Horizons+programme

=Horizons Programme=

Rationale
All people are called to renew the face of the earth. The call to listen to the voice of the spirit is an invitation to stewardship. Stewardship is made up of four parts:

- Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude. - Cultivating them responsibly. - Sharing them lovingly. - Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability.

//(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2003)//

We are called to follow Jesus Christ, who was the ultimate model of sacrifice for the greater good, of self-giving and of loving service.



Aims
- to SEE – that you become more aware of disparity in society and understand the importance of your participation in the world in the context of Catholic teaching and your faith. - to FEEL – that through reflection and discerning judgement you are inspired and compelled by what you see. - to ACT – that you explore action and have an experience of self-giving and loving service in the community. - to SUSTAIN – that you appreciate the value of sustaining good action. - to EMPOWER – that you understand the need to empower those in need so they may participate more fully in society.

Structure
The Horizons classroom program will consist of approximately 30 lessons throughout the year. Where possible these lessons will coincide with events in the broader school community. There will be a focus on Catholic Social Teaching and links made with the study of Text and Traditions Unit 1 where appropriate. Issues and themes for study and connection with school events are: - Stewardship of the earth, coinciding with Project Compassion - Participation: the poor in Melbourne, coinciding with Youth Week - Preferential option for the poor, coinciding with Mercy Day The classroom program will also contain a practical component with specific learning outcomes.
 * //Classroom Program//**

You will be required to attend the two following types of community placement.
 * //Community Volunteer Placements//**
 * 1) You are invited to volunteer on an ongoing basis at a placement (period length not specified).
 * 2) You are invited to attend a volunteer placement on one or more of the student free days during the year. These placements will be organised by staff at the College. When committing to a placement, you will also be required to commit to a scheduled debrief session with a staff member. A minimum of two students will attend any one placement.

The scheduled debrief will be facilitated by two horizons supervisors on each occasion. You will be required to complete written questions and a written reflection in preparation for the session. It is envisaged that the session will occur during a shared lunch.
 * //Debrief Session//**

At the end of the program you will receive a gold, silver or bronze level certificate, depending on your level of participation in Horizons.

Criteria for the awards: Gold – 30 hours at an ongoing placement, 3 full day experiences Silver – 20 hours at an ongoing placement, 2 full day experiences Bronze – 10 hours at an ongoing placement, 1 full day experience