This semester our Year 9 students, and some Year 12 students, are using their creative skills for a purpose – standing up to violence and discrimination.
‘One Million Stars to End Violence is a peaceful global weaving project that engages communities in a conversation about ending all forms of violence,’ said Campaign Founder Maryann Talia Pau.
‘I started One Million Stars to End Violence in 2012 as my personal response to the rape and murder of a young woman in my community. It was a difficult time for our community and I was moved by people’s kindness and compassion and by Dr Martin Luther King Jnr’s words of being light and love in the world. I sent a message out on Facebook and invited the world to join me in weaving stars with the hope of creating an installation of one million stars by 2018,’ she said (courtesy www.onemillionstars.net/about).
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night
already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jnr
At Loreto College Ballarat, we are attempting to make 10,000 stars, which will be sent to Brisbane in preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where they will be displayed along with stars made by people all over the world.
On Thursday 16 February, 2017 a call out to the entire College to get involved saw students from all year levels descend on the Mulhall Centre for a lunchtime ‘star making’ frenzy.
A visit from WIN News captured the energy and enthusiasm of our Year 9 students in promoting this very important campaign.
Year 9 Coordinator Ms Kelli Baird expressed ‘a huge thank-you on behalf of the Year 9’s to everyone who came to support our anti-violence campaign and our push to make 10,000 stars.’
A focus on Social Justice and raising the profile of issues that affect our communities is an integral part of a Loreto education, a sentiment echoed by fellow Year 9 Coordinator, Mr Shane Nankervis. ‘High energy and enthusiasm in the Mullhall Centre today. Well done girls. A great effort for a great cause. This is what Loreto is about!’ he said.
Across half a day 370 stars were created, taking our current ‘star total’ to 450.
Students from all year levels are invited to continue to support our star making efforts in the Mulhall Centre at lunchtimes.
