A FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT OF LIFE AT MONTE

Community Service

Community and Service have always been fundamental aspects of the Mercy tradition at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College.

In Middle School, students are exposed to various Community Service initiatives and programs that aim to extend the student’s personal development and are based on the cycle of awareness, service and reflection. For example, Year 9 students regularly visit local aged-care facilities which helps foster community relations.

In Senior School, students participate in the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) program. CAS is a mandatory element of the IB Diploma, however, all senior students are expected to select a variety of activities that fall under each of the areas for an overall balanced experience.

LEARNING FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES' SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL VALUES

Biamunga

Biamunga is a journey of discovery that can offer learning from First Nations peoples’ spiritual and cultural values.

Connection and immersion

At Monte, the Biamunga Mob explore language, Indigenous art and craft, cooking, wagaji (ceremonial dance), wellness and meditation in fortnightly meetings. They also discuss current events and political issues, such as the Makarrata and opportunities for connection and advocacy.

The College celebrates NAIDOC week with activities and guest artists from the community at Mutitjulu. We also host the Biamunga Yarn-Up, featuring a smoking ceremony and guest speakers sharing their stories and experiences.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES

Mercy Action Group

The Mercy Action Group comes together every fortnight to drive positive change. They discuss a variety of social justice issues from environmental sustainability to human rights and beyond, often working with the Green Team on environmental issues.

Advocates for Social Justice

Through thoughtful initiatives and community engagement, Mercy Action Group at Monte strives to make a meaningful impact both within the College and surrounding communities to create a more just and compassionate world.

One of their major initiatives is the Fair Trade Café, serving fair trade drinks and snacks to fundraise and raise awareness for global equal working conditions for all.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY

Green Team

The Green Team is committed to promoting sustainability, raising awareness and planning initiatives for our environment.

Sustainability

The Green Team introduced solar panels to increase the College’s usage of renewable energy and established hives for stingless native bees, which help preserve native ecology.

In 2024, the team is dedicated to restoring the biodiversity of the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, a plant community that once sprawled across 5300 hectares from North Head to Botany Bay but has declined to just 3%. Collaborating with Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia, they will plant this unique ecosystem around the College campus, enriching our school environment with greater biodiversity.

They previously won the Australia Day Young Environment Citizen of the Year Award from North Sydney council for reducing landfill waste at the College by introducing a new recycling and waste collection program.