Each year the Archbishop presents Spirit Awards to a Catholic primary and secondary school, not in recognition of how much money they have raised, but in acknowledgement and appreciation of two schools that have shown incredible support and active participation in the whole LifeLink initiative as well as LifeLink Day, which was held earlier this year on 7 June. This year St Helena’s Catholic Primary School was awarded the primary school Spirit Award, with Mercy College accepting the secondary school award.

Established by the Archdiocese of Perth in 1994, LifeLink works to provide ongoing financial and promotional support of agencies established or assisted by the Church. LifeLink’s agencies deliver professional services and caring support to thousands of people in need throughout WA each year. The Archbishop’s Spirit Award recognises those schools that embrace the core purpose of LifeLink, not only in the important fundraising support, but in the education of students on their responsibility to care for those less fortunate, and extending kindness and compassion to those around us at all times.

Chairman of LifeLink, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, visited St Helena’s on Friday 20 October to present the school community with their award. Principal Lina Bertolini said staff and students were excited to receive the award and continue living out the message of LifeLink in their daily lives.

“As a school community, we are keen to continue promoting an ethos of caring and compassion to all, and LifeLink Day has been an extremely powerful opportunity for us to do this,” Ms Bertolini said.

Bishop Sproxton with Ellenbrook Parish Priest Fr Bonaventure Echeta, St Helena’s Primary School Principal Lina Bertolini and students James McGowan, Therese Topliss, Bertie Turrell-Knight and Eloise Ham. Photo: Ron Tan.

Mercy College welcomed Archbishop Costelloe SDB on Friday 10 November to accept their 2016 Archbishop Spirit Award. Principal Julie Hornby expressed her deep appreciation and pride in her whole school community for their dedication to putting the values of LifeLink into practise.

“For students at Mercy College, we are committed to promoting a culture among our students that encourages them to take out their headphones to listen to one another, opens their eyes to see what is happening around them and most importantly, to be a people that has a heart for those in need,” Mrs Hornby said.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe with Girrawheen Parish Priest Fr Albert Saminedi and Mercy College staff and students. Photo: Ron Tan.

CEWA congratulates students and staff from all schools who are involved in LifeLink each year, for their amazing spirit of support and involvement in such an important educational and fundraising initiative.

For more information, or to donate to LifeLink, visit www.lifelink.com.au.

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