John Wollaston Anglican Community School
Purple Benches at
John Wollaston
Anglican Community School
The Revd Canon Justine Coverdale, Chaplain
Shining a Light Into the Darkness of Family and Domestic Violence
In response to growing awareness of the prevalence of family and domestic violence (FDV), and its impact on women and children, the chaplaincy team at John Wollaston Anglican Community School made FDV the focus of our Lent Event this year. In the weeks leading up to Easter, students prepared for Purple Day and raised money to purchase two purple benches.
Working with the Diocesan Family and Domestic Violence Working Group, our Chapel Prefect, Arthlay Matibhiri, and members of the Chapel Council raised awareness of the issue of family violence during secondary chapel services. Students were shocked by the statistics and determined to respond at a community level.
Friday 22 March was Purple Day – the day of the School Easter Service - staff and students of all ages wore something purple and donated to the fundraising effort. Student leaders then purchased and painted the two benches, using Wisdom Purple paint donated by Dulux, and affixed the Diocesan plaque in honour of victims of family homicide.
In May, DFV prevention month, Archbishop Kay visited our school and blessed the benches in the chapel garden. During her visit, secondary students took the opportunity to interview the Archbishop about how the Anglican Church is responding to family and domestic violence by ‘shining light into the darkness’, raising awareness in our parishes and schools and providing support through Anglicare.
Published in Messenger August 2024
John Wollaston Anglican Community School
John Wollaston is a Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 co-educational Anglican School in Kelmscott.
