning matters.
And throughout this year, it has been pleasing to see the strong energy across the College when learning is active, purposeful and connected. A significant priority has been creating opportunities for students to put faith into action through service and community engagement. This helps students understand the connection between faith, compassion and active citizenship.
The Year 9 Rite Journey Service Week in Term 2 saw students organise and lead a range of events, from running two Soup’er Days across our border towns of Albury and Wodonga; perform Random Acts of Kindness; spend a day working for landcare organisation and finish with a massive “Ice Cold Courage for Cancer” day. Their fundraising efforts raised over $5,400 to support the work of The Sunshine Trust for local cancer patients.
In Term 3, our Casual Clothes Can Drive organised by our VCE VM students saw Victory provide 1,038 cans or non-perishable goods to the local New Life Chapel Care program.
Both were wonderful service opportunities for our students.
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The College has also welcomed representatives from various organisations who have shared the impact of their work and challenged students to consider how they can contribute positively to their communities. These encounters have reinforced our commitment to developing young people who understand service as an expression of Christian faith.
An upcoming highlight is the ALWS Walk My Way event, which will bring together our students, staff and the wider community to raise awareness and funds for the humanitarian aid work done by Australian Lutheran World Service supporting refugee children to access education. This initiative further reflects the College's commitment to living out Christian compassion through tangible action.
Weekly Primary and Secondary Chapel programs remain a cornerstone of faith formation at Victory. Whilst our Primary Chapels are often linked to key events such as Book Week and Father’s Day, there are also times for the messages to give active examples of living our core values such as ‘To be Challenged’.
This term, Our Secondary Chapels have heard stories from students, staff and special guests in our community, who have experienced the transforming power of God in their lives, all to intentionally connect faith to the everyday experiences of students. We value these opportunities making an impact on our future generations.
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At the heart of Service Learning remains our commitment that every student is valued and challenged. We see students willing to contribute when they have an active voice. When they feel valued, they grow in confidence. When they are challenged, they discover what they are capable of becoming.
Mr Brad Moss
Principal
