Rationale

The purpose of providing an opportunity for students to serve at home is to help the students to recognise the value of goodness when offered in action and service.

At this college we suggest to students that the goodness that lives inside their being is an image and a reflection of God. We say that this goodness is not an automatic reality or presence and the person needs to be in relationship with this goodness for it to develop and mature, to be in communion with it.

A student, when given the challenge to serve goodness (in this case their own family), has the chance to reflect on the value of service and how goodness in service to others, is how love builds the kingdom of God.

In year 8, students have largely been on the receiving end of this goodness through their parents and wider family. It is important that students do not become selfish and enamoured with their own “specialness” and come to appreciate the love that has been showered on them. It is hoped that students will be invited to respond to the gifts they have received by offering themselves in service to their family and others.

Students who embrace this project with enthusiasm and generosity grow in goodness and are in greater harmony with themselves and others. They experience directly how transforming it is for their being to move from selfishness, which can create alienation and isolation, to the experience of creating love within community. This is a very important step in their growth to becoming more deeply human.

Aims

• To introduce students to the idea of giving service in the community.

• To get students thinking about communities and what makes them work.

• To bring students to the awareness that they are now old enough to make valuable contributions to their family community.

• To introduce students to a culture of service at St Norbert College.

Resources

Downlaod the Year 8 Handbook