Mates

About MATES

MATES . . . Marists in Solidarity is a school based community service programme at Marist College Canberra. The program originated with a group of staff who had been keenly involved in the co-ordination and promotion of community service and justice activities for students over a number of years. Their discussions and reflections were guided by the belief that all students and staff at Marist are called to ‘do and be more’ with the local, national and global communities in which we live.

The Vision

We believe that as a Catholic school, Marist College should be concerned with the social issues of today’s world and bring them to the awareness of those in our community. In doing so, we would hope that we can develop within our College a spirituality that, individually, promotes service to others and, collectively, creates a commitment to people in need.

We also hopethat out of a true sense of solidarity, our students, both present and past, would increasingly be asking questions about WHY and HOW the gap between the rich and the poor in our society is widening and most importantly asking “What can I do about it – how much am I part of the problem – and can I be part of the answer?”

MATES

MATES is about relationship … inviting all in the Marist College Canberra community (students, staff and parents) to take up the challenge of understanding and reaching out in solidarity to people in need, especially those who are marginalised.

It is not simply about fund-raising. It is an invitation to take the time to come to know the people for whom we may support and distribute funds. It is an invitation to listen to their story and look at ways to foster relationships that eventually will lead to growth for all parties.

Why ‘MATES’?

Mateship in the Australian culture has a long and varied history. In its very best meaning, the word mate carries for us the ideas of ….
• a simple and quiet friendship
• someone who will spend time with you
• someone you can rely on
• someone who knows and shares in your story as you know and share in their story
• someone who will be with you in the tough times as well as the good times
• someone who will speak up for you.

Therefore, MATES captures for us the Marist ideals of presence, family spirit, simplicity, love of work and in the way of Mary. We have no doubt that St Marcellin Champagnat would understand the meaning of MATESHIP!

Developing a ‘Spirituality of Service’

As a Community Service Program, MATES has the potential to:

• develop a “Spirituality of Service” amongst our students and staff

• immerse all students, over their time here at the College, in an area of need within our local community and, for some, in our global community.

• provide an avenue for our old boys to continue their involvement with and support of the College by committing to Service

• provide recognition of all who give so freely of their services in support of many of the College’s areas of service

Who can MATES involve?

MATES takes into account the existing strengths of the College:

• Staff

• Student leadership

• Senior Student Leaders (House Captains and House Service Captains)

• The goodwill of our present student body

• Old Boys network

• Young Marists (ex-students)

• Lay Marists

• Connections that already exist with current agencies

Ultimately, a strong Community Service Programme allows us to:

• raise our consciousness and inspire our young men to work in solidarity with people's hopes and aspirations so that together we can transform society.

• acknowledge, and advocate for, the dignity and the significant role of all people, recognising their equal share in shaping a transformed society.

• form “strong minds and gentle hearts” in our young men

• further develop our students to become ‘Good Christians and Good Citizens’

• provide strong role models and mentors for others through wider College involvement i.e. staff and parents.

• support other groups and organizations working for the welfare and betterment of all people, especially the marginalized.

The MATES Logo

The original logo was created by Br Anselmo Kim, from the Marist Province of East Asia. Originally created for the Marist Year for Vocations,

it signifies the relational aspect of the Program and aspects of our Marist charism.

The logo incorporates various features of Marcellin Champagnat’s dream;

The “M” reminds of us Mary, our Good Mother, Marcellin and Marists.

The heart symbolises love.
The two people represent the relational concept of mates, people standing for, and walking with each other in relationship.
The blue symbolises Mary, youth and the dynamism of life.

The College Mission Statement

The College Mission Statement reminds us; “In 1817, belief in the importance of Christian education inspired Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. Today that same belief urges us to affirm the Catholic school as a nurturing environment where the Good News of Jesus Christ should be proclaimed and where faith, life and the call to justice can be recognised, reconciled and lived.” We believe that within this context of faith, life and justice, community service has the potential to be a key formative experience and one which goes resonates with the call of the Gospel to act with justice.

Further Information

For more insight into the MATES programme at Marist College Canberra you can speak with any of the following people:

· Your House Service Captain

· Your House Dean

· Any member of the Mission Team

MATES Awards Program

The MATES program has an award system which acknowledges the efforts of our students in the area of Service. In the same way that the College recognises students’ academic, cultural and sporting achievements, this program is a specific way of recognising students’ time and contribution to Service on an ongoing basis.

Bronze	Silver	Gold	Platinum
25 Hours	50 Hours	100 Hours	160 Hours
25 hours School based service	25 hours School based service + 25 hours Service Beyond the Marist Community	50 hours School based service + 50 hours Service Beyond the Marist Community	160 hours Service Beyond the Marist Community + Must be nominated

*School based service is…* School based charity, service project or a local, national or global organisation voluntary service.			*Service Beyond the Marist Community…* Charity, service project or a local, national or global organisation voluntary service that is not for the Marist community.

*Hours are cumulative from years 7 - 12*

Completion of Service Details

A set of criteria has been established to assist in the awarding of the each level. Students are able to register their involvement in areas of “service” within the College using forms available through their House Deans, the Ministry Office or the Youth Ministry Office.

These forms need to be fully completed before lodging with the Ministry or Youth Ministry Office. Their contents will then be recorded on the College Synergetic database for later confirmation of award status.