This week we recognise all girls who helped lead and run our Year 9 Encounter Days. We also profile Isabelle Clyne and Lily Christie.

Focussing on Mercy and Service, the Year 9s bonded through group discussions, games and prayer during their Encounter Days this week.

Isabelle and Lily were involved and have shared their thoughts about Service:

Isabelle Clyne – Year 12

As a Mercy school, I think that service is an integral part of our values. I started doing it as a way to occasionally get out of class, but now it's so much more than that! 

Now, I find it a way to give back to the community, and meet new people. Recently, I got involved in the Year 9 Encounter Days, Children's Day event, and liturgical band (to name a few). 

The Grace and Mercy House Year 9s that I worked with this week were lovely and very engaged. It was a really rewarding day and provided an opportunity to get involved with others. 

I urge all girls to get involved in service this year. A great opportunity for all year levels is Young Vinnies, or the liturgical band (for musicians and singers). 

A quote that sums up why I serve is: "For it is in giving that we receive" - St Francis of Assisi

Lily Christie – Year 12

Service is an opportunity for me to give back to others, both at Villa and in the wider community. Reaching out to others is an important part of being a Mercy woman. As we move forward, I believe we must always turn around and help the next person in line. 

I have served by volunteering fortnightly at Ronald McDonald House. This enables me to help families in the community who have children facing health challenges and who need to be away from home for treatment. Helping with cleaning, baking and spending time with the residents enables me to make a small difference at a difficult time in their lives. 

I have also served the Villa community by being a part of the Peer to Peer Ministry. This has enabled me to share and contribute to the faith journeys of others through encounter days at Villa and other Catholic primary schools in Christchurch. I am also privileged to be a Villa Peer Support Leader. 

Serving my school and community allows me to meet new people, learn new skills, and grow in confidence. I encourage you all to take any opportunity to give back to others. Service does not need to be a big commitment; small acts can make the world of difference to someone.

A quote that I follow to help me understand why I serve is: “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you have given back.” – Denzel Washington 

Upcoming Service Opportunities

Easter Charity Raffle

Three prizes are available. The main prize is worth $50 and includes an Easter coffee mug, chocolate assortments and more! Two smaller prizes worth $20 include chocolate assortments and more! $2 a ticket or 3 tickets for $5 - these can be collected from the main reception now.

All proceeds from this raffle will be going towards the Battered Women’s Trust, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families to live violence free. 

Student Volunteer Army (SVA)

Download the app to log service hours. Being part of SVA is great for your CV and blazer! 

Young Vinnies

Calling Year 9-13s who want to take action in the community! Service initiatives led by Young Vinnies include… Can Drives, Winter Woolies, St. Vinnies Fashion Shows and more!

Contact Sophia Ward and Madde Sales for more information.