At SCAS, we are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and responsibility in our students. Central to this mission is a commitment to service learning, which provides students with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service, shaping them into responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. To this end, the Secondary School has introduced a Year 9 Service Learning Program initiative in 2024.
The Year 9 program commenced with a profound trip to Christ Church Cathedral in Grafton, NSW. This full-day pilgrimage was designed to immerse students in the rich traditions of the School’s Christian culture and offered students an opportunity to engage deeply in their spiritual journeys and learn about the Anglican tradition of service. The day was filled with relationship building, reflection, worship, and valuable insights from guest speakers, setting a meaningful tone for the year ahead.
Service learning at SCAS goes beyond traditional volunteerism. It combines community service with personal growth, academic learning, and civic responsibility. This structured approach encourages students to reflect on their experiences, connect real-world service with classroom knowledge, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
Service learning offers a multitude of benefits, including:
Developing Empathy: Engaging with various community members helps students gain a deeper understanding of different life experiences.
Building Character: Facing real-world challenges, often outside their comfort zones, strengthens students’ character.
Fostering Responsibility: Encourages social responsibility, empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities.
Strengthening Collaboration: Emphasises teamwork as students work together to address community needs.
The Year 9 Service Learning Program runs throughout the academic year, with students dedicating every second Thursday afternoon for three hours to various service activities. These activities span a wide range of community needs, allowing students to choose an area of service that resonates with them, including visits to Aged Care facilities, educating the community regarding textile waste, culminating in a Clothes Swap event, planting koala feed trees, volunteering at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Port Macquarie, and taking part in cleaning up local waterways.
Through these diverse activities, the students not only contribute to their communities but also grow personally and academically, embodying the core values of St Columba Anglican School. The Year 9 students’ dedication to making a difference is a testament to the power of education in fostering empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement.
Mr Tim Kallmier
Coordinator Faith, Environment & Service Learning
