Community Engagement @ Mac.Rob
My Vote, My Voice
On August 9th, six students from our school had the privilege of attending the “My Vote, My Voice” event, organised by the National Council of Women of Victoria. Held in the esteemed Legislative Council Chamber, this annual event brought together students from 12 Melbourne schools to engage in discussions on a critical and timely issue: Social Media – A Blessing or a Curse.
The event provided our students with a unique opportunity to not only sit in the historic and impressive chamber but also to listen to other young people who are passionate about making a difference. The discussions were vibrant and thought-provoking, covering various perspectives on how social media impacts our lives, both positively and negatively.
Our students found the experience deeply enriching, as it allowed them to develop their public speaking skills, gain insights into different viewpoints, and understand the significance of their voices in shaping public opinion.
We are proud of our students for their active participation and for representing our school with excellence. The event has undoubtedly inspired them to continue engaging with important social issues and to use their voices to contribute to positive change in our community.
Interact Club | The Alba
Every Thursday in Term 2 during their lunch hour, students from the Interact Club have been visiting the Alba age care residents, creating a beautiful bond through meaningful conversations and shared experiences. These visits have proven to be much more than just a casual interaction; they have been a bridge connecting generations, offering invaluable insights and heartfelt moments.
For the students, these visits have been an eye-opening experience. They had the opportunity to learn about life in a different era, particularly from the perspective of women who grew up and achieved success during challenging times. The stories shared by the residents were rich with wisdom, resilience, and inspiration. Through these narratives, students gained a deeper understanding of history, perseverance, and the societal changes that have shaped our world today.
The residents, in turn, found great joy in the company of the young visitors. Their faces would light up with each visit, eager to share their stories and impart life lessons. The connection formed was profound, with both groups eagerly looking forward to these weekly interactions. The laughter, the shared memories, and the heartfelt conversations made these moments special and memorable for everyone involved.
As the term comes to an end, the residents expressed their sadness as they bid farewell to the students, cherishing the time spent together. The last visit was filled with mixed emotions—gratitude for the bonds formed and a touch of sorrow for the temporary goodbye. The impact of these visits, however, will linger in the hearts of both the students and the residents, a testament to the power of human connection and the value of intergenerational friendships.
The Interact Club looks forward to continuing this beautiful tradition in the future, fostering more meaningful connections, and learning experiences. Here's to the wonderful memories created and the many more to come!
For-A-Meal
On August 7th, Mac.Rob witnessed a remarkable display of community spirit and compassion, values that lie at the heart of our students. The Interact Club, in collaboration with Rotary, organised the “For A Meal” event, where 300 student volunteers came together to pack emergency food supplies for victims of natural disasters.
Over the course of the day, our dedicated students efficiently packed an impressive 3 tons of food, creating 30,000 food packs filled with rice, oats, and lentils. These packs will provide much-needed relief to those affected by natural disasters, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals during difficult times.
The success of this project is a testament to the leadership, commitment and teamwork of our students, who worked tirelessly to achieve this incredible feat. Their hard work not only demonstrated their efficiency but also reflected the core values of our school—community and compassion.
Through their efforts, our students have shown that when we come together for a common cause, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The For A Meal initiative has not only provided essential support to those in need but has also strengthened the bonds within our school community, reminding us of all of the power of collective action.
We are proud of our Interact Club and all the student volunteers who participated in this event, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to community and compassion in the future.
Back Pack For Vic Kids
In an inspiring display of Mac.Rob values, compassion and community spirit, the Interact Club and Social Service Club have joined forces for a remarkable cause: the Backpack 4 Vic Kids initiative.
This joint project provides crisis packs to vulnerable children, aged from birth to seventeen, who find themselves displaced and in urgent need of essentials. These packs are designed to bridge the gap, offering immediate support long before any formal arrangements can be made for their care.
The response from our school community has been overwhelming. Books, stationery, toys, clothes, and sanitary items poured in, each donation a symbol of the generosity that defines our students. These items, collected during the connect class, will go a long way in bringing comfort to children facing difficult circumstances.
We managed to pack up a truckload of goods, all set to be distributed to those who need them most. This initiative has not only provided crucial resources but also highlighted the power of collective action and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause.
Thank you to everyone who contributed, showing once again that our school community is one that cares deeply and acts with compassion. Together, we are making a difference, one backpack at a time.
Palladian’s Career Circle
We had a very successful Health Care and Biomedical Science Career Circle webinar on July 31st, featuring an impressive lineup of distinguished professionals in their respective Fields.
With a turnout of 179 participants, the strong attendance reflects the high level of interest and engagement within our community regarding careers in healthcare and biomedical Science.
Our esteemed presenters included:
Catriona Nguyen Robertson: Immunologist, Science Communicator, and Educator, currently a Learning Facilitator at Scienceworks and Teaching Scientific Researchers at the University of Melbourne.
Rochel Leng: Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist at Alfred Health, specialising in infectious diseases.
Lisa Lim: Dentist working in rural NSW, with postgraduate studies at the University of Sydney.
Ravali Goddam: Paediatric Registrar at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital.
Yan Yu: Veterinary professional at a veterinary emergency and specialist centre in Western Sydney.
The webinar provided a unique opportunity for our community to gain insights from these accomplished professionals, explore diverse career paths, and be inspired by their journeys. The pre-Google form format allowed participants to ask questions and engage with the speakers, enhancing the overall experience.
We are thrilled with the positive feedback received! There was enthusiastic applause, thumbs up, and hearts raining in when each presenter finished their talk. We even ran 17 minutes over time and had to end amidst a flurry of questions.
Undoubtedly his webinar has sparked a deeper understanding of healthcare and biomedical science careers among our students and families.
Ms. Rehana Ziyad | Community Partnerships Manager