What’s Behind the Barcode? Year 10 Finds Out!
Our Year 10 students stepped away from their usual classrooms today, and stepped into a day designed to challenge, connect and inspire.
Our annual Year 10 Reflection Day is a special part of the Religious Education curriculum, giving our girls the chance to pause and reflect on some of the bigger questions in life. This year’s theme, “Behind the Barcode: Ethics, Empathy and Everyday Choices”, was especially powerful.
Uncovering the Stories Behind Everyday Items
Guided by the dedicated team from ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) students explored the real stories behind everyday items like clothing, chocolate and coffee. They learned how their everyday choices can have an impact on people and communities around the world, an eye-opening reminder of the human faces behind the products we so often take for granted.
Learning Through Empathy and Awareness
Through thoughtful activities and discussion, our Year 10s developed a deeper awareness of social justice issues, particularly those connected to human trafficking, fast fashion and the rights of migrant workers. More importantly, they practised putting themselves in others’ shoes, building the essential skills of empathy, respect and social responsibility.
Today’s Reflection Day reflected our Mercy value of Compassion. It’s one thing to talk about caring for others; it is another to sit with the reality of injustice and ask, “How can I be part of the change?”
Thinking Critically, Acting Ethically
Our Year 10 students were encouraged to think critically about their own consumption habits and how they can make more ethical choices in their daily lives. From conversations about ethical shopping to brainstorming small ways they can raise awareness in their own circles, our students left feeling informed and empowered.
It is our hope that experiences like this nurture young women who see beyond the barcode, who think critically about their choices, and who live out our College values with courage and compassion.
Students Have Their Say
“It shocked us to learn that slavery is not confined to third world countries, Australia is vulnerable too and this needs to change!” Stella & Sunny
“I was very surprised to learn that major chocolate companies use slavery and child labour in the production of cocoa. This will change how I look at these companies and make me consider the origin of products I purchase in the future” Ruby
“It was very surprising and scary to learn that slavery and human trafficking still occurs today and there are more slaves now than in any other time throughout history.” Amarli
“I didn’t know about the backpackers or the statistics. I knew some general facts, but I was shocked by how much the cost of slavery actually impacts us.” Ayla
“I learnt that when it comes to clothes, we need to reuse, rewear and restyle!” Charis
- ACRATHPresentation, EthicalChoices, EthicalConsumerism, FastFashionEducation, Featured, HumanTrafficingAwareness, MercyValuesinAction, SocialJusticeEducation, WhatsBehindtheBarcode, Year10ReflectionDay
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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