St. Bernards College 2013 Yearbook #1 | Page 17

Special Character Social Justice Group “By my works I will show you my faith” T (James 2: 18) his has been the St Bernard’s Catholic Character theme for 2013. We have chosen to role model this theme and proudly share our faith through the activities we have undertaken in our school social justice group, ‘Sharing Champagnat’s Vision.’ In addition to this theme, as always we promote our Marist values and this year we have focussed on the pillar, ‘In the Way of Mary.’ Our goal was to be men of action, proud of our Catholic faith and strong role- models of social justice to our school community. This year we have undertaken the following activities: with mufti days and can drives to raise money for the good work they continue to do. We spent a weekend at the Magnificat Community in Featherston living out the Catholic social justice principles in a practical way where we could be of service to others. Our school Mass band has continued to engage the College community in Masses and liturgies with their contemporary interpretations of the mass parts, including playing for the Wellington World Youth Day experience. We would like to thank St Bernard’s for giving us the opportunity to be the College Special Character Captains for 2013. We want to acknowledge the contribution of the Deputy Special Character Captains, Nathan Russell and Jacob Netzler. As school leaders we know how important it is to have mentors that we respect and look up too, both of us would like to particularly acknowledge the assistance, support and mentoring given by Ms Fouhy, Mr Wilson and Mr Sutherland. We have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of 2013 and feel confident that we have had a positive impact on our school community, on our social justice group and on the way that Special Character is viewed at St Bernard’s. We wish next year’s leaders the very best success and finish in the words of St Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7). We have supported CARITAS and St Vinnies Jonathan McMillan & Joshua Dominikovich. Every Thursday the Year 13s have gone to Sacred Heart primary school where they spend lunchtime with the children, helping nurture &