Students at St Pius X High School in Adamstown found a big way to share a small prayer for the Ukraine on Thursday.
Gathering in the school’s theatre, 1,000 students formed the war-stricken country’s national flag using blue and yellow coloured cards.
The pupils from Years 7 to 10 also fundraised for Caritas, a humanitarian Catholic organisation currently providing food security, water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and healthcare within Ukraine.
The symbolic gesture, says the school’s assistant principal Carmel Wright, was two-fold.
The event was designed to publicly show support for those suffering within the country as it fights off a Russian invasion, and also to remind students of the importance of caring for those less fortunate.
“As a Catholic school we have a Christian focus in all we do,” Ms Wright says.
“Caring for the poor and vulnerable is at the forefront of our learning.
“We’re also about empowering our students to make a difference in the world by reiterating the importance of peace and harmony.”
Thousands in Ukraine have been misplaced since Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to invade its capital Kyiv on 24 February 2022.
During the past month several countries throughout the world have been banding together to show their support for the European country once home to 44 million people.
For 16-year-old St Pius X school leader Georgie Robinson, Thursday’s activities were about raising funds and awareness for Ukraine but also about taking a stance against war.
“I think it’s important for us to understand what’s going on in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with its people,” she said.
“As we’re becoming adults it’s important we say we don’t want to see conflict in our time.
“Conflict is never the answer.”
Fellow student Amelie Hingston agrees.
“As students we can use our voice to support and help our neighbours, to encourage others to be good people.”
School leader Rohan Cersoh Jacob believes today’s activities marked an important time in history.
“We can’t really comprehend the extent of what’s going on in Ukraine, no one can unless they are there, but I think we have to stand up for the greater good, for our community and for humanity,” he said.
For more stories like this:
- Jets’ Ukraine tribute
- Russia widens Ukraine attack
- Battle for Kyiv heats up
- Sanctions for Putin, Russia
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